how much are parakeets at petsmart? 5 Things to Know Before You Buy

If you’re thinking about getting a parakeet from PetSmart, knowing what to expect in terms of cost is a great first step. The price of the bird itself is just the beginning though. Between the cage, food, toys, and vet visits, the total cost of parakeet ownership goes well beyond the sticker price on the cage at the store.

Here’s a breakdown of what parakeets cost at PetSmart and everything else you should budget for.

How Much Does a Parakeet Cost at PetSmart?

At PetSmart, a standard parakeet (budgerigar) typically costs between $20 and $40. The exact price depends on your location, the specific coloring of the bird, and current availability. Some rarer color varieties may cost slightly more, while standard green and blue parakeets tend to be on the lower end of that range.

PetSmart occasionally runs sales or bundle deals that include a parakeet with a basic cage setup. These bundles can offer savings compared to buying everything separately, though the included items are usually basic quality that you may want to upgrade later.

It’s worth noting that PetSmart’s parakeets come from large scale breeders. While these birds are generally healthy, they may not be as well socialized as parakeets from a small, dedicated breeder. Hand raised birds from private breeders typically cost more ($40 to $100 or more) but are often tamer and more comfortable with human interaction from the start.

Essential Supplies and Their Costs

The cage is your biggest upfront expense after the bird itself. A suitable parakeet cage should be at least 18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 18 inches tall, though bigger is always better. Expect to spend $40 to $100 for a decent cage from PetSmart. Bar spacing should be no more than half an inch to prevent escape or injury.

Food costs include a quality seed or pellet mix ($5 to $15 per bag, lasting about a month), cuttlebone ($2 to $5), and fresh fruits and vegetables from your grocery budget. A complete diet is important for parakeet health, and relying solely on seeds leads to nutritional deficiencies.

Toys and perches run about $20 to $50 for an initial setup. Parakeets need mental stimulation, and they’ll quickly become bored without toys to play with. Plan on replacing toys regularly as they get worn out or chewed up. Variety is key because parakeets get bored with the same toys over time.

Cage liners, cleaning supplies, and a water bottle or dish add another $10 to $20 to your startup costs. A basic first aid kit for birds is also worth having on hand.

Ongoing Monthly Costs

After the initial setup, parakeets are relatively inexpensive pets to maintain. Monthly food costs typically run $10 to $20, including seed or pellet mix, fresh produce, and treats. Cage liners and cleaning supplies add about $5 to $10 per month.

Toy replacement and enrichment items average about $10 to $15 per month, though this can vary depending on how quickly your parakeet destroys things. Some months you’ll spend more, others less.

All told, expect to spend roughly $25 to $45 per month on ongoing parakeet care. This makes them one of the most affordable pets to maintain, which is part of their appeal for budget conscious pet owners.

Veterinary Costs

Veterinary care is the expense most new parakeet owners don’t plan for, and it can be the most significant. An initial wellness exam with an avian veterinarian typically costs $50 to $100. Annual checkups run about the same.

If your parakeet gets sick, vet costs can add up quickly. Avian medicine is a specialty, and treatment for common bird illnesses can range from $100 to $500 or more depending on the issue. Not all veterinarians treat birds, so you’ll want to locate an avian vet in your area before you need one.

Setting aside a small emergency fund for unexpected vet bills is smart. Even $200 to $300 saved specifically for bird care can make the difference between being able to treat an illness promptly or facing a tough decision.

What to Look for When Buying

When picking out a parakeet at PetSmart, take your time and observe the birds before making a decision. A healthy parakeet should be active, alert, and have bright, clear eyes. Their feathers should be smooth and clean, not puffed up or ragged.

Look at the bird’s droppings in the cage. Healthy parakeet droppings are small with a green and white component. Watery, discolored, or unusual droppings can indicate illness.

Check that the bird’s beak and feet look normal. The beak should be smooth and properly aligned, and the feet should have a firm grip with no swelling or crusting. Nostrils (cere) should be clean and free of discharge.

Avoid birds that are sitting on the bottom of the cage, have discharge from the eyes or nose, or appear lethargic. These can be signs of illness that could result in expensive vet bills or heartbreak shortly after purchase.

Total First Year Cost Breakdown

Adding everything up gives you a realistic picture of what parakeet ownership costs in the first year. The bird itself runs $20 to $40. The cage and initial setup costs $70 to $170. An initial vet visit is $50 to $100. Monthly maintenance for 12 months totals $300 to $540.

That puts the total first year cost at roughly $440 to $850. After the first year, annual costs drop to about $350 to $700, assuming no major veterinary emergencies.

Parakeets typically live 7 to 15 years with proper care, so this is a long term commitment. The lifetime cost of owning a parakeet, while much lower than a dog or cat, is still something to consider carefully before making the purchase.