Lovebirds are among the least expensive parrots to buy because they’re small birds that are easy to breed. A pet lovebird costs $100-1500, depending on its scarcity.
Few lovebirds cost anywhere close to $1500 – this price tag is reserved for the rarest types. The purchase price is based on the bird’s species, markings, age, gender, training, and personality.
Peach-faced, Fischer’s, and Black-cheeked lovebirds can be bought for $100-300 each.
You must budget $350 for the cage setup, with ongoing costs of about $460 annually. This covers the cost of food, toys, perches, bowls, vet care, pet insurance, and cleaning products.
How Much Lovebirds Cost
See the table below to see how much a lovebird costs:
| Species | How Common in Pet Industry? | Cost |
| Peach-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) | Common | $100- 200 |
| Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) | Common | $150- 300 |
| Black-cheeked Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis) | Common | $200-300 |
| Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus) | Common | $200 – 300 |
| Black-winged Lovebird (Agapornis taranta), also known as Abyssinian Lovebird | Uncommon | $250 – 500 |
| Grey-headed Lovebird or Madagascar Lovebird (Agapornis cana) | Uncommon | $250 – 500 |
| Red-headed Lovebird (Agapornis pullarius) | Uncommon | $300 – 500 |
| Black-collared Lovebird (Agapornis swindernianus) | Rare | $500 – 1000 |
| Lilian’s Lovebird (Agapornis lilianae) | Rare | $500 – 1500 |
Price of Rare Lovebirds
The rarest lovebirds cost between $300 and $1500. According to ABE International, some lovebirds cost more than others because they’re harder to breed. These include:
- Grey-headed Lovebirds.
- Lilian’s Lovebirds.
- Red-headed Lovebirds.
Black-collared lovebirds are seldom found in captivity as their diet comprises native figs. Well-trained albino lovebirds can also fetch a much higher price tag than regular lovebirds.
To buy a rare lovebird, contact the African Love Bird Society for a list of affiliated breeders.
Cheapest Lovebird
The cheapest lovebirds are Peach-faced and Fischer’s lovebirds because they’re easier to breed. Another way to get a cheap lovebird is to adopt one from a bird sanctuary.
Most shelters request a donation or reduced fee (perhaps $50-100) when adopting a lovebird.
Some lovebirds end up in a bird sanctuary due to behavioral problems like biting. Ask about the bird’s history because many are just victims of changing circumstances, like a no-pets tenancy.
Cage Setup Cost
Before bringing a lovebird home, set its cage up. Here are the costs:
| Item | Cost | Details |
| Cage | $120 | Minimum cage requirements are 24 x 24 x 24 inches, with no more than ½ inch space between the bars. |
| Cage Cover | $25 | Lovebirds are very active; using a cage cover can help them to calm down at night. |
| Cage Liner | $0-20 | 50 sheets of cage liner cost around $20; you can also use newspaper and paper towels. |
| Travel Cage | $25-30 | You will need this for transporting your lovebird. |
| Food/Drink Bowls | $15 | Stainless steel is typically the easiest to keep clean. |
| Toys | $25 | Toys will allow your lovebird to express its natural behavior and stay healthy. |
| Perches | $20 | 2-3 natural wood perches are needed for your lovebird. |
| Bath | $5 | According to MSPCA, buy a shallow bath for your lovebird or use an earthenware dish. |
| TOTAL | $235-$260 |
Cages
Buying a cage designed for lovebirds is recommended due to the dimensions. The distance between the bars should be a maximum of ½ inch.
According to the Center for Animal Rehab, a lovebird’s cage should be at least 24 x 24 x 24 inches to give it ample space to fly and explore. Also, it allows for more toys and enrichment.
The cage must be bigger if you plan to get a pair of lovebirds because parrots need territory.
Toys
Lovebirds are friendly and active, so they need many toys. The following toys are recommended:
- Log ladders/climbing equipment.
- Fruit holder (foraging toy).
- Crinkled paper.
- Wooden slats.
- Foot toys (e.g., rattle).
- Seagrass tent.
You can use sisal rope to build toys for lovebirds.
Budget $25 for toys and add to this haul regularly so the lovebird doesn’t get bored.
