Unrivaled intelligence, unparalleled humility, and incredible emotional quotient, – these are only but a few of the top qualities that make the African Grey Parrot different from other parrots.
There are two species, the Congo African and the Timneh. The most significant difference between the two is that the Congo is larger.
Also, the Congo has an entirely black beak, while the Timneh has a blend of brown and red.
It is obvious that the qualities mentioned above make the African Grey Parrot more expensive to buy and maintain than other bird species.
To own these feathered friends, you need to have a substantial amount of money. Generally, the price of an African Grey Parrot ranges between $1900 and $4500, depending on multiple factors. However, Congo African Greys are usually cheaper because they are more available.
Let’s have a look at some factors that affect the cost of owning an African Grey parakeet.
Table of Contents
Pedigree
Pedigree, or simply a parrot’s lineage, can affect its cost significantly.
Birds that have ‘superior’ genetics tend to be more expensive than those whose history is untraceable.
Some of the methods used in ascertaining a pet’s pedigree include conducting DNA tests and testing the level of immunity.
You might also want to confirm if your pet is not a cross breed of Congo African Greys and Timneh African Greys.
Age
Age is another factor that influences the cost of an African Grey Parrot.
Although younger birds are cheap to purchase, they make you spend more on initial care and feeds.
That said, you can sell them at a higher price once they wean.
As expected, older birds cost less than their younger counterparts.
Gender doesn’t matter when purchasing African Grey Parrots – the price of a male bird rarely differs from a female with the same age.
License and Permits
When moving from one from one state to another, you need to ensure that your destination allows you to own a parrot.
This is because some local authorities don’t permit owning such pets. The punishment for such offenses is usually a penalty, or in worst-case scenarios, euthanasia.
Areas that allow residents to keep parrots usually require you to pay a specified amount for a permit.
A health certificate from a vet is also required, and its cost varies depending on the individual.
Shelter
Your pet bird needs a home, both for safety and its overall wellbeing. The ideal shelter for your African Grey Parrot is a very large stainless steel cage.
You can add a powder coating to reduce the abrasiveness of steel.
Such enclosures usually have casters that improve the cage’s mobility and a detachable base that makes it simple to eliminate excess foods and clean poop.
When selecting a cage, ensure that it has horizontal bars to allow your bird to climb.
Buying a used cage can save you some money, but it is vital to know the reasons why the previous owner is selling, as well assessing the cage’s condition.
Unclean cages increase the risk of contracting Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), an infection that can kill parrots.
However, you can prevent it by cleaning the cage thoroughly.
Food
Like humans and other living organisms, food is mandatory for the survival of African Grey Parrots.
Your bird’s diet should include seeds, fruits, vitamins, and minerals.
More importantly, it needs calcium, as the deficiency of this nutrient can cause severe complications or even death.
Avoid buying the same foods repetitively, as this often leads to malnutrition.
Natural foods, such as vegetables, nuts and seeds, contain phytonutrients that are not available in commercial feeds.
While preparing these meals is tiresome and time-consuming, it saves you a substantial amount of money.
It is advisable to avoid giving your bird supplements unless prescribed by a vet.
Excessive consumption of certain vitamins can kill your parrot.
Hygiene
Cleanliness contributes significantly to your parrot’s health.
Unlike humans who need bathing, the only costs you incur to keep your parrot neat are buying feather and nail trimmers.
If you have a high budget, you can opt for an electric nail grinder with minimal noise that enables you to file the nails.
However, you should wait for the pet to age since small birds need sharp toes which improves their stability.
Conclusion
While it is impossible to determine the precise cost of acquiring and maintaining African Grey Parrot, the factors mentioned above are an excellent starting point.
It might be relatively cheap to buy this bird, but most of the money you spend will be on things like hygiene, food, and treatment.
