How Much Are Parakeets at PetSmart? 2024 Price Guide

Parakeets typically cost about $40 at PetSmart. However, this price can differ depending on your location. Furthermore, it isn’t unusual for the store to run promotions and discounts, which can make these birds even cheaper. If you’re looking to save money on a bird, waiting for one of these promotions is a solid option.

Sometimes, a particularly rare-colored parakeet may cost more than $40. However, these more expensive varieties typically aren’t sold at PetSmart with much regularity. They’re more commonly sold by breeders than pet stores.

Of course, this doesn’t include any of the stuff that you need for your parakeet, which can easily cost a couple hundred dollars. Often, the cage and equipment will cost more than the bird.

How Much Do Parakeet Supplies Cost at PetSmart?

On top of purchasing your parakeet, you’ll also need to purchase a cage and other supplies that your new bird will need. Many of these are available at PetSmart, allowing you to stock up on everything you need in one place.

Depending on what you purchase exactly, you’ll likely be looking at $300–$700 in supplies, including the bird itself. The cage will be your biggest expense, as these can easily cost a couple hundred dollars. You’ll also need to purchase perches and a variety of different toys.

You can lower your costs by shopping sales or even trying to purchase your cage secondhand. If you know you’re purchasing a bird, you can often save money by purchasing items as they go on sale. If you purchase anything secondhand, be sure to wash it thoroughly and disinfect it before you place your bird in it.

How Long Do Parakeets Live?

It’s important that you feed and house your bird correctly, as many health conditions parakeets are prone to are completely preventable. With the right care, parakeets can live for up to 15 years in captivity.

Of course, one of the big downsides of purchasing a parakeet from PetSmart is that you don’t know what breeder the bird came from. You can’t ask about what conditions the bird grew up in or what the bird’s parents are like.

It is possible for parakeets at PetSmart to have low-quality breeding or not be taken care of properly. In these cases, you may end up with a bird that doesn’t live as long as others may. It’s impossible to check on any of these factors, as you cannot speak to the breeder directly.

That said, most birds at PetSmart are well taken care of and live just as long as any other parakeet.

Should I Buy Two Parakeets?

Parakeets are social creatures, so they often do best with a friend. It is completely possible to have one parakeet. However, you will have to be its friend and playmate. Many people assume that they’ll spend plenty of time with their bird and won’t need another one. It can be easy to underestimate the amount of interaction a single parakeet will need, though. You’ll have to talk and interact with your parakeet for hours each day. If you work a regular job, it often just isn’t possible to provide the necessary interaction.

Therefore, we typically recommend that the average bird owner purchase two parakeets. Keeping a pair ensures that the two birds are well-socialized and can prevent some of the more challenging behaviors that often occur due to boredom and loneliness. It’s best to adopt two birds that already know each other and place them in a cage together. Otherwise, you’ll have to introduce the two birds slowly and likely keep them in separate cages for a little while.

Adopting two birds does mean you’ll have to invest in a larger cage and pay for two birds, effectively doubling your costs. It’s important to ensure you can care for two birds before making the decision to purchase a pair.

Final Thoughts

A parakeet from PetSmart typically costs around $40. Of course, there can be some variance in the price. Your location might affect the price, though PetSmart stores tend to have very similar prices across the country.

Don’t forget about all the items your parakeet will need, as well. Often, it’s more expensive to purchase a cage and all the gear your bird needs than the bird itself. Keep this in mind when budgeting.

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Featured Image Credit: Joni Hanebutt, Shutterstock