Lovebirds are a small species of parrot that are known for their affectionate nature. They are popular pets because of their size and personality, but they can also be expensive. Lovebirds typically cost between $50 and $200, depending on the specific breed, where you purchase them, and whether or not they come with a cage. But some rare lovebirds can cost even $1500 or more.
If you’re considering adding a lovebird to your family, be prepared to budget for the initial purchase price as well as ongoing costs like food, toys, and vet care.
Here we are breaking down the cost of buying and owning a Lovebird:
Lovebird Price: One-Time Costs
Lovebirds can cost anywhere from $50 to $800, depending on the species, color, and age of the bird. The most common lovebird is the peach-faced lovebird, which typically costs between $80 and $150. Other popular species include the Fischer’s lovebird, black-masked lovebird, and masked lovebird. Lovebirds come in a variety of colors, including green, blue, yellow, white, and black. The rarer the color, the more expensive the bird will be.
They are extremely social and experience psychological distress when they are alone. So the best would be you purchase 2 lovebirds so they have company at all times. This of course adds up largely to your purchase price.
Lovebird costs
When buying a lovebird, be sure to purchase from a reputable breeder or pet store. Avoid buying birds from flea markets or online auctions, as these birds may not have been properly cared for.
Lovebird prices:
- Rosy-faced lovebird, or peach-faced lovebird $100 – $150
- Green $80 – $170 (Price: Birdsnow)
- Blue $100 – $200 (Price: Birdsnow)
- Yellow-collared lovebird or masked lovebirds $150-$400 (Price: Tampalovebirds)
Black Masked $250 -$400 (Price: Birdsnow)
- Fischer’s lovebird $80-$150
- Blue 100 – $400 (Price: Birdsnow)
- Lutino $150-$300 (Price: Birdsnow)
- Dark Eyed White $150 – 250 (Price: Tampalovebirds)
- Albino $150 – $300 (Price: Birdsnow)
- Black-winged lovebird or Abyssinian lovebird $200 and up (Price: Birdtrader)
- Black-cheeked lovebird $300 – $500 (Price: Preloved)
- Grey-headed lovebird or Madagascar lovebird $200 – $400 (Price: Birdsnow)
- Red-headed lovebird or red-faced lovebird $150 – $500 (Price: Birdsnow)
Buying Lovebird from a Breeder
It is important that the breeder you choose has a good reputation. This way, you can rest assured that they will have taken the necessary steps to ensure their birds are healthy and happy.
A good breeder will have their birds in healthy living conditions, they will have them vaccinated against diseases, they will be knowledgeable about proper diet, and they will keep breeding records so that they can track the ancestry of their birds. This of course comes with a price. You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $1500 for more rare colored lovebirds.
A nice overview of good breeders in the US you can find here:
Lovebird Breeders in the United States
Buying Lovebird from Pet Store
Besides the large pet stores in the US like petco.com or PetSmart.com, three are many specialty bird stores with a great variety of lovebirds ranging from $100 to $700 and even more for special lovebirds.
Here are a few popular online stores:
- https://www.birdsnow.com/petlovebird.htm
- https://tampalovebirds123.com
- http://www.brendasbirds.com/
- https://www.birdbreeders.com/birds/category/lovebirds
- http://squeaky-cheeks-aviary.com/prices
Local Ads
You might be able to find lovebirds also in local ads such as craigslist.com. Another good site to find lovebirds from local sellers is https://www.hoobly.com/s/pets-animals~birds~lovebirds. The prices for lovebirds here vary here from 100 -$300, often sold as a pair.
The advantage of buying from private homes is that you have the chance of getting a hand-breed lovebird and often they come already with a cage.
Supplies
If you’re thinking of adding a lovebird to your family, there are a few things you’ll need to provide for your new feathered friend. Lovebirds need a spacious cage with plenty of toys and perches, a healthy diet of pellets and fresh vegetables, and regular access to bathing water.
Here are the essential supplies you need for your lovebird:
Cage: $200-$300
Of course, the actual cost will vary depending on the size and style of cage you choose and where you purchase your bird-related supplies. Budget around $200 to $300 to buy a good, spacious cage.
