What parrot is large and affordable (easy 10 points)?

Question

I was going to buy lovebirds but i have decided to buy a parrot possibly an african grey but i want a large, colorful and affordable (in pounds)? Any ideas please help I'm getting one in 2 days. Oh yes I'm only looking to spend £100.00 on the bird any suggestions please please help me!

Answer 1

I can't help you on your question about the cost of the bird.  But keep in mind that some of the larger birds like parrots can have life spans of 50 years, or more.  This is conceivably a pet that you will have - and be responsible for - for the rest of your life.  

Choose wisely, Grasshopper.

Answer 2

An african grey can cost $2000 or more ( i don't know pounds, sorry).  I would think a pionus or eclectus would be more affordable, they are only a little smaller than an african grey.  

If money is tight i wouldn't recommend getting a large parrot because if an unforeseen circumstance arises and your bird needs the vet the bill can be HUGE.

Answer 3

There is pretty much no such thing; it also largely depends on your definition of affordable.   And even if you found a bird that was inexpensive to buy, the upkeep is definitely costly, both in money and effort.

I know in the US there are rescue groups that have birds that were given up by their owners (or rescued from abusive/unhealthy situations).  The adoption fees are typically lower than the full purchase price of a bird, though I can guarantee probably still not as low as you’d like to pay.

If finances are that much of a concern for you right now, perhaps you should wait a while until you are in a better position to care for a large bird.  Also, spend considerable time researching them first so that you know what you’d be getting into, and can make an informed decision.  It is easy to fall in love with one and rush into it, only to have it turn out badly later (which is why there are so many birds in rescue).

Start with something smaller and work your way up.  I never recommend parrots for first time bird owners.

Good luck in your search!

Answer 4

There is no such thing as an affordable parrot.  Even budgies are expensive when you add up the cost of food, the cage, toys, etc.  And sorry to burst your bubble, but lovebirds are parrots.  An African Grey is very expensive and then adding in the cost of a cage, food, and toys, plus vet bills if something goes wrong, you're looking at spending well over $1,000 (US) just in the beginning.  And $1,000 in US is more than 100 pounds so I think you're out of luck when it comes to getting a parrot or almost any animal.  Try a goldfish or a hamster.  Parrots are tons of work and if you think you can get a cheap parrot, you clearly do not know nearly enough about them.

Answer 5

you should get a sun conure or a love bird. I have them and they are great. You can find them cheap in craigslist. Anything else you will pay at least 300 just to adopt. Oh wait parakeets are considered to be parrots ..they are like 14.00. Good luck  

Answer 6

if you want something large and colorful, get a macaw. but they are definitely not cheap. get a cockatiel. there cheap n sing. some can talk.

Answer 7

Haha. An affordable parrot. Good one. If you are wanting large and colourful, you're out of luck. They cost an arm and a leg. How about a cockatiel...? They are smaller but colourful. They can learn to sing tunes and sometimes talk...

Answer 8

Like Penguin said, 'your out of luck'. There is no parrot around $100. Maybe around $150-5000, yeah. If you want a cockatiel, they cost around $100-160 depending where you live. If you get any large bird, they will be living with you for a long time. Cockatiels, can mimic people, and aren't that hard to tame. They're not so big, but not either small. A medium size i would say. Otherwise if your not willing to spend more than $100, than you should buy some sort of small bird like, parakeet, finch, lovebirds, and/or parrotlets.

Answer 9

Unfortunately, even a free bird is expensive.  The cost of the bird itself is usually the cheapest part of owning him or her.

My last bird was a $150.00 parrotlet.  It was almost $200.00 to ship him.  His cage, toys and "stuff" was another couple of hundred dollars.  His initial vet check, with blood panel, cultures from both ends and PCR testing for PBFD, Polyoma and Chlamydia came close to $500.00.  This was all to be sure he was healthy at the beginning.  

Birds are expensive and the bigger the bird, the bigger the expense to house him, feed him and provide him with toys.  And because they hide their illnesses so well, anytime you think he MAY be ill, a trip to the vet is in order which will be a minimum of $50.00.  If he IS ill and requires hospitalization you can count on at least $125.00 a day.  

A $20.00 budgie deserves the same quality of care that a $10,000 macaw receives.  Unless you're prepared for these expenses, it's best not to get a bird.

Colette

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Parro...

Answer 10

Remember that a parrot needs alot of attention. They are alot more intelligent and need more interaction than say a hamster.

It can also out live you by many years! So it is something that you need to be sure a commitment like this is a good thing!! I just ave a sun conure - smaller parrot, and let me tell ya he is a piece of work =).

You will need to ensure that you by a cage large enough for it. Fill it with many different toys and different size perches, etc. The more activities the bird does the healthier the bird will be, and happier.

I don't know how your currency is compared to dollars, but if it is close than I would plan on spending ALOT more then that on that size bird!!

Here are some sites with more info that might be helpful:

http://www.birdsnways.com/

http://www.goodbirdinc.com/magazine.html

http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-magazine...

http://theafricangreyparrot.com/index.ht...

http://www.upatsix.com/faq/greyfaq.htm

http://www.avianweb.com/africangreys.htm

Good luck! Birds are wonderful pets!!

Just be sure to do your research on their life expectancy, temperament, needs, etc. before it ends up to be something you can not handle. You wouldn't believe the number of birds in bird rescue organizations!!