There are 21 parrots in the cockatoo family, with 44 sub-species. While they all differ in appearance, cockatoos are much-loved for their prominent crests, curved bills, and fun personalities.
As a result, you may wonder: ‘How much does it cost for a cockatoo?’
The average price of a cockatoo is $2,000 to $4,000. Some species are rare, hence why they’re expensive. The cost of a cockatoo ranges from $80 for a cockatiel to $40,000 for a red-tailed black.
Before you buy a cockatoo, remember that they require high levels of care and lots of out-of-cage time to remain happy. They vocalize frequently, so there are quieter parrots to own.
How Much Does A Cockatoo Cost?
If you want to own a cockatoo, you’ll want to know: ‘How much do cockatoos go for?’ The price of cockatiels varies based on the type of cockatoo you want as a pet.
The average cost of cockatoos depends on the following factors:
- Age.
- Gender.
- Genetics.
- Hereditary diseases.
- Breeder’s reputation.
- Ability to talk.
- Unique marks or features.
Older cockatoos are more expensive because they’re trained and socialized, and many also talk, making them more attractive pets.
While the price of a baby cockatoo is lower because they lack training and socialization skills, choosing a young cockatoo allows you to build a better bond.
Cockatoo Price List
If you’re still ready to commit, the average cost of a cockatoo is as follows:
| Cockatoo Species | Average Price (USD) |
| Abbotti | Unavailable – endangered |
| Bare-Eyed | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Blue-Eyed | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| Citron-Crested | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| Cockatiel | $80 – $250 |
| Galah | $700 – $3,000 |
| Gang Gang | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| Goffin’s | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lesser Sulphur-Crested | $1,500 |
| Major Mitchell’s | $5,000 – $6,500 |
| Moluccan | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Palm | $15,000 - $23,000 |
| Red-Tailed Black | $15,000 - $40,000 |
| Slender-Billed | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| Sulphur-Crested | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Triton | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Umbrella | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Yellow-Tailed Black | $7,500 – $15,000 |
What Should I Expect To Pay For A Cockatoo?
Let’s look at how much the most popular cockatoos cost and why:
Abbotti Cockatoo
The Abbotti is the rarest cockatoo in the world, and the species is only found on Masakambing island, deep in the Java Sea. Today, there are estimated to be 17-22 individuals left, making them endangered.
Due to deforestation and early settlers trapping them as souvenirs, their numbers are dwindling. They were also shot and killed for food. As a result, you won’t find them for sale in the pet industry.
Bare-Eyed Cockatoo
Also known as the little corella, the bare-eyed cockatoo is a smaller species.
For this reason, they’re considered an easier pet to care for, even though they’re not as popular. They’re also less expensive, retailing for $1,000 to $2,000.
Bare-eyed cockatoos are sweet and loving birds that enjoy interacting with their owners outside their cages. They’re also one of the best talking cockatoos when trained from a young age.
Blue-Eyed Cockatoo
Blue-eyed cockatoos are extremely rare, so they cost up to $10,000. However, while they’re hard to find, they make good pets.
They enjoy being handled and become affectionate toward their bonded owners. However, they can become vocal if they don’t get enough attention.
They’re highly sought-after due to their bright blue eyes and pure-white plumage.
Citron-Crested Cockatoo
Citron-crested cockatoos are expensive (about $3,000 to $4,000) because they’re endangered. However, they make popular pets because they:
- Have a big personality.
- They are quieter than other large parrots, although they do honk and screech.
- Enjoy attention and affection.
Unfortunately, the citron-crested cockatoo is prone to psittacosis (parrot fever).
Symptoms of the condition include lethargy, eye discharge, and respiratory problems. According to the Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, parrot fever is zoonotic, meaning humans can catch it.
While it’s easily treated with antibiotics, veterinary care costs are high, which you should factor into the overall cost of getting a cockatoo.
Cockatiel
Cockatiels are much smaller than other cockatoos species, reaching only 14 inches.
They’re also cheaper than other cockatoos due to their size, ranging between $80 to $250, making them one of the most popular small pet parrots.
On the whole, cockatiels are easy to tame and available in various color mutations.
While cockatiels are found in most pet stores, you must inquire about the bird’s history to ensure it has no apparent health or behavioral conditions.
Galah Cockatoo
Also known as the rose-breasted cockatoo, galah cockatoos vary widely in price depending on where you buy them. In the U.S., they’ll fetch close to $3,000. Galah cockatoos can live for up to 70 years in captivity.
Gang Gang Cockatoo
Gang gang cockatoos are the clowns of the parrot world. They’re lively and goofy, providing hours of entertainment. The gang gang cockatoo costs $1,400 to $1,800.
Although not the most common cockatoo pets, they perform tricks and silly dances. Due to their high energy levels, they need lots of out-of-cage play and exercise.
Goffin’s Cockatoo
The Goffin’s cockatoo is among the species’ smaller birds, costing an average of $1,000 to $2,000. They’re predominantly white with a light salmon-colored hue around the eyes and beak.
They enjoy being handled and petted. They’re also quick learners and budding escape artists. Goffin’s cockatoos can become needy, so most require training to prevent bad habits.
Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
Also known as the yellow-crested cockatoo, lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos are medium-sized white cockatoos with a yellow or orange crest.
Despite the name, they’re a different species from the sulphur-crested cockatoo.
They’re relatively small, docile cockatoos but can be loud as they attempt to mimic human speech. For that reason, they’re not suited to apartments.
Mature male cockatoos are unpredictable biters, but males and females enjoy cuddling with their owners. They’re not prone to many health conditions, so expect to pay around $1,500.
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are uncommon, so they’re more expensive, with an average price tag of $5,000 to $6,500. Some can fetch as much as $10,000, but only if they have distinctive features.
Breeders commonly sell them, but they’re also found through adoption agencies where their owners can’t provide the specialized care they need.
They’re native to inland Australia and are the only cockatoo species with a multi-colored crest boasting bright pink and yellow-orange feathers.
The remaining plumage is pinkish-white, making them recognizable against other cockatoos. Males are more colorful than females, so they’re more expensive.
Moluccan Cockatoo
Also known as the salmon-crested cockatoo, Moluccan cockatoos are rare in the wild but easy to find in captivity due to successful breeding programs.
Moluccans are popular parrots due to their rosy pink plumage and friendly nature and come with a price tag between $1,000 to $2,000
However, despite not being too expensive, they’re large birds that need space. They can also become attached to their owners, so they need someone who has time to show affection.
Palm Cockatoo
Also known as the black palm, goliath, and great black cockatoo, the palm is one of the world’s most expensive because they’re difficult to breed.
There are few in the world, so if you want one, expect to pay between $15,000 to $23,000.
Palm cockatoos are endangered, so they’re only really found in the pet industry. This means they’ve become highly sought-after, which has increased the average price.
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo
This large, black cockatoo is native to Australia. They’re in danger of extinction, with only 1,500 birds in the wild. As a result, they can be as expensive as $40,000.
Although rare, they’re highly sought-after as pets. They’re quieter than most other cockatoos and have calm, fun personalities.
If you get one from a young age, you can train them to become cuddly and affectionate. They can live from 50 to 100 years.
Slender-Billed Cockatoo
Slender-billed cockatoos, or the long-billed corella, are often overlooked as pets because they don’t have colorful crests like other cockatoo species. However, they’re charming, endearing, and good talkers.
They’re also relatively independent and don’t crave the affection of their needier cousins. This makes them a good pet for people with less time to spare getting them out of their cage.
However, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They cost $3,000 to $4,000.
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
Sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) are large parrots native to Australia, New Guinea, and some Indonesian islands. They’re among the most popular choices, costing around $2,000 to $4,000.
Sadly, sulphur-crested cockatoos are commonly abandoned by owners who can’t care for them. Because they’re large birds, they require exercise and don’t do well with owners who aren’t about much.
Similarly, they’re noisy and can make ear-splitting sounds, but they’re good talkers.
Triton Cockatoo
The triton is a sub-species of sulphur-crested cockatoo that lives in New Guinea.
They’re slightly cheaper, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. They make affectionate, playful, and loving pets but can become destructive and noisy when deprived of attention.
They’re more active than Moluccan and umbrella cockatoos, ideal for owners who want a fun pet. They’re slightly more affordable than sulphur-crested cockatoos, as they’re not quite as popular.
Umbrella Cockatoo
The umbrella cockatoo is among the most popular and least expensive pet cockatoo species. They’re commonly bred in captivity, making them easy to find in pet shops.
The price varies, but expect to pay between $1,000 to $3,000 for an umbrella cockatoo. Other names for the umbrella cockatoo include the white cockatoo and the great-white crested cockatoo.
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo
Yellow-tailed black cockatoos are expensive, costing an average of $7,500 to $15,000.
They’re among the most distinctive cockatoos, with yellow cheek and tail panels, and the remaining plumage is completely black.
What’s The Annual Cost of Owning A Cockatoo?
While it’s difficult to say how much a cockatoo will cost you each year, these figures are a guide:
- Food: $240 – $480.
- Cleaning materials: $120 – $240.
- Routine vet check-ups: $85.
- Toys: $100.
You’ll need to factor in unexpected vet bills, insurance, and wear and tear on the cage.
A cockatoo is a loving and affectionate pet. Given the high cost of a cockatoo, only buy from a reputable dealer with the relevant paperwork.
As described by PLOS One, the illegal pet trade is a significant threat to wildlife, so avoid any parrot you believe has been stolen from the wild. Take particular care with the rarer cockatoo species.
What’s The Average Cockatoo Food Price?
The average cockatoo food bill is size-dependent, but you should budget $20-$40 monthly.
How Much Does A Cockatoo’s Cage Cost?
The cost of a cockatoo cage depends on how big the bird is. For example, cockatiels need a smaller cage than sulphur-crested cockatoos.
However, the smallest cockatoo cage should be 20 inches (wide) x 20 inches (long) x 24 inches (high). This equates to 50cm x 50cm x 60cm.
Medium-sized cages cost around $200, whereas large cages cost between $400 and $500. The higher-quality cages can cost $1,000 or more.
