Available in a dazzling array of colors and sizes, pet birds provide hours of entertainment and companionship to their owners. With so many different types of birds to choose from, one way you might narrow down your choices is by the cost of each species. While pet birds can be purchased from a variety of sources, the most convenient choice for many people is their local PetSmart store. You can expect to pay between $40-$250 depending on the bird you are looking to purchase.
In this article, we will cover how much parakeets, cockatiels, finches, and other popular pet birds cost at PetSmart. We will also let you know what supplies you’ll need to plan on purchasing for your bird and how much they cost.
Availability of Birds at PetSmart
Birds, especially large ones like African gray parrots or macaws, take up a lot of space compared to other small exotic pets. Because of this, the types of birds carried in each PetSmart store will vary widely. Only prices for the most commonly stocked species are available from PetSmart’s website, and range between roughly $40-$150 each.
If you’re looking for a bird species not commonly carried by PetSmart, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to find one there. What you will need to do is contact your local store or others in the area to find out what birds they have available and whether they plan to carry the one you’re looking for.
How Much Do Parakeets Cost at PetSmart?
Parakeets at PetSmart generally cost around $40. However, parakeets are social birds and many owners choose to purchase a pair, especially if they know they won’t be able to spend as much time with their bird.
Live animals, including parakeets, can’t be purchased online from PetSmart but only in a physical store. Those who don’t have a local PetSmart retailer will need to look elsewhere to purchase their new feathered friend. Available colors, varieties, and genders will vary so check with your local store to find out what parakeets they have in stock.
How Much Do Cockatiels Cost at PetSmart?
Cockatiels are not always available at PetSmart, to the point that they don’t have a price listed online. However, the average cost for a cockatiel tends to be $80-$250. In general, PetSmart’s bird prices usually tend toward the high side.
If you’re in the market for a cockatiel, check with your local PetSmart but be prepared to continue your search elsewhere.
How Much Do Finches Cost at PetSmart?
PetSmart typically charges about $50 for a single finch. The most common varieties carried by PetSmart are the society finch and the zebra finch. Finches tend to be less social with humans and may benefit from living in pairs or larger aviary flocks.
How Much Do Canaries Cost at PetSmart?
Sweet-voiced canaries cost around $150 at PetSmart. Again, before heading to the store, call ahead to make sure they have canaries available.
How Much Do Doves Cost at PetSmart?
The most common dove species carried by PetSmart are diamond doves, which usually cost $50 each. These birds often do better kept in pairs so you may need to budget for purchasing two rather than a single pet.
How Much Do Conures Cost at PetSmart?
Conures, specifically green-cheek conures, are the biggest and most expensive of the pet birds commonly found at PetSmart. Conures usually cost $550. As a larger bird, the conure will also need a larger cage, which brings us to our discussion about the supplies you’ll need for your new bird.
What Supplies Does Your Pet Bird Need?
Whichever pet bird you decide on and wherever you buy them from, there are certain basic supplies you’ll need to purchase as well. Your bird needs a safe, enriched space to rest as well as some necessities like food and hygiene items.
Cages
While many pet birds, such as conures and parakeets, need to spend free time out of their enclosure each day, a safe and roomy cage to retreat to is still necessary, unless you have the space for a true aviary.
The size of the cage you need will vary by species and the number of birds you’re housing inside. Here are some recommended cage sizes for the pet birds you might be buying at PetSmart:
| Type of Bird | Cage Size | Bar Spacing |
| Parakeet | 18” x 18” x 24” | 1/2” |
| Cockatiel | 20”x 20” x 24” | 1/2”-5/8” |
| Finch | 18” x 30” x 18” | 1/4”-1/2” |
| Canary | 18” x 24” x 18” | 1/4”-1/2” |
| Dove | 24” x 24” x 24” | 1/2”-5/8” |
| Conure | 24” x 24” x 24” | 5/8”-3/4” |
These are the minimum recommended cage sizes for one bird of each species. If you have the space and budget for a larger cage your bird will appreciate the extra room!
Cage Accessories
Inside the cage, you’ll need several accessories to help your bird feel safe and keep them entertained. Provide at least one perch, ideally more, for your bird. Liners in the bottom of the cage will help make cleanup easy.
Your bird will need nice wide food and water bowls to allow them to easily eat and drink. Many pet birds also enjoy having a place to hide and get some privacy, such as a nest box. Finally, birds need a variety of toys and chew objects.
Puzzle toys, rope toys, and wooden chew branches are all good choices for your bird’s cage. Avoid any treated wood, cedar, or softwood like balsa.
Food
A species-specific pellet diet is the healthiest option for your pet bird. While you can supplement with certain fruits and vegetables, you should make sure you have a supply of pellet food before you bring home your new pet.
Grooming Tools
Pet birds need regular access to a birdbath for bathing or spritz showers with a spray bottle. Many owners also choose to learn how to trim their bird’s nails at home so consider buying nail trimmers and clotting powder in case you accidentally cut too close to the nail bed and draw blood.
Pet Bird Shopping List
Conclusion
Whether you choose to get your pet bird from PetSmart, a breeder, or a rescue group, be sure to first do your research to determine which is the best choice for you. Some large pet birds can live as long as 50 years so when we say these animals are a lifetime commitment, we are being serious! Some birds are much noisier than others and won’t be a good pick for apartment or condo living. Others require much more handling and socialization and are poor choices for those who are busy or spend a lot of time out of the house. Once you find just the right pet bird, you and your family can enjoy many years with your new feathered friend.
Featured Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock
