Conures possess a unique charm, not only in their vibrant colors and captivating personalities but also in their spunkiness. I’ve always heard that conures are big birds in a little bird body, and I have found that to be true — in a good way. If you’re thinking about bringing a conure into your home, the first thing you need to decide is what variation to choose. Conures are highly sought-after parrot pets in the avian world and come in multiple varieties, including Green-cheeked, Sun, Jenday, Dusky-headed, Patagonian, and more. Before embarking on this feathered journey, it’s essential to consider the associated costs. Beyond the initial purchase price of the bird, which may vary, it’s crucial to factor in their cage, play area, upkeep, nourishment, and potential veterinary care expenses. Let’s explore the overall cost of owning a conure and ensure a joyful and fulfilling companionship experience.
How Much Does a Conure Cost?
Conures aren’t the most expensive birds to bring into your home, but they’re not the cheapest either. There are a few ways you could buy one of these birds. One could be through online marketplaces and the classified section of the newspaper — sometimes for free — but that route comes with risk. Sometimes people give up their pets because they simply cannot take care of them properly anymore, while others relinquish ownership because there is a health or behavioral problem. Those certainly aren’t insurmountable but could add cost on the back end in order to correct the issue or issues.
Pet stores like Petco and PetSmart carry various types of conures, which vary in price from $700 to $900. Your local pet shop likely carries conures as well. The most typical ones you’ll see in retail stores are Sun conures and Green-cheeked conures. Normally, the bigger the bird, the higher the cost. The same is true with conures, as the Sun variety is slightly bigger than the Green-cheeked and has a bump in price to match.
If you’d rather get your conure from a breeder, that’s also a good option. Be sure the bird you choose is hand-raised so that they are well-socialized and will better interact with your family. Local breeders are an option, and so are online shops. Either choice will cost you between $200 and $7,000, depending on the breed variety and your location.
Here are some places you could buy a conure online:
When I bought my Green-cheeked conure, I bought her at a local pet store — a solid option — but I also got a chance to meet the breeder, which gave me some insight into where she came from. If you can meet the breeder and tour the facility, I highly recommend it. The experience can go a long way in telling you exactly the kind of bird you’re going to get and the treatment your pet received since they hatched.
How Much Does a Conure Setup Cost?
Preparing a joyful and healthy home for your conure requires thoughtful consideration of their setup expenses. Your new avian companion will need an appropriate living space filled with fun toys, a balanced diet, cozy perches for resting, room to flap and climb, and bowls for food and water. Remember to have first aid supplies on hand for potential injuries so that you can stop any bleeding quickly. That’s something many people don’t think about until they’re in the thick of an issue.
Here is a better look at these individual costs, so you can prepare yourself — and your wallet.
How much is a conure cage?
At a minimum, you want to give your conure a cage that is two feet wide, two feet deep, and two feet high. Be sure there is between a ⅝-inch and ¾-inch space between the bars. That size would work for any of the smaller conures, but if you’re considering getting a Golden conure or a Patagonian, you’ll have to size up the dimensions of the cage appropriately. Conures have long tails, so you want to make sure it doesn’t touch the edges of the cage or toys. Although this type of bird isn’t terribly big, they have strong beaks, so be sure to supply a cage made of stainless steel, not plastic. Also, they’re smart as a whip, so you’ll have to make sure to get a cage that locks so they don’t escape and hurt themselves.
The cage will likely cost a minimum of $60 and could run up to $200 or more. The higher the price, the fancier the features. Some of the cages have a play area on top that you might find useful and slide-out trays at the bottom for easy cleaning. Although conures love some quiet time, they love being part of the family, so be sure to place your cage in a semi-popular area where they can get social stimulation but also rest.
Other conure accessories and how much they cost
Once you have your cage, you need to fill it for your curious little friend. You’ll want to fill it with plenty of perches, toys, and food and water dishes. Be sure to also stock up on essential supplies like food, pellets, treats, cage liners, and first aid items. Give your conure a separate play area as well. They love to climb and play and will want to be near you. After all, they shouldn’t spend all their time inside the cage. Below are some average prices for items you will need.
- 4 pounds of bird seed: $12 to $20
- 2-pound bag of bird pellets: $11 to $15
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: varies by season and location
- Food and water bowls: $10 to $16
- Cage liners: $15 to $30
- Cage cleaner: $10 to $35
- Toys: $9 to $25 each
- Perches: $10 to $20 each
- First aid: $15 to $28 for BleedStop
- Treats: $4 to $10
- Play area outside cage: $22 to $70+
Setting up your conure’s accessories will initially cost from $175 to $400 on up.
Monthly Expenses of a Conure
The cost of buying your new pet bird and setting up their area is only part of the cost puzzle. There will be ongoing expenses you’ll need to consider. We’ll break those down by month, but remember that conures’ average lifespan is 20 years, so bringing this pet into your home is a long-term commitment.
Here’s how much you can expect to pay per month to take care of your new feathered companion.
- Food: $25 to $100
- Toy replacement/rotation: $10 to $25
- Cage maintenance: $5 to $12
- Vet bills: $30 to $150 set aside to accumulate for visits
- Grooming: $10 to $30 (more if you have your vet assist)
Although conures are relatively low-maintenance, there could still be the occasional emergency that could set you back financially. Many places around the country charge at least $75 for a first visit, and that doesn’t include an emergency fee, tests, or medicine. Be sure to account for such emergencies by putting money aside. In fact, before you even bring your bird home, it’s essential to ensure you have an appropriate vet that is well-trained in avian medicine. There’s nothing worse than bringing your pet home only to find out there are no doctors in your area qualified to help keep your bird healthy or treat them in an urgent situation. Many vet offices treat dogs and cats but lack in exotic animal expertise. So, check out your area and lock in a vet beforehand.
The monthly cost to properly care for your conure will be anywhere between $50 to $250 or more, not including money set aside for bi-annual vet visits or emergencies. And don’t forget about your yearly vacation! Unless you take your bird along, you’ll need to set aside money for a qualified sitter or boarding facility, which could cost hundreds.
Budget for Your Conure
All of these costs might seem overwhelming at first, but averages ebb and flow per month. For instance, you won’t need to replace your bird’s toys every month, but you might have to replace three in another month. However, setting aside a steady amount of cash for monthly maintenance will ensure you have the money to care for your conure when the time comes. While some expenses, like food and cage liners, might be consistent, others will vary.
As long as you know your costs going in, you can plan accordingly and welcome your new pet bird into your home without any added financial stress.
Kim is an avid bird watcher and owner in South Carolina. She loves identifying, studying, and feeding her feathered friends in their natural habitats. She also has first-hand experience as the owner of several species of exotic birds.