Crane birds are large, graceful wetland birds known for their elaborate courtship dances. Of the 15 species of cranes worldwide, most are vulnerable or endangered in the wild. Cranes are popular zoo and aviary birds due to their majestic appearance, intelligence, and complex social behaviors. However, cranes require specialized care and facilities, making them an expensive exotic pet. The purchase price of a crane can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on species, age, captive bred status, and vendor. Ongoing costs for proper crane housing, feeding, enrichment and veterinary care can amount to thousands per year.
Crane Species and Pricing
There are 15 species of cranes found across the world, and prices vary widely between them based on rarity, demand, and legal restrictions. Here are some of the most common pet crane species and their typical pricing:
Demoiselle Crane
Native to central Eurasia, these are the smallest crane species standing just 3 feet tall. Wild caught demoiselle cranes are available occasionally for $200-$500. Captive bred birds are harder to find and range from $2,000-$5,000 each.
Blue Crane
This national bird of South Africa stands 4 feet tall. Wild caught birds are essentially unavailable, while captive bred blue cranes range from $1,000 for juveniles up to $5,000 for proven breeding pairs.
Wattled Crane
Native to Africa, these large 5 foot tall cranes are critically endangered. Captive bred wattled cranes are seldom available to private owners, typically selling for $10,000-$30,000 per bird.
Sarus Crane
Common in India and Southeast Asia, sarus cranes stand up to 6 feet tall. Parent-reared, captive bred birds occasionally sell for $1,000-$2,500 in the United States.
Red-crowned Crane
This striking Japanese crane is rarely available outside of zoos and high end aviaries. On rare occasions, captive bred chicks can sell for up to $10,000 each.
Sandhill Crane
Common in wetlands across North America, sandhill cranes are the most abundant crane species. They are also the most commonly kept as pets. Captive bred chicks cost $300-$500, while adult pairs typically sell for $1,500-$3,000.
Whooping Crane
This endangered North American crane has recovered to about 500 birds in the wild. With extreme conservation restrictions, essentially no captive whooping cranes are available to private owners. On very rare occasions, a public institution may sell surplus birds for upwards of $50,000.
Factors Affecting Crane Prices
Within each species, individual cranes can vary greatly in price based on the following factors:
Age
Younger cranes typically sell for less than mature adults. However, chicks under 3 months may require hand-rearing and have higher risks of health issues and mortality. Adults over 5 years provide a better chance of verified health, breeding ability, and socialization.
Source
Cranes bred in captivity specifically for conservation, pets, or ambassadors typically sell for more than wild caught imports. Captive bred birds are less stressed by handling and transport as well.
Upbringing
Parent-reared cranes learn natural social behaviors but require gradual human socialization. Hand-reared cranes are tamer initially but may lack wild traits as adults. Either can work well, but hand-raising requires intense effort.
Lineage
Cranes from lines that have bred successfully or consistently produce offspring demand higher pricing. Proven pairs are also more desirable.
Health & Condition
Cranes should be screened for parasites and injuries before sale. Adult cranes in peak condition will achieve much higher pricing.
Vendor Reputation & Location
Established aviaries or conservation centers tend to command higher crane prices than individual hobby breeders. Prices also tend to increase for birds sourced farther away to account for transport costs.
Special Attributes
Cranes trained for educational programs or displayed in zoos may sell for two to ten times more than untrained cranes. Famous cranes featured in films or other media also gain premium pricing.
Species Rarity
Rarer crane species have far less captive stock so prices run higher. Common sandhill cranes are most reasonably priced, while endangered whooping cranes can sell for figures in the tens of thousands.
Legal Restrictions
Many nations completely prohibit private crane ownership. Legal crane ownership in the United States requires permits under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The difficulty of obtaining permits limits availability for protected species like whooping cranes.
Crane Housing Costs
Proper housing for cranes costs substantially more than for most pets. Minimum recommendations are:
– Outdoor enclosure at least 400 square feet per pair of cranes. Often 1000+ square feet is ideal.
– 8-12 foot fence height minimum to contain flyers, up to 20 feet for open-topped enclosures.
– Shelter area at least 8 x 8 feet per pair, with height allowing cranes to roost comfortably upright.
– Pond or small pool at least 2.5 feet deep for bathing and dipping food.
– Predator-proof fencing and roofing.
Custom designed crane enclosures typically start around $5,000 for a basic setup for a pair of smaller cranes. Larger enclosures for big species like red-crowned cranes can cost over $30,000 to erect. Ready-made modular crane panels simplify setup but have high ongoing costs, with small enclosures renting for $2,000/month.
Land and permitting costs must also be accounted for when budgeting for crane facilities. Rural areas with acreage, wetlands and flexible zoning provide the most suitable crane housing locations.
Sample Enclosure Costs
Item | Cost |
Half acre rural land | $20,000 |
400ft chain link fencing | $8,000 |
720 sq ft shelter | $16,000 |
200 sq ft pond | $4,000 |
Total | $48,000 |
As shown in this modest sample setup for a pair of sandhill cranes, the housing costs alone for pet cranes can exceed the purchase price of the birds themselves. Housing costs grow substantially for larger crane species needing more space.
Crane Care Costs
The specialized nutritional and healthcare needs of cranes also drive up their long-term care costs compared to typical pets. Some average estimated costs per year for a single crane include:
– Food: $500 – $1000
– Veterinary care: $350 – $500
– Enrichment supplies: $250 – $400
– Caretaking: $5000+ for staff in a facility
Food costs can be higher for larger crane species eating more per day. Veterinary expenses can vary widely depending on any injuries or illnesses. Enrichment through treats, toys and varying food presentation is vital for crane psychological health. Full-time staffing is usually necessary for constant monitoring and social interaction in captive crane facilities.
Young, healthy cranes in a well designed habitat may achieve the lowest care costs. But lifespans over 20 years mean decade-long commitments to proper crane care for owners.
Total Cost of Crane Ownership
The purchase price ends up being a small fraction of total expenditure needed to properly care for a crane over its life. With average costs:
– Sandhill crane purchase: $1000
– Enclosure setup: $5000
– 20 years care: $20,000
The total investment could reach $26,000+ per crane over 20 years. Larger species and multiple cranes raise costs further. Significant aviculture experience and specialist resources are required to manage pet cranes successfully over decades.
Cranes undoubtedly make amazing, if challenging, animal companions for dedicated experts. But more casual pet owners should carefully account for the substantial required investment before adding a crane to their home.
Conclusion
Cranes are some of the most captivating but demanding exotic bird pets. Purchase prices range widely from just $300 for young sandhill cranes to over $10,000 for endangered species like wattled cranes. But the ongoing housing, feeding, healthcare and enrichment costs often dwarf the initial price of buying the crane itself. With moderate indoor and outdoor facilities, cranes frequently require over $20,000 per bird for proper lifetime care. Cranes deserve expert owners able to provide extensive specialized facilities, veterinary resources, training, socialization, and lifetime commitment. Casual pet owners should think carefully and budget rigorously before embarking on crane ownership. With proper planning and resources though, sharing life with these magnificent birds can be deeply rewarding.