Cockatoos are beautiful, intelligent birds that make wonderful pets for the right owners. However, cockatoos are not inexpensive birds. Cockatoos range significantly in price depending on factors like species, age, color mutations, lineage, training, and seller.
Cost Range for Different Cockatoo Species
There are 21 different species of cockatoo, and some are much more expensive than others. In general, larger cockatoos like Moluccan and Umbrella cockatoos cost more than smaller cockatoos like Goffin’s and Citron-crested cockatoos.
Here are average price ranges for common pet cockatoo species:
- Umbrella Cockatoo: $1,000-$4,000
- Moluccan Cockatoo: $1,200-$3,000
- Galah Cockatoo: $500-$2,000
- Sulfur-crested Cockatoo: $700-$2,500
- Goffin’s Cockatoo: $400-$1,500
- Citron-crested Cockatoo: $500-$1,200
- Bare-eyed cockatoo: $150-$850
As you can see, cockatoo prices vary widely. The largest species like Umbrella cockatoos range from $1,000 on the low end to $4,000 on the high end. Smaller cockatoos like Bare-eyed cockatoos cost between $150-$850.
Factors That Impact Cost
Several things influence how much a specific cockatoo will cost. Key factors include:
- Age: Baby cockatoos typically cost more than adult birds. However, very senior cockatoos may be discounted.
- Color Mutations: Some color mutations, like albino cockatoos, are rare and fetch higher prices.
- Lineage: Cockatoos from championship show bloodlines cost more.
- Training: Cockatoos with specialized training like talking ability are pricier.
- Seller: Pet stores charge more than individual breeders in most cases.
In general, the younger, rarer, and more highly trained a cockatoo is, the more it will cost. Mass produced pet store birds tend to be less expensive than boutique breeder birds with exceptional lineage and socialization. However, pet store birds often have more health issues.
Average Costs Based on Age
Here are typical price ranges based on a cockatoo’s age:
- Baby: $1,000 – $4,000
- Juvenile: $800 – $3,000
- Adult: $500 – $2,000
- Senior: $350 – $1,200
In most cases, younger cockatoos are more expensive because they have not reached sexual maturity. Once cockatoos reach maturity around 3-6 years old, their hormone levels fluctuate and they often become nippy and loud. Some owners rehome adult cockatoos due to behavioral issues. This inflates prices for young, unweaned cockatoos.
Average Costs Based on Color Mutations
Some cockatoo color mutations are quite rare. Here are prices for common color variants:
- Normal grey: $700 – $1,200
- White/Albino: $1,200 – $3,500
- Lutino (yellow/peach): $800 – $2,000
- Pied: $900 – $2,500
Albino and pied cockatoos tend to be the most valuable color mutations. However, any color variance outside of the normal grey can increase a cockatoo’s price.
Costs of Cockatoo Care & Ownership
The purchase price of a cockatoo is just the beginning. Cockatoos require specialized care and live up to 60 years with proper treatment. Here are the average ongoing costs of owning a cockatoo:
- Diet: $100 – $150 per month
- Cage: $200 – $1,000 one-time cost
- Toys: $25 – $50 per month
- Vet visits: $100 – $300 per visit
Additional costs may include bird sitters for vacations, home repairs for destructive birds, avian veterinary emergencies, and loss of property from chewing. Cockatoo-proofing a home is extremely important. Owners must provide plenty of enrichment and supervision.
Some final thoughts on cockatoo costs:
- Budget at least $1,500 – $5,000+ for the bird’s purchase depending on species, mutations, lineage, age, training, and seller.
- Factor in ~$500 per month for a cockatoo’s care, toys, food, and supplies.
- Vet visits average $200 per visit. Yearly check ups are recommended.
- Cockatoos are very demanding pets requiring hours of daily interaction and enrichment.
- Research cockatoo ownership thoroughly before commitment. Rehoming fees can be $500+.
Conclusion
Cockatoos range dramatically in purchase price from $150 for small, common species and colorations up to $4,000+ for rare mutations and large species from prestigious breeders. Average costs are $1,000-$3,000. The specific cockatoo’s age, color, lineage, and training heavily impact price.
Owning a cockatoo costs ~$500 per month including food, toys, and basic care plus periodic vet visits. Cockatoos are very high maintenance pets requiring substantial time commitments and specialized care. Always research cockatoo ownership fully before making a commitment.