how much does it cost to keep an amazon parrot?
Before you bring an Amazon Parrot home, plan for a long-term commitment involving significant setup and ongoing costs.
lifespan and daily commitment
An Amazon Parrot can live 40–60+ years, requiring a daily time commitment of at least 2–3 hours. Prepare for a space of 24–36 inches in length for the cage, and be ready for regular handling and interaction.
Handling should be gentle and consistent, as these birds can be loud and prone to weight gain without adequate flight and foraging opportunities.
Plan for daily feeding, cleaning, and playtime to ensure your parrot stays healthy and happy.
- Lifespan: 40–60+ years
- Daily time commitment: 2–3 hours
- Cage size: 24–36 inches in length
- Regular handling and interaction
one-time setup list
The initial setup includes purchasing a cage, food and water dishes, toys, and a perching stand. A sturdy, well-ventilated cage is essential for your parrot's safety and comfort.
Consider a cage with a minimum of 3 shelves and a variety of perches. A playpen or a safe room for supervised playtime is also beneficial.
- Cage: Sturdy, well-ventilated with 3 shelves and perches
- Food and water dishes
- Toys: 3–5 per cage
- Perching stand
- Playpen or safe room for supervised play
recurring consumables
Regular consumables include food, water, bedding, and cleaning supplies. Pellets should be provided in a quantity that lasts 1–2 weeks, while fresh vegetables should be offered daily.
Bedding should be changed every 3–4 days to maintain a clean environment. Use paper towels or newspaper for easy cleanup.
- Pellets: 1–2 weeks supply
- Fresh vegetables: Daily
- Bedding: Changed every 3–4 days
- Cleaning supplies: Daily
recurring costs people forget
Don't forget to budget for substrate, food, bedding, replacement equipment, and veterinary care. Substrate should be changed every 3–4 days and can last up to 6 months with regular cleaning.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial for maintaining your parrot's health. Plan for annual vet visits and be prepared for potential emergencies.
- Substrate: Changed every 3–4 days, lasts up to 6 months
- Food: Regular supply of pellets and fresh vegetables
- Bedding: Regular supply
- Replacement equipment: As needed
- Veterinary care: Annual visits, potential emergencies
are you ready checklist
Before you bring your Amazon Parrot home, ensure you have planned for the following: a long-term commitment, a suitable cage, daily feeding and handling, regular cleaning, and ongoing costs.
This checklist will help you prepare for the responsibilities of pet ownership and ensure your parrot has a happy and healthy life.
- Long-term commitment to care for the parrot's lifespan
- A suitable cage with adequate space and perches
- Daily feeding and handling schedule
- Regular cleaning routine
- Budget for ongoing costs including food, bedding, and veterinary care
Keep reading about Amazon Parrot: Amazon Parrot care sheet
Related questions
how often should i clean my parrot's cage?
The cage should be cleaned daily to remove droppings and food residue, and a thorough cleaning with a mild detergent should be done every 3–4 days.
how much should i feed my amazon parrot?
Provide a small amount of pellets in the morning and evening, along with fresh vegetables and fruits throughout the day. The amount should be enough to keep the parrot satisfied but not overfed.
how often should i change the bedding in my parrot's cage?
Bedding should be changed every 3–4 days to maintain a clean environment. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of waste and odors.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your amazon parrot is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.