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Home > Birds > How Much Does a Quaker Parrot Cost? 2023 Price Guide

How Much Does a Quaker Parrot Cost? 2024 Price Guide

Quaker Parrot side view_Pabloavanzini_shutterstock

The colorful Quaker Parrot is a social, intelligent, and fun-loving bird. When you’re interested in getting one of these parrots, you probably have a few questions including what it costs to own one.

Owning a Quaker Parrot costs more than just the initial purchase price. The cost of the parrot alone can be hundreds of dollars but can vary considerably depending on the mutation/color, the breeder you choose to use, where they live, and the age and gender of the bird. You can expect to pay between $130–$200 per month for the care of this bird after the initial costs.

An important thing to keep in mind when looking for a Quaker Parrot is that these birds are not legal to keep in every state. Some states don’t allow these birds to be kept as pets because they’re seen as a possible threat to crops and agriculture. Be sure to check your state’s laws to make sure it’s legal for you to keep a Quaker Parrot.

divider-birdsBringing Home a New Quaker Parrot: One-Time Costs

When you’re planning on bringing home a Quaker Parrot, there are a few costs to know about. Whether you’re getting a Quaker for free, adopting from a shelter, or buying one from a breeder, you have to be ready to pay some fees or a price for your bird.

Many factors can influence how much your parrot costs like the age of the bird, its physical health, and shelter fees. Let’s dig deeper into these factors to see what the potential costs are.

Quaker Parrot
Image Credit: V.S.Anandhakrishna, Shutterstock

Free

Unfortunately, some people get Quaker Parrots without putting a whole lot of thought into it. These people simply don’t do enough research before getting their birds and find out later that there’s a whole lot of responsibility that comes with owning a Quaker. This is why it’s possible to find someone who wants to rehome a Quaker Parrot they don’t want to take care of any longer.

If you’re lucky, you can find someone in your area that will gladly give you their Quaker Parrot at no cost, as well as the bird’s cage and accessories. Search both online and off and see if you can find a free Quaker.

Adoption

$50–$300

Adoption is a very economical way to own a Quaker Parrot. Not only will an adopted Quaker cost you less, but you will also be providing a good home to a bird that’s truly in need.

There are many ways to adopt a Quaker Parrot. You can check with local bird sanctuaries, animal shelters, and non-profit parrot rescue organizations in the USA to see if you can find Quakers that need new homes. Before you dive in and adopt a bird you have your eye on, be sure to ask for background information on the bird to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

You’ll likely find young and older Quaker Parrots up for adoption that can either be very healthy or have some type of health concern. You must be certain that you can care for the bird you decide to adopt whether it’s a very young and healthy bird or one that’s older with some health issues.

Breeder

$250–$500

Quaker Parrots coming from reputable breeders are typically well-adjusted birds that are friendly and used to people. While getting a Quaker from a good breeder costs more than adopting one of these birds, the extra cost is typically well worth it. You can expect the Quaker Parrot price to be between $250–$500 from the best breeders.

An experienced breeder typically spends a lot of time with their birds to make sure they’re thoroughly ready to go to new homes. Plus, when you buy a Quaker Parrot from a breeder, you’ll be given all the background on the bird including any health issues it may have so you’ll know lots of information about your new bird.

Initial Setup and Supplies

$300–$1,000

There is more money involved with owning a Quaker Parrot than simply the cost of the bird you get. You’ll have to purchase a birdcage that’s suitable for a Quaker, perches, ladders, toys, and food dishes, just to name a few.

It’s always a good idea to set some money aside each month to cover the cost of supplies. Quakers, like other parrots, tend to pick and chew, which means they can easily and quickly destroy things like food dishes and bird toys.

Two Quaker Parrot in the cage_Jana Mackova_Shutterstock
Image Credit: Jana Mackova, Shutterstock

divider-birdList of Quaker Parrot Care Supplies and Costs

ID Tag (ankle band) $7
Spay/Neuter N/A
X-Ray Cost $50–$140
Ultrasound Cost N/A
Bed/Tank/Cage $100–$300
Perches $25–$35
Toys $30
Backup/Travel Cage $60–$100
Food and Water Bowls $15

How Much Does a Quaker Parrot Cost Per Month?

$130–$200 per month

One thing you must consider when thinking about getting a Quaker Parrot is how much it will cost you every month to take good care of your bird. You’ll have to feed your bird a high-quality pellet diet along with some fresh fruits and vegetables, buy new toys now and then, and foot the bill for other things like wing clippings and nail cuttings. Here’s a breakdown of the projected monthly costs associated with having a Quaker Parrot as a pet.

3 Quaker Parrot_Yoyochow23_Shutterstock
Image Credit: Yoyochow23, Shutterstock

Health Care

$20–$30 per month

To keep your Quaker healthy and happy, you should take your bird to the vet once a year to make sure no health issues are lurking in the shadows. If your bird gets sick or needs some medical care, the veterinarian costs could be sky-high. That’s why it’s wise to purchase pet insurance for your bird to help you cover any necessary healthcare costs. Take some time to compare healthcare plans between insurance carriers so you can find an affordable plan that meets your budget.

Food

$25–$30 per month

A Quaker Parrot should be provided with a high-quality pellet diet and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This bird should be fed about 3 tablespoons of pellets every day along with ¼ cup of fresh fruits and vegetables. While parrot pellets tend to remain the same in price, the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables can fluctuate and rise, especially when they’re not in season. To be safe, plan on spending at least $25 per month feeding your pet Quaker.

Quaker Parakeet
Image Credit: Jean van der Meulen, Pixabay

Grooming

$13–$25 per month

If you provide your Quaker Parrot with a place to bathe, you won’t need to help him preen because he can clean his own feathers. As far as grooming a Quaker goes, this parrot needs his nails and wing feathers trimmed two or three times a year and for that, he will need your help.

