Parrot Prices in the UK — 2026 Guide
Parrot prices in the UK vary enormously — from a few hundred pounds for a hand-raised Conure to several thousand for a rare Hyacinth Macaw or Spix's Macaw. Understanding what drives price differences helps you budget appropriately and identify suspicious deals.
What determines parrot prices?
Multiple factors drive the price of a hand-raised parrot in the UK:
- Species rarity: CITES Appendix I species (African Grey, Hyacinth Macaw, Scarlet Macaw) command higher prices due to regulated breeding and documentation costs
- Age: young, weaned birds (6–12 months) typically cost more than adults; true fledglings requiring hand-feeding are highest
- Hand-raising quality: birds with extensive human socialisation, consistent handling, and enrichment experience cost more — and are worth more as companions
- Documentation: legitimate CITES papers, health certificates, and ring IDs add cost but are non-negotiable for legal birds
- Country of origin: purchasing from a European specialist breeder with a strong reputation typically costs more than buying from a local seller without documentation — and is infinitely safer
- Availability: seasonal; breeding produces birds at specific times of year, and popular species with limited production sell quickly at premium
Price ranges by species (approximate, 2026)
These are indicative ranges. Contact us directly for current pricing:
- Green-cheeked Conure: £300–£500
- Sun Conure: £400–£700
- Pionus Parrot: £500–£900
- Eclectus Parrot: £700–£1,200
- Amazon Parrot (Blue-fronted): £800–£1,500
- African Grey (Congo): £1,000–£2,500
- Caique: £600–£1,000
- Cockatoo (Galah): £600–£1,200
- Blue-and-Yellow Macaw: £1,200–£2,500
- Catalina Macaw: £1,500–£3,000
- Scarlet Macaw: £2,000–£4,000
- Green-wing Macaw: £2,000–£3,500
- Hyacinth Macaw: £8,000–£20,000+
Warning signs of suspiciously low prices
If a price seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Be extremely wary of: birds offered at half the typical market rate, sellers who cannot provide original CITES documentation, "pet only" birds sold without papers, birds described as "captive bred" without a registered breeder's details, and any online listing from anonymous sellers with no verifiable facility.
The cost of veterinary care for a sick, undocumented bird — plus the legal implications of unknowingly owning an improperly documented animal — will far exceed any apparent saving at point of purchase.
The true cost of ownership
The purchase price is the smallest component of the lifetime cost of a large parrot. A macaw living 60 years will cost considerably more in food, vet care, housing, and enrichment than its initial price tag. Budget carefully and honestly for the full responsibility of parrot ownership.
