12 Cheapest Pet Birds: The Most Affordable Species (With Info & Pictures)

Some species of parrot, especially the Hyacinth Macaw and the Black Palm Cockatoo, can cost several thousand dollars or more to buy, and even more than this to keep. But bird keeping doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby, and there are some excellent choices of inexpensive birds, including some that talk, as well as a selection of birds that prefer their own company and demand less attention from their owners.

Below are 12 of the cheapest pet birds for you to choose from and we have included a couple of less expensive parrot species. While these are more expensive than smaller birds like Finches, their price makes them some of the most accessible Parrot breeds.

Which of these species proves the least expensive for you will depend on their availability. Some, like Canaries and Lovebirds, are commonly found in pet stores and even in some garden centers, but you may need to find a breeder or a specialist shop to buy Pionus Parrots, for example.

The 12 Cheapest Pet Birds

1. Parakeets

Parakeets may be known as Budgerigars or Budgies where you live, but they are all the same species. And that species is a friendly, low-maintenance bird that is so popular it can be found in most pet stores. As well as being one of the cheapest pet birds, it’s also one of the easiest to look after. But you will need to provide entertainment, which should include regular time out of the cage as well as a good selection of toys, mirrors, ladders, and other cage accouterments.

Budgies can be very good talkers. Puck, a Parakeet that lived in California, learned more than 1,700 words before it died, and holds the world record for the bird with the largest vocabulary.¹

2. Finches

Finches come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and species, but are typically some of the most inexpensive birds to buy. They make great companions for those that don’t want to spend a lot of time training and entertaining because they usually prefer that their humans be near them but not touching them. They can’t mimic and they don’t speak, but they are beautiful and have a quiet but pleasant song. Zebra Finches are especially popular as pets and can be bought for less than $50 from most suppliers.

3. Doves

It is surprising to some that Doves are even kept as pets at all, let alone that they make one of the best pet species. Medium-sized Doves not only tolerate but need regular handling. They will form a close bond with their owner, and because they can be found in most locations around the world, their price tag is also very appealing. While Doves can’t talk, they do have a coo that is considered pleasant and even relaxing by their owners.

4. Canaries

Canaries are another very popular species that are kept for their singing ability, as well as their beautiful looks and cheerful nature. There are hundreds of different species of Canary, with some being highly sought after and very rare, and others being common in most pet stores. This range of species means that there is an equally wide range of prices, but if you aren’t looking for an especially rare Canary breed, you can usually find one for $50 or $60, or less.

5. Lovebirds

Lovebirds are small but plump, brightly colored birds. Even though they are always photographed and displayed in pairs, they can do well when kept as solitary birds, but a lone Lovebird will require a lot of attention from its human. If you want your Lovebird to have a close connection with you, it is actually beneficial to keep just one. The tropical green, orange, and red combination may be the one that most people think of when they consider Lovebirds, but there are actually many colors available.

6. Cockatiels

It is no coincidence that the top half of the list of cheapest pet birds mimics what would be a list of the most popular pet birds. The popularity of these species means more breeders and a greater supply which, in turn, keeps the price down. Cockatiels are another popular species. The Cockatiel is a species of parrot and while they can occasionally pick up a few words, you shouldn’t buy one expecting a talker.

However, they are very friendly birds that will gladly sit on their owners’ shoulders or fingers. They need a lot of entertainment, but they are placid little Parrots that can get along well with one another and with other placid species.

7. Parrotlets

The Parrotlet is the smallest of the common parrot species and, as well as being inexpensive, it is also easier to care for than most of the large parrot breeds. Despite costing a fraction of the likes of Macaws, Parrotlets can develop a very impressive and extensive vocabulary. Although they will usually form a close bond with their owners, Parrotlets won’t necessarily befriend absolutely everybody and they can be territorial with other bird species.

8. Conures

Prices are starting to get a little higher as we reach the Conure, but this species still demands a much lower price tag than the thousands of dollars you can end up paying for a Macaw. Conures are incredibly colorful, tend to be very friendly, and get along with their family members, and they can learn to say a few words, although they rarely have an extensive vocabulary. However, don’t let the limited wordage fool you because Conures are intelligent and can even be taught to perform some impressive tricks if you have the patience and time.

9. Lineolated Parakeets

The Lineolated Parakeet is a type of Parakeet or Budgie. The term lineolated refers to the lines or bars across the bird’s back, and these do give the bird a different appearance from other Parakeets. It is this that makes them more expensive than their unicolor cousins, too. They can learn to talk and can be trained to whistle on command. Give your Lineolated Parakeet attention and time in the hand when it is young and it should develop to be a friendly and bonded bird later in life, too.

10. Pionus Parrots

Pionus Parrots are favored for their impressive blue coloring, which features on the head and typically on the body, although they do have a white crown atop their heads. The species is independent, which means that it isn’t as demanding as some species, but it is also friendly and will form a close bond with its owner. They are considered less showy and less talkative than the larger parrot species.

11. Lories

Lories tip the scale of what might be considered cheap but are included because they are medium-sized parrots available for around $600 each, which is reasonable. They do have some different care requirements to other species, however, because they rely on the provision of nectar in their diet. Typically, this is provided through a supplement, but some nectar can be fed via flowers like dandelions.

• Also Read: Lorikeet vs Parakeet: Vet-Reviewed Differences

12. African Greys

The African Gray isn’t cheap, certainly not compared to the rest of the birds on this list, but it can live as long as 60 years, which means it represents very good value for money over the life of the bird. The African Gray is considered the most intelligent parrot species. It can learn hundreds of words and will happily tolerate human handling, which makes it a great choice of pet for your family.

Summary

Whether you’re looking for a small or large bird, one that can talk, or one that sings quietly in its cage, there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing bird species. Above are some of the cheapest pet birds, including a good variety of bird types and features, to help you find the species that best fits your preferences.

See also:

• 8 Amazing Talking Pet Birds You Can Bring Home Today
• 10 Black Pet Bird Species You Can Bring Home

Featured Image Credit: Kadisha, Pixabay