While cockatoos come in a variety of colors and patterns, they are most often recognized for their large crests, bent beaks, and loud personality, all of which adds to their popularity as pet parrots.
As a result, you may be wondering how much a cockatoo is worth in today’s market. A cockatoo may be purchased for anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000.
In their native habitats, a large number of cockatoo species are uncommon or endangered, which adds to the high price of these birds.
A cockatiel costs $80, but a red-tailed black cockatoo costs $40,000, depending on its size and color.
Additionally, a big cage, food, toys, and perches, as well as veterinary care and insurance, are all required for successful breeding.
Before acquiring a cockatoo, consider the following factors: They need a tremendous lot of care and attention, as well as enough time spent outside of the cage.
Furthermore, they are often loud, which makes them unsuitable for flats and apartments. There are calmer parrots available for purchase.
How Much Does A Cockatoo Cost?
Inquiring about cockatoo prices is a natural part of the buying process if you’re thinking about getting one.
Cockatiels vary in price based on the kind of cockatoo desired as a pet; nonetheless, the following is an estimate of the typical cost:
Age
Gender
Disorders/Hereditary disease
The reputation of the breeder
Capability to communicate
Marks or characteristics that are out of the ordinary
Cockatoos that are older are more costly since they have been socialized and trained, and because many of them can communicate, making them more attractive as pets.
While a baby cockatoo is less expensive than an adult cockatoo because of its lack of training and social skills, choosing a young cockatoo allows for more intimate contact with the bird.
How Much Does A Cockatoo Cage Cost?
According to the size of the bird, the price of a cockatoo cage is established.
A smaller cage for cockatiels, for example, maybe required than a bigger cage for sulfur-crested cockatoos, which are larger.
However, the cage should not be any smaller than 20 inches wide by 20 inches long and 24 inches high to be effective (high).
The dimensions of this item are about 50cm x 50cm x 60cm.
Cages of medium size start at roughly $200, while larger cages cost between $400 and $500.
Cages of the greatest quality may cost as much as $1,000 or even more, depending on their features.
As one of the most crucial things you will purchase for your cockatoo, the cage must be a suitable size.
If you do not give your parrot the attention and care it needs, it may get anxious and unhealthy.
How Much Does Cockatoo Food Cost?
When it comes to pet birds, nutrition is something that is often overlooked. When it comes to feeding your cockatoo, you should consult your veterinarian!
Owners make the mistake of assuming they are providing their cockatoo with nutritious food when, in reality, they are not.
This is a frequent contributing factor to a wide range of health conditions. It is critical to continually strive to enhance the food of your bird.
This requires ongoing self-education as well as common-sense judgment.
Not only should you provide enough food to keep your cockatoo alive, but you should also strive to assist it in growing and prospering.
The quality of your bird’s nutrition has an impact on its overall health.
Cockatoo feeding expenses vary depending on their size, but you should plan on spending $20-$40 a month on food and treats for your bird.
The food that your cockatoo eats must have as much diversity as it can get away with.
What Should Your Cockatoo Eat?
Like other Parrots, their primary diet should consist mostly of pellets or complete food (60-80 percent), with the remainder consisting of sprouted seeds, other seed varieties, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other luxuries (such as nuts and other treats).
When various plants were in season, wild cockatoos would have access to a varied assortment of seed kinds, which they would consume.
Alternatively, commercial all-seeded diets, when offered as the only source of nutrition, are heavy in fat and provide a limited or unequal supply of many nutrients.
If eaten as the sole source of nutrition, these diets may cause disease and perhaps shorten the life of your cockatoo.
Seeds
Your bird may pick through a big bowl of commercial seed mix, consuming just one or two types of seeds that are “favorites” of his or her.
Peanuts and sunflower seeds are often chosen because they have a large amount of fat and a low amount of calcium, vitamin A, and other minerals. Malnutrition arises as a result of this.
Even though seeds are attractive and wanted, offering them to a kid daily is nutritionally equivalent to giving them chocolates.
Pellets have been developed to meet the nutritional needs of your bird. They are available in a variety of sizes.
Pellets
It is possible to find a formulation to satisfy the special requirements of people at different stages of life, as well as to treat certain conditions.
The quickest and most straightforward technique is to switch hand-reared infants to a pelleted diet.
Because pellets have a higher nutritional value than seeds, it is recommended that seed-eating birds gradually switch to a pellet diet.
In an ideal case, pellets should account for around 75-80% of the bird’s total caloric intake. pelletized meals are available from a variety of well-known suppliers and producers.
Pellets are available in a wide variety of flavors, colors, and shapes to choose from.
Fruit And Vegetables
Fruits, vegetables, and greens should account for around 20 percent to 25 percent of a person’s daily caloric intake.
Pale vegetables with a high water content are low in nutritional value (iceberg or head lettuce, celery). It has been stated that avocados are toxic.
Fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly cleaned to remove poisons from their flesh.
Depending on the size of the bird, cut them into manageable pieces. It is not essential to remove the skin before the procedure.
