On average, how much does an Umbrella Cockatoo cost?

Question

Just wondering because I will be buying one within the next 2 weeks and I want to know if I am getting a good deal or not. Thanks

Answer 1

Umbrella Cockatoos cost anywhere between $1000-3000 with 1800 being the average price.

But I have a few concerns here....

Are your SURE that you are fully prepared to care for this bird properly, and spend adequate time with it for attention and training? Too many people purchase these sweet cuddly babies without doing any research beforehand.  Then, these sweet cuddly babies turn into screaming, biting monsters and end up getting abused and neglected. Each year, more cockatoo breeds are sent to rescue centers after they self destruct from neglect, but it isn't the parrot's fault. It is the humans for not realizing they couldn't care for such a needy animal. The stories are heartbreaking

Cockatoos need a LOT of care.  Do you have time to spend 4-6 hours with the bird daily? Or are you looking for something to cuddle with on occasion, that will be a cage ornament the rest of the time? If this is the case, get a cockatiel.  They are less maintenence.

Are you able to give this bird new toys weekly? It is cruel to deny them new toys to play with. They will shred their toys and end up needing new ones frequently. If cockatoos don't have toys to play with, they tend to become bored and will feather chew and pluck. You're beautiful bird will resemble a plucked chicken.

Can you provide fresh fruits and veggies daily, and cook for them safe foods?  Cockatoos need either a pellet or avian vet approved seed mix diet, but they also need fresh food and cooked food. A healthy diet is a cornerstone for these bird's behavior, and prevents them from illness and from feather pulling.

Can you provide a large enough cage? The cage for a cockatoo should be no less than four feet high (not including the stand, but only the area the bird has to live), 3 feet deep and about 3 feet wide.  A larger cage is still healthier and prefered. The door should be big enough to go through comfortably without the parrot having to dunk.

Can you be patient enough to deal with the noise? Cockatoos are the loudest birds available in pet stores and by breeders. Go to Mytoos.com, leave the page on for a bit, turn the speakers up, and put your ear to it to get the full effect.  Cockatoos will scream for attention and at night as a ritual. Can you deal with this?

Are you prepare for all of this and more? Bites will happen, especially during their hormonal seasons once the bird is fully mature.  Some bites may require stitches. Can you handle this?

Also note where you're getting the bird from. Is it a pet shop (they usually can't be trusted) or a breeder who's responsible or one who's not really?  Never purchase a bird from someone who's sell it or at least would let you take it home before it is 6 months of age. If they tell you that you can hand feed it yourself if it is younger, and not weaned, WALK AWAY.  Handfeeding them yourself is dangerous to the bird. You could drown it or give it crop burn.

Are you interested in adopting a bird that is in a rescue center? These birds desperately need homes, and purchasing from breeders and shops only make the selling of these poor animals more tempting for them. Seeing them in a rescue center may change your mind all together though, because seeing what you could turn a baby one into by not caring for it properly is jarring.

If you can handle all of this and give it proper care, and have patience enough to train with it daily, then I applaud you. You're one of the 10% of the average population who is qualified to raise these birds and be owned by them.

But I tell you this now...if you care for them properly, the aggrivation, patience, work and frustration that goes into these birds is all worth the love, laughs, and joy they bring.

Best of luck  

Answer 2

I would say about 1500,00 if he talks, I have seen them go as 2500,00 with the cage

Answer 3

Usually in my area I see them around 1000.00 and up. Rarely I've seen them for 800.00.

Answer 4

ANY WERE FROM $1,000 - $3,500

mine was totally worth it they are a HUGE responsibility and can be potentially DANGEROUS. I LOVED MINE WITH ALL MY HEART and they can bond very tightly but remeber they live for a very long time and may or could out live you. PLUS THE CAGE AND... EVERYTHING ELSE .. they can be destructive so need lots of toys like wood that you would probably spend $30 on and have them rip it up in 20min.