African grey parrots are highly sought after pets in South Africa. Known for their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, greys are popular companion parrots. But with popularity comes expense – greys are one of the pricier parrot species. So how much does an African grey cost to buy in South Africa?
Quick Overview of African Grey Prices
An African grey parrot can cost anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 ZAR in South Africa. The price depends on factors like age, breeder reputation, rarity of color mutation, training, and location. On average, expect to pay:
- Baby greys: 10,000 to 20,000 ZAR
- Juvenile/Young greys: 8,000 to 15,000 ZAR
- Adult greys: 5,000 to 12,000 ZAR
Rare color mutations like blue, red-tail, and albino can cost up to 50,000 ZAR or more. Prices are generally higher in big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town.
What Impacts the Cost of an African Grey?
Several factors influence the price of an African grey parrot in South Africa:
Age
Younger birds cost more. A hand-fed baby grey under 12 weeks old generally ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 ZAR. Juvenile and young greys around 6 months to 3 years old cost 8,000 to 15,000 ZAR. Adult greys over 3 years of age are the least expensive, from 5,000 to 12,000 ZAR.
Breeder Reputation
Greys from experienced, reputable breeders that socialize babies extensively cost more. Avoid backyard breeders selling unweaned chicks. Reputable breeders may charge 15,000 to 25,000 ZAR for their birds.
Rarity
Unusual color mutations like blue, red-tail, and albino are scarce. Expect to pay 25,000 to 50,000+ ZAR. Normal gray is the most common and affordable color.
Training
Basic training and socialization increases a grey’s price. Potty training or teaching simple tricks and words can add a few thousand ZAR. Extensive training is rare but can cost over 30,000 ZAR.
Location
Greys tend to cost more in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town where demand is highest. Prices may be 2,000 to 5,000 ZAR less in smaller towns.
Individual Attributes
Exceptional talking ability, vibrant personality, or show quality will raise the price. Sickly, troubled, or untamed birds will cost less.
Included Accessories
Some breeders include a cage, perches, toys, food bowls, and other supplies which adds value. Basic accessories vs a premium cage can mean a difference of 3,000+ ZAR.
Estimated Costs of African Grey Ownership
The purchase price is just the beginning. African grey parrot ownership has many ongoing expenses:
Cage
A suitable cage costs 2,000 to 10,000 ZAR. Greys need large cages, at least 1.5m high by 1m wide.
Toys
Greys need lots of toys for enrichment. Budget 5,000 to 10,000 ZAR for initial toy purchase, then 500 to 2,000 ZAR annually for replacements.
Perches & Accessories
Expect to spend 500 to 2,000 ZAR initially stocking necessities like perches, food bowls, grooming kit. Then budget 500 ZAR annually for ongoing purchases.
Food
Quality pellet diets, supplemented with fresh foods, averages 100 to 300 ZAR monthly.
Vet Care
Annual check-ups and basic care costs 500 to 1,500 ZAR. Any illnesses or injuries incur additional fees.
Grooming
Nail and wing trims every 4-6 weeks cost around 200 ZAR if done professionally. Annual beak trims average 300 ZAR.
Expense | Initial Cost | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
Cage | 2,000 – 10,000 ZAR | – |
Toys | 5,000 – 10,000 ZAR | 500 – 2,000 ZAR |
Perches & Accessories | 500 – 2,000 ZAR | 500 ZAR |
Food | – | 1,200 – 3,600 ZAR |
Vet Care | – | 500 – 1,500 ZAR |
Grooming | – | 2,400 – 5,400 ZAR |
All said, expect to budget around 15,000 to 25,000 ZAR in the first year, and 5,000 to 10,000 ZAR annually after that. Exotic pet insurance can offset some costs too.
Where to Buy an African Grey in South Africa
Purchase African greys only from reputable, experienced breeders, not pet stores. Here are some top breeder options:
NPC African Parrot Club Breeders
The National Parrot Club of South Africa lists registered breeders on their site. All must adhere to strict code of ethics. Prices range 10,000 – 25,000 ZAR.
Bird Breeders of Southern Africa
Members are experienced, ethical breeders offering hand-fed, well socialized babies. Expect to pay 15,000 to 22,000 ZAR.
Exotic Pets SA
Full service pet store offering captive bred greys from local breeders. Juveniles and young adults available from 8,000 to 15,000 ZAR.
Independent Local Breeders
Search marketplaces and bird enthusiast groups to find smaller independent breeders. Vet them carefully. Prices vary widely from 5,000 to 25,000+ ZAR.
Importing an African Grey to South Africa
Some people import African greys to South Africa from other countries. This involves extra costs, paperwork, quarantine, and risk compared to local purchase. Total import expenses often reach 30,000 to 50,000 ZAR or more.
The grey parrot is listed on CITES appendix II and requires:
- CITES export permit from country of origin
- CITES import permit issued in South Africa
- Veterinary health certificate
- 30 day quarantine in South Africa
Use an authorized pet import service to handle logistics. Even then, risks includeexposure to disease, stress, fees exceeding budget, and refusal of entry to the country. It’s generally better to source greys locally.
Is an African Grey Parrot the Right Pet?
Before deciding to purchase an African grey, carefully consider if it’s the right pet for you. Greys are:
- Expensive – both initial and ongoing costs
- Long living – can reach 60 years old
- Need large time commitment
- Require large cage and stimulating environment
- Can be noisy
- Prone to behavior problems if not trained/socialized properly
African greys are very advanced birds best suited to experienced owners who can meet their complex needs. They aren’t a good “starter bird.” Take time to research proper African grey care before obtaining one.
African Grey Parrot Cost Considerations
Here are final tips for budgeting African grey parrot costs in South Africa:
- Expect to spend 10,000 to 20,000 ZAR for a typical juvenile.
- Budget up to 30,000 ZAR for babies, rare mutations, or highly trained birds.
- Importing generally costs more than buying locally.
- Ongoing annual costs average 5,000 to 10,000 ZAR.
- Only buy from reputable breeders, not pet stores.
- Ensure you have time and budget for a long lived, high needs pet.
Conclusion
African grey parrots range dramatically in purchase price according to age, appearance, breeding, and training. But even a “cheap” grey represents a major commitment. Estimate minimum 15,000 to 25,000 ZAR first year costs, and 5,000 to 10,000 ZAR ongoing annual expenses. Set realistic expectations before bringing one of these incredible parrots home.