Fruits and vegetables should be kept separate. If your bird seems to have developed a preference for a certain food item, temporarily reduce or stop feeding it to encourage it to try other options.
Water
Water that is fresh and clean must be available at all times. Depending on the quality of your tap water, you may want to think about purchasing bottled water instead.
Dishes must be thoroughly washed with soap and water regularly.
What Should I Expect To Pay For Different Kinds of Cockatoos?
The costs of different birds can greatly depend on their species, coloring, and age. Here we will break down the associated costs of some different kinds of cockatoos.
Abbotti Cockatoo
Abbotti is the world’s most endangered cockatoo, and it can only be found on the Indonesian island of Masakambing in the Java Sea.
The population was estimated to be between 17 and 22 individuals at the time of the survey, rendering them susceptible to extinction at that time.
Their numbers are dwindling as a consequence of deforestation and the fact that early immigrants brought them back with them as souvenirs.
For food, they were hunted and murdered almost every day, other than that. This has resulted in their being unable to be purchased in the pet industry.
Bare-Eyed Cockatoo
It is a little type of cockatoo that has no eyes and is frequently referred to as the little corella because of its diminutive size.
As a result of its scarcity, it is seen as a more controllable companion animal. Besides that, it is less costly, with each unit costing between $1,000 and $2,000.
In their natural environment, naked-eyed cockatoos are outgoing birds that like socializing with their owners and other animals.
Additional benefits include being one of the best talking cockatoos available if they are properly socialized from an early age.
Blue-Eyed Cockatoo
Blue-eyed cockatoos may reach upwards of $10,000 on the open market, owing to their scarcity and high demand.
Despite their rarity, they make good companions for children.
Petting them makes them happy, and as a result, they develop a strong emotional relationship with their carers. If they are not properly cared for, they may become a nuisance.
Because of their amazing blue eyes and pure-white plumage, which distinguishes them from the rest of society, they are greatly sought for.
Cockatiel
Cockatiels are substantially smaller than cockatiels, reaching a maximum height of 14 inches at their full maturity.
In addition, they are far less expensive than other cockatoos, with prices ranging between $80 and $250, making them one of the most popular parrot pets in the world.
Cockatiels are quite simple to train and are available in a broad variety of colors.
Cockatiels are readily available at most pet shops; nevertheless, you should inquire about the bird’s previous history to verify that it does not have any apparent health or behavioral difficulties.
Gang Gang Cockatoo
A group of cockatoos is referred to as the clowns of the parrot realm because of their antics.
They’re animated and amusing, and they’ll keep you occupied for a lengthy amount of time if you let them.
Based on its size and color, the gang cockatoo may be purchased for anywhere from $1,400 to $1,800 (including shipping).
Even though they are not the most popular cockatoo pets, they are capable of doing bizarre behaviors and even executing dance routines for the owner’s entertainment.
They need extra exercise outside of the cage as a result of their high levels of activity within the cage.
Goffin’s Cockatoo
The Goffin’s cockatoo is a less costly member of the group, with retail prices in the United States ranging between $1,000 and $2,000 per bird.
These birds are mostly albino with a hint of salmon around their eyes and beaks.
They like it when they are touched and massaged. They are also fast learners who have aspirations to be successful escape artists.
Given the danger of becoming reliant, the majority of Goffin’s cockatoos needs training to avoid developing unfavorable characteristics.
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are very uncommon, which is why they sell for between $5,000 and $6,500 on average.
Some may cost as much as $10,000, but only if they have distinguishing characteristics.
It is common for breeders to sell them, but they may also be adopted if their owners are unable to give them the specialized care they need.
They are native to Australia’s interior and are the only cockatoo species to have a multicolored crest made up of bright pink and yellow-orange feathers, which distinguishes them from the others.
This cockatoo’s plumage is mostly pinkish-white, which distinguishes it from other cockatoos.
Males are more colorful than females, which increases the cost of their services.
Final Thoughts
It is difficult to predict how much your cockatoo will cost you on an annual basis; nevertheless, the following estimates provide a decent general figure.
The cost of food ranges from $240 to $480. Cleaning supplies might cost anything between $120 and $240.
Veterinary examinations that are conducted regularly can cost up to $85.
It is also recommended to budget for unforeseen vet costs or insurance premiums, as well as the wear and tear on the cage, in addition to these payments.
You should also consider the costs of things such as bedding and toys for your bird.
A friendly and social pet, the cockatoo is a great choice.
Given the exorbitant cost of a cockatoo, you should only purchase from a reliable provider who can supply you with all of the necessary paperwork.
According to the journal PLOS One, the illicit pet trade poses a danger to wildlife, therefore refrain from acquiring any parrot that seems to have been kidnapped from its natural environment.
When dealing with cockatoo species that are on the verge of extinction, take extra measures.
Harlan Derricks, nice to meet you. I created this online resource in the hopes of educating more people about the wonders of parrots, including their species, sizes, and more.
But I don’t just want to stop with parrots. I want to give every bird an opportunity to be marveled at and rescued by my education. If just one of my readers learned something valuable about budgies, cockatiels, or parakeets, then I’d be happy with my success.
