Parakeets are common little parrots, meaning they are one of the most inexpensive parrots you could get. Not only is buying a parakeet or budgie inexpensive, but they will also be cheaper to maintain as well.
Parakeets can often be bought for under $20 each; sometimes as little as $15. English budgies cost more; around $40 and on up for show-quality birds. Hand-feds, which are hard to find, are also somewhat more.
Where to Buy a Parakeet
Most parakeets are bought at pet stores. This is fine, although a breeder would be a better option so make sure you check out if there are any breeders around you.
The ideal parakeet would be hand-fed, well-handled, and tame; however, these are hard to find! The next-best is a young parakeet, just barely weaned; about 6 or 7 weeks old.
These young budgies have barred foreheads, whereas adults have clear yellow or white foreheads by the time they are about 3 months old. Babies also have black eyes, whereas adults will have eyes ringed with yellow by the time they’re about 6 months. Buy a budgie that seems active, playful, and bright-eyed. They should be in clean cages, with clean food and water, and should *not* be overcrowded.
How Much Does It Cost to Care for a Parakeet
The cost of maintaining a parakeet can vary, but on average you can expect to spend around $100 to $300 per year on supplies and vet bills. This estimate includes the cost of food, toys, a cage, and any necessary medical care. It’s important to keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on the specific needs of your parakeet and the costs of living in your area.