Cockatiels are easy to recognize and fun to communicate with. These medium sized parrots are members of the order Psittaciformes, which is where all parrots – from macaws to lovebirds – descend from. They are the second-most popular pet bird after budgies.
Cockatiels are native to the wilds of Australia. They prefer areas with abundant food and shelter, such as scrub, bush, and wetlands. You can see wild populations on the continent along most of the east coast, north, and inland western territories. Here, they live in small flocks or mated pairs.
In this article, we’ll discuss the ongoing costs of maintaining a cockatiel and the one-time funds you’ll spend when purchasing the bird itself, it’s cage, food bowls, and toys. You’ll need to keep a running tally so that you know what to budget for.
Read on and discover what it’s like to become the proud owner of your very own cockatiel!
Key Takeaways:
- Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are social and intelligent parrots that wear their emotions on their crest.
- A cockatiel is a big investment. These parrots’ average lifespan is 15 years, but captive birds usually make it to their early 20s.
- The up-front costs for purchasing a cockatiel average about $450. This includes the cost of the bird, the cage, accessories, a first vet visit, and basic toys. Ongoing monthly costs hover at about $15-$45.
How Much Does a Cockatiel Cost?
Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are a species of parrot that measures about 1’ tall and weighs about 3 oz. They are bigger than other common pet bird species like budgies and canaries.
You could potentially get a cockatiel for free if someone local is surrendering their pet. These situations often include a cage, food, accessories, and everything the bird is accustomed to. Before saying ‘yes,’ ask to see the bird. There is a reason this owner sought to give their cockatiel away.
Getting a cockatiel from a pet store or a reputable breeder is a better option for people who would like to be the bird’s only owner and the person it bonds to first. It is easier to train and socialize a bird if you don’t have to first break it of bad habits.
Pet stores usually sell cockatiels for between $100 and $250. The credentials that accompany a pet store cockatiel aren’t as good as that of a breeder. Unless you plan to show or breed your cockatiel, it’s unlikely that you’ll need a breed history.
| Cost of Keeping a Pet Cockatiel | ||
| Activity/Item/Fee | Cost | Type of Cost |
| Animal Purchase Fee | $25-$250 | One-time |
| Cage, Cover, & Liner | $175-$350 | One-time |
| Food | $20-$35 | Ongoing |
| Food/Water Bowls | $10 | One-time |
| Toys/Enrichment Materials | $10-$15 | Ongoing |
| Initial Vet Visit & Vaccination | $100-$200 | One-time |
| Subsequent Vet Visits | $25 | Ongoing |
| Pet Insurance | $10 | Ongoing |
How Much Does a Pet Cockatiel Cost Per Month?
A pet cockatiel’s required monthly expenses center around three aspects: food, toys, and vet maintenance. Food is clearly a necessity, and it cannot be leftover human foods or birdseed. It’s best to feed your cockatiel an 80% pelleted diet so that it can obtain all nutrients it needs.
The remaining 25% should come from fresh fruits and vegetables. You can place out small cut up chunks of melon, berries, and bananas, for example, for them to forage on. Remember to never give a cockatiel avocado, since it’s toxic to birds.
Toys are easy to construct yourself if you’re on a budget. They love paper: paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, shredded paper, crinkled paper, and cardboard are all like catnip to cockatiels.
Otherwise, set aside about $10-$25 a month to purchase some toys for your bird. The more colorful t