Perches
Choose a perch material that wears down the claws and minimizes the risk of foot conditions, like bumblefoot. Options include:
- Natural Wood (Birch, Hazel) – Wears down and sharpen claws.
- Seashell Wood Perch (around $8 per perch) contains natural minerals (like calcium) that are healthy for a lovebird to chew on and can wear down the claws.
Avoid plastic perches because they won’t keep a parrot’s claws in check.
Ongoing Expenses
Other costs you must meet include:
Food
Without a well-balanced diet, a lovebird may be more vulnerable to Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), Egg binding, Adenovirus, and other health conditions.
According to TandFOnline, wild lovebirds eat seeds, leaves, plant fruits, and dung. Feeding a lovebird a mix of pellets, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fruits in captivity is advisable.
It’ll cost $6-24 to feed a lovebird per month.
| Item | Cost per month | Details |
| Lovebird pellet food | $2-6 | Choose pellets formulated for lovebirds, as larger parrots have slightly different dietary requirements. |
| Seeds | $2-6 | Look for one low in sunflower seeds and fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Healthier seeds include safflower, buckwheat, and pumpkin seeds. |
| Veg/Plants | $1-6 | Carrots, green peas, tomatoes, dandelion, parsley, watercress, broccoli (high in calcium), and kale. |
| Fruit | $1-6 | Bananas, berries, watermelon, figs, plums. |
| Total per month | $6-24 |
Cleaning Supplies
Lovebirds are vulnerable to yeast infections (candidiasis) and certain bacterial infections.
Choose a non-toxic cleaner from a pet store (approximately. $5-10). You may also want to buy cleaning gloves ($2), cloth(s) ($5), and cage liners ($20 for 50 sheets).
Budget about $3-5 monthly on cleaning supplies or $36-60 annually.
Claw Care
Providing textured perches and foot toys keeps the nails at the right length. That said, the lovebird may still need its nails trimmed occasionally.
Nail clippers for lovebirds cost around $15. Asking a vet to show you how to trim the nails before you do so is recommended. Some people prefer getting a vet to trim the lovebird’s nails.
Healthcare Costs
The average check-up is $25-50, although some better pet care insurance policies include check-ups.
Monthly policies range from $5 to $30. If you decide not to get insurance, budget at least $250 per year toward the lovebird’s health costs.
Toys
Lovebirds love to play. Contrary to popular belief, lovebirds can live alone, but if you choose to have just one lovebird, you’ll need to give it more attention and toys.
Budget for at least 5 new toys a year, which will cost at least $25 if you want more challenging toys.
Perches
If perches are made from rope, cut off unraveled areas because they could become a choking hazard.
A lovebird may grow accustomed to its sleeping perch, so you don’t necessarily need to switch it out unless it becomes badly damaged and worn.
Position a minimum of 3 perches at different levels to encourage the lovebird to fly, hop, and climb.
You should budget around $50 per year for perches.
Things To Consider Before Getting A Lovebird
Let’s assess the advantages and disadvantages of lovebirds as pets:
Pros:
- It’s among the most affordable parrots regarding initial and upkeep costs.
- Smaller than most parrots, they can fit into modest-sized cages.
- Sociable and friendly – you’ll rarely feel shut out by a lovebird.
- Lovebirds are cuddly pet birds that may preen your hair and nuzzle against you.
- Beautiful – no matter which species you choose, their feathers are bright and colorful.
- They’re intelligent birds that can be tamed and learn fun tricks.
Lovebirds are colorful and sweet-natured, but that doesn’t mean they suit everyone.
Cons:
- A lovebird isn’t for you if you lack time due to commitments.
- You must clean the cage regularly.
- Vocalize near-constantly, but they aren’t good talkers.
- Lovebirds live up to 25 years, making them a lengthy personal commitment.
- Despite their sweet nature and appearance, they’re usually feistier than cockatiels and budgies. Females are more likely to experience cage aggression than males.
- Lovebirds can become jealous and territorial.
Lovebirds make good pets for beginners, but they require more attention than budgerigars. Getting a pair of lovebirds will reduce the demands on your time.
