Just SOME of the expenses of owning an exotic bird:
Cage--Depending on the size you need $200-$2500
Food--Pellets, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables
Toys--Lots of toys. Again, depending on the size these can range from $5-$50. Sometimes these toys are chewed up and destroyed in a matter of days, sometimes in a matter of hours. They have to be replaced.
Perches--Birds need different types of perches--wood, concrete, rope and different size perches
Playstand--You will need at least 1 play stand for your bird. These can range from $50--$500
Vet Bills--Aviary vets aren't at every vet office. This is a specialized field. You have the cost of routine care--nail, break and feather trims, then if you need tests there is blood work to test for diseases, and much more
Exotic birds chew--wood, toys, furniture, trim work, walls. They don't care that the desk belonged to your great-grandmother and is worth $5,000. To them it's something to chew on.
Bird Facts
Did you know exotic birds can live 50-80 years or longer?
Are you prepared to provide from them when they outlive you?
Did you know chocolate, avocados and fruit pits are deadly
to birds?
Did you know that fumes from Teflon cookware can kill a
bird in minutes? Are you prepared to give you your
non-stick cookware?
Did you know you CAN'T just feed a bird seed? They
need pellets, fresh fruits & veggies.
Exotic birds need a great deal of time out of their cages and
interaction with their "flock", which is you. Do you have the
time to devote?
Exotic birds are incredibly intelligent. They have to be kept
mentally stimulated.
Exotic birds can be VERY loud. How will your neighbors react
when your bird starts screaming and continues for an hour with
a sound that can be heard 1/2 mile away?
Not all birds talk, even ones that are "supposed" to. Some birds
will never talk.
How about being bitten? The most loving, gentle, friendly bird
can suddenly become aggressive. There are horror stories of
people being rushed to the emergency room after being bitten by a bird they've had for 15 years.
Did you know that a lot of exotic birds bond to one person only? Sometimes they don't like anyone else.
Bird cages MUST be kept clean. That means cleaning and
disinfecting at least once a week besides the daily clean up of
thrown food and waste.
Did you know most exotic birds are only 1-2 generations out of
the wild?
Are you ready to give up your non-stick cookware, scented
candles, air freshener, carpet freshener, incense, perfume,
jewelry and anything with a scent?
None of this is meant to discourage anyone from owning an exotic bird. They are truly wonderful companions that enrich our lives and hopefully we enrich theirs just a little. But, and that's a huge BUT, you have to be aware of what to expect. These aren't cats and dogs that you can just feed and take outside. Exotic birds must be handled, played with, interacted with. They need to be bathed at least once a week, sometimes more.