A lovebird needs a cage that is at least 18” x 18” x 24”. The space between the bars should be no more than ½”. If you have more than one bird, you will need a larger cage.
Perches 1$-10$
Lovebirds need perches of different diameters to exercise their feet. The perches should also be made of different materials, such as natural wood, rope, or concrete, to keep your lovebird’s nails healthy. Place the perches at different heights in the cage to give your lovebird a variety of places to perch.
Habitat Litter $10-$20/month
Lovebirds need a clean, comfortable habitat in order to stay healthy and happy. The litter in their habitat should be changed regularly to prevent bacteria and mold growth. You can use a variety of materials for lovebird litter, such as wood shavings, paper pellets. If you chose Paper, female lovebirds often get hormonal and are known for cutting paper to prepare it for “nest”. Especially in breeding period changing it often can produce aggressive behavior in your Lovebird.
Just make sure that the material you choose is safe for your bird and that it is changed frequently. Fresh water should also be available at all times.
Food and Water Bowls $10-$20
You will need two food and water bowls for your lovebird. The food bowl should be filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as birdseed. The water bowl should be filled with fresh, clean water.
Place the food and water bowls in a location that is easily accessible to your lovebird. Check the bowls regularly to make sure that the food and water are fresh and clean. replenish as needed.
Toys $0-$100
Lovebirds are very active birds and need a variety of toys to keep them entertained. Some lovebird toys are made specifically for lovebirds, while others can be used for any type of bird. Some common lovebird toys include: swings, ladders, mirrors, bells, and chew toys. Lovebirds also enjoy playing with small balls and other objects that they can move around.
It is important to have a variety of toys so that your lovebird does not get bored.
Other essentials
Here are some other essential items you need to keep your lovebird happy and healthy:
Lovebird Price: Ongoing Costs
Health Care
The cost of keeping a lovebird healthy can be significant. You’ll need to budget for regular vet check-ups and vaccinations, as well as the occasional sick visit.
Lovebirds can be prone to health problems, so it is important to factor in the cost of medical care when considering how much a lovebird will cost. On average, lovebirds cost between $50 and $100. However, the cost of medical care can quickly add up, so it is important to be prepared for unexpected expenses or consider a health care plan for your lovebird.
Here are some common yearly health care costs you need to consider:
- Yearly Check-Ups $25-$100/year
- Yearly Vaccinations $50 – $100/year
- Parasites treatment $10-$25/year
- Emergencies $250-$2,500/year
Food For Your Lovebird $20-$30 /month
Lovebirds need a diet that consists of pellets, fresh vegetables, and fruit. You can buy a pellet mix at your local pet store. For fresh vegetables, you can give them dark leafy greens, carrots, peas, and corn. For fruit, you can give them apples, bananas, and grapes.
A good quality bird food mix can cost around $20 per month, and you will also need to supplement your bird’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. If you choose to purchase pre-made bird food mixes, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure the mix is appropriate for lovebirds.
You should also budget for occasional treats, such as millet spray, which your bird will enjoy. Overall, you can expect to spend around $30 per month on food for your lovebird.
Environment Maintenance $50-$200 /year
Lovebirds need a clean and comfortable environment to stay healthy and happy. Their cage should be cleaned regularly, and their food and water dishes should be washed often. Lovebirds also need a place to bathe, so make sure their cage has a water dish or birdbath.
To keep your lovebird’s environment clean, you will need to do some daily cleaning and some weekly deep cleaning. Daily cleaning involves removing any dirty dishes, wiping down the cage, and refreshing the water. Weekly deep cleaning involves taking everything out of the cage and washing it with soap and water.
You should also disinfect the cage with a bird-safe disinfectant. To keep your lovebird healthy, you will need to provide them with a nutritious diet.
Total Annual Cost of Owning a Lovebird
So the total yearly cost for keeping your lovebird is anywhere between $400 – $600 if there are no unexpected emergencies. For the lifespan of 10 to 20 years, this can add up to $4000 – $1200. This may sound much, but really these costs are calculated over a long period of time.
Lovebirds are beautiful birds that are easy to take care of. If you take proper care of your new friend, you will have a great companion for the years to come.
