As with any other purchase, it’s best to look at all costs involved before jumping in and getting surprised by expenses later on.
How much does it cost to buy a cockatoo bird? Cockatoos can range from $700 to $23,000, depending on their age, breed, and health. Beyond that are other necessary accessories, including their cage and toys, which can cost upwards of $300.
Afterward, you can expect to spend an average of $1,000 annually on food, vet trips, and other maintenance expenses, assuming your bird is generally healthy.
| PRODUCT | PRICE |
| Cockatoo | $700 – $23,000 |
| One-time costs (cage, accessories, food bowls, etc) | $190 – $435 |
| Annual maintenance costs | $1,000+ |
| Initial costs for pet cockatoo | $1,890 – $23,435+ (with an estimated minimum $1,000 per year afterward) |
Table of Contents
Costs of Buying a Cockatoo
1. Price of Cockatoo Bird
The most significant factor determining cockatoo price is the species. The cheapest cockatoo is the Galah cockatoo because of its small size and ease of breeding.
Meanwhile, the most expensive one is the rare palm cockatoo!
Here is a rundown of popular pet cockatoo species, arranged by price:
| SPECIES | PRICE |
| Galah Cockatoo | $700 – $2,200 |
| Goffin Cockatoo | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Moluccan Cockatoo | $1,400 – $3,500 |
| Umbrella Cockatoo | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo | $5,000 – $6,500 |
| Blue-Eyed Cockatoo | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| Palm Cockatoo | $15,000 – $23,000 |
| Cockatiels* | $80 to $250 |
*Cockatiels are a subspecies of cockatoo.
#1 Galah Cockatoo
The Galah Cockatoo (Rose-Breasted Cockatoo) is a small, pink cockatoo that is the cheapest available species for aspiring pet owners. Galah birds have a very long life (from 40 to 70 years), but they require a lot of exercise and care from owners and are unsuitable for busy people.
You can buy this bird in the US for as low as $700, though, depending on the seller, the price can sometimes reach $2,200.
#2 Goffin Cockatoo
The Goffin Cockatoo, also known as Goffin’s Corella, is next in line with a price tag ranging from $1,000 – $2,000.
Owners will need a permit to keep this bird, though once this hurdle is cleared, Goffin cockatoos will prove to be a delight with their friendly personality and dancing ability.
Goffin Cockatoos are rather needy, craving lots of handling, petting, and entertaining. However, this is only due to their brilliant nature.
#3 Moluccan Cockatoo
Similar to Goffin cockatoos, Moluccan cockatoos are priced between $1,000 – $2,000. They are also known as salmon-crested cockatoos.
Moluccan cockatoos are extremely friendly but on the larger side, requiring bigger cages than other cockatoo species.
#4 Umbrella Cockatoo
The price of a white cockatoo, also known as an umbrella or great-white crested cockatoo, is usually between $1,000 – $3,000. If you want a bird that’s receptive to training, this breed is worth considering.
They are popular due to their ability to perform tricks and their affectionate nature!
#5 Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
The sulphur-crested cockatoo costs between $2,000 – $4,000. The species is an extremely large and beautiful bird but demands a lot of care and patience. They need regular exercise and can be very noisy. On the flip side, they are known to be good talkers!
#6 Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos are prized for their beauty. The species is a pink cockatoo with bright pink and yellow-orange feathers. They can typically be acquired with $5,000 to $6,500 but sometimes go as high as $10,000.
It must be noted, however, that this pink cockatoo is very socially demanding. Owners must spend time interacting with it every day or risk their pet getting upset and destructive.
#7 Blue-Eyed Cockatoo
The Blue-Eyed Cockatoo isn’t actually a blue cockatoo – it simply has a bluish hue surrounding its eyes. Its rarity makes it an expensive pet, ranging between $8,000 to $10,000.
If you decide to acquire one, they are affectionate, loving pets and make excellent companions!
#8 Palm Cockatoo
Palm Cockatoos are extremely rare and expensive, available at the hefty amounts of $15,000 and $23,000. This black cockatoo is more appropriate for rare bird collectors who are willing to invest a lot for a unique, exotic bird that few others own!
2. A Note On Cockatiels
Since the cost of a cockatoo is relatively high, some people opt to acquire cockatiels instead.
Cockatiels are a subspecies of cockatoos and typically reach only a fraction of the cockatoo parrot cost, costing $80 – $250.
They are small, easy to care for, and entertaining, making them an excellent option for beginners or owners on a budget.
Please take a look at these articles to learn the cost of other birds, such as:
3. Other Costs of Cockatoo Birds
The costs of buying and maintaining a cockatoo are two separate things to consider. Outlined below are estimated one-time costs as well as regular costs, some of which are annual and some of which are monthly, depending on your bird.
Remember that for avians, health is wealth. Though regular vet visits may be costly, they may be cheaper than if your bird gets sick and you detect the issue too late!
Similarly, high-quality food may be more expensive, but it will keep your bird strong and less prone to diseases.
- Estimated One-Time Costs
| PRODUCT | COST |
| Cockatoo | $700 – $23,000 |
| Cage | $100 – $300 |
| Cage Cover | $20 – $30 |
| Perches | $40 – $60 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $15 – $25 |
| Grooming Tools | $15 – $20 |
| TOTAL | $890 – $23,435 |
- Estimated Regular Maintenance Costs
| PRODUCT | ANNUAL COST |
| Toys and Other Supplies | $100 – $200 |
| Food | $300 – $960 |
| Treats and Supplements | $240 – $720 |
| Medical Needs (vaccination, worm removal) | $100 |
| Vet Visits | $100 – $250 |
| Insurance | $50 – $360 |
| TOTAL ANNUAL COST | $790 – $2,590 |
| EST. MONTHLY COST | $65 – $215 |
Factors Affecting the Price of Cockatoos
Besides the species, a few other factors affect the price of cockatoos.
- Size: The larger the bird, the more expensive it is.
- Age: Young adult cockatoos are the most expensive, since they are still strong and have received basic training. A baby cockatoo or an older cockatoo is cheaper since the former still needs to be trained, and the latter has a shorter lifespan.
- Appearance: Any blemishes on a cockatoo’s feathers automatically lowers its price.
- Source: Cockatoos from shelters will always be cheaper than those from professional breeders. Pet stores tend to fall in the middle range.
What is the Lowest Price of Cockatoos?
The cheapest cockatoo is the Galah cockatoo, usually available from $700 onwards. Most cockatoos, however, begin at $1,000.
For those on an extremely tight budget, you may consider a cockatiel instead. Cockatiels are a subspecies of cockatoos and can cost as little as $80.
Conclusion
Like any other pet, cockatoos come with a price tag and regular maintenance expenses. It’s best to ensure you are ready to commit financially before buying your bird.
At the end of the day, however, it’s not solely about how much does it cost to buy a cockatoo bird. Pets should bring you joy and enrich your life.
So, take the time to crunch those numbers. When it’s time to pick your pet, choose the one with which you feel the strongest sense of connection. In the end, that’s the most important factor.
George and I became friends after a birdwatching trip with our new group. And we have been enjoying every adventure together. When he told me the idea of establishing a site that shares our experiences and fun, I immediately agreed. After trials and errors, here we have Thayerbirding.