If you don’t have experience trimming bird nails or feathers, you should take your bird to the vet or a groomer who has experience with parrots. A Quaker’s feathers should be trimmed enough to restrict flight but not completely prevent it. Trimming a Quaker’s nails is best done using an emery board or a small Dremel-like tool with a sanding attachment.

The cost of having a vet or groomer trim your bird’s nails and wings when needed can vary, but expect to pay at least $200 a year. When broken down monthly, the grooming will cost around $13.

Medications and Vet Visits

$15–$25 per month

As far as vet costs go, most parrot visits cost between $30-$100.  If your Quaker has a health problem and needs medication and you don’t have pet insurance that covers the medication, expect to pay $10–$30 per medication. When it’s time to give your Quaker mediation, it’s usually done orally using a syringe. If your bird requires long-term medication, you’ll have to foot the bill for syringes which thankfully aren’t very costly.

Quacker Parrot visit vet_VH-studio_Shutterstock
Image Credit: VH-studio, Shutterstock

Pet Insurance

$10–$50 per month

Just like for dogs and cats, you can buy exotic animal insurance for your Quaker Parrot. Veterinarians can be very expensive and if your parrot isn’t covered by insurance, you could end up with a big bill if your feathered friend becomes ill. Parrot insurance typically covers things like:

  • Accidents and injuries
  • Illness
  • Coverage if your parrot escapes or is stolen
  • Life insurance
  • Cost savings on exams, prescriptions, and lab work

While the cost of bird insurance varies depending on the company and policy you choose, you’ll typically have to pay $10-$50 per month.

Environment Maintenance

$4–$8 per month

Environmental maintenance for a Quaker Parrot is generally inexpensive as these birds are low-maintenance animals when it comes to their housing. You will need to regularly buy cage liners and replace items like cuttlebones, wood blocks, and toy puzzles so your bird always has something to do. It’s always a good idea to stock up on a variety of bird toys so you don’t run out.

Cage liners $10/month
Chew toys $20–$40/month
Dedicated Trash Can $30/month

Entertainment

$50–$175 per month

As the owner of a Quaker Parrot, it’s up to you to provide your bird with entertainment items he can use for mental and physical stimulation. Quakers can chew through items quickly like climbing ropes and ladders, so you’ll have to replace the things your bird ruins.

Quakers like to have their toys rotated now and then as they quickly get bored with the same old stimulation. This is why you need to buy a regular supply of entertainment items like ropes, chew blocks, ladders, and puzzles. A good way to save money on parrot toys, ropes, and ladders is to look for 2-for-1 specials or other great deals when you buy more than one parrot accessory.

Quaker Parakeet
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

divider-birdTotal Monthly Cost of Owning a Quaker Parrot

$130–$200 per month

When factoring in the food your Quaker needs, including pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, cage liners, replacing toys, and pet insurance, the monthly cost of owning a Quaker can quickly add up. Just food alone for a Quaker can be $30 a month. If something unexpected pops up like needing to replace a household item your bird has ruined, this monthly cost can shoot right through the roof.

Additional Costs to Factor In

While we’ve covered most of the costs involved with owning a Quaker Parrot, there are some additional costs to factor in. For instance, if you’re planning a vacation and can’t take your bird along, you’ll have to pay a pet sitter to take care of your parrot. Other costs that could come up include behavioral training if your Quaker needs it and repairing any household damages caused by your bird.

If you don’t get pet insurance, you’ll also have to factor in emergency medical care if your Quaker becomes ill or injured. Do remember that emergency parrot care can cost a small fortune. It’s better to pay a few dollars a month for bird insurance rather than getting stuck with a massive emergency vet bill!

Owning a Quaker On a Budget

If all these costs seem overwhelming, there are some ways to own a Quaker Parrot on a budget. First of all, look for a free bird someone wants to rehome or adopt a Quaker from a shelter. You can also save a lot of money by buying a used birdcage and even used toys and accessories.

Another way to save money is to buy pellets and fresh fruits and veggies in bulk. You can chop up and freeze many types of fruits and vegetables so they don’t spoil in your refrigerator between feedings.

Keep in mind that you won’t necessarily have to pay all these costs. We’ve simply laid out all the possible costs involved with owning a Quaker so you know what you’re getting into when you decide to get one of these wonderful parrots.

Quacker Parrot on the branch of the tree_Mark Caunt_Shutterstock
Image Credit: Mark Caunt, Shutterstock

Saving Money on Quaker Parrot Care

As mentioned above, one of the best ways to save yourself some money is to buy your parrot food in bulk. Every penny counts when it comes to keeping a Quaker Parrot that can live for decades.

Another way to save some money is to make your own bird toys, perches, and stands. You can easily find DIY instructions online that will walk you through every step. You can also skip the cage liners and line your cage with newspapers to save quite a bit of money.

divider-birdFinal Thoughts

Owning a Quaker Parrot involves money, just like owning any other animal, such as a dog or a cat. From the one-time costs of buying the bird and its cage to the monthly cost of food, toys, and accessories, a Quaker Parrot isn’t the cheapest animal to keep as a pet. However, your Quaker Parrot will become a part of your family and be a pet you’ll cherish for years. These colorful birds are loads of fun to watch and they make amazing companions!

It’s always a good idea to take a close look at your budget before getting a Quaker Parrot. Be honest with yourself when deciding whether or not you’ll be able to foot all the possible bills. Only get a Quaker if you’re 100% confident you can afford to keep an exotic bird as a pet.


Featured Image Credit: Pabloavanzini, Shutterstock

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