Yikes-Expensive Parrot!

[cfulhage]

I've been organizing Ollie's bird book this weekend and I decided to do a tally of how much I've spent on her in the 7 1/2 months I've had her, plus all the pre-baby bird stuff.

This is just from reciepts I've kept, and mainly since I've been here in Manhattan, so there are about 2 months unaccounted for. This does NOT include fresh foods and anything else I would have gotten from the grocery store (which would add up since I make like 2 trips a week just for her), but it does include handfeeding formula and pellets. It also includes cages, toys/toy parts, lighting, and her PVC gyms.

Here is the approximate not including the breeder fees of little princess herself: $1769.79....

No wonder I'm basically broke!!

[Xavier]

WOW!

I have a bird book for Aree, but I haven't started it yet. Better hurry, or else their isn't much point...

I guess that's why you love her so much!

[poi_lover]

I'm glad you posted that! It helps people realize there is no such thing as a *free* bird. So many people seem to think you just put them in a cage and and leave them there with no toys and never take them out!

Does that include any vet costs?

[cfulhage]

She had one well bird check that was $31, and yes, that was included. It also included her DNA sexing, which wasn't exactly a necessary expense. Well, a lot of it probably isn't necessary, but I love her so I don't mind spoiling her a bit.

Ollie's bird book is the one of the best things I could have done...it keeps all her information in one easy to find place. I just wish I would have been more diligent with keeping receipts- it would be interesting to know the exact cost of her!

I agree that many people don't realize the cost of owning a parrot. Or else they just plain aren't spending enough money. Like that poor cag, Valentine, who's owners just spent the breeder fee + enough to fill her food bowl up a few times a week (if that). Parrots are very expensive- and people need to be more aware of that before buying one!

I knew what I was getting into with Ollie- I knew I would be spending a lot of money on her for basically my whole life, it's just crazy seeing it in one grand total! Next time I'm in the pet store thinking about buying her yet another toy, I will definitely remind myself of that +2 grand I've already spent, and the tub of toys she already has!!

[Lisa B]

I wont even attempt to add up what these little guys here cost

[MandysBlackRoses]

I hear you all... Im thinking the tally for the new Greenwing is at 3,400 and she has only been home three days. The grocery store alone was 80 dollars. ( and she wastes most of it! lol) Im sure it well worth it for a healthy pet, but hubby says one more "pet" and he's packing his bags lol. Hmmm, with his big screen gone out of my living room, I think I may be able to fit in another cage! HA HA

[Tiki]

Hey, at least they are still cheaper than human kids!

[poi_lover]

I think my initial visit for my Meyer's amounted to about what I paid for her. The vet tested her for everything, she got a polyoma vaccination, a physical, poop sample, CBC, gram stain, DNA, etc. I'm thinking it was about 500 bucks...maybe more...but I can't remember. I'll have to find out what it was next time I go to the vet. Her AV is definitely not cheap!

I can't remember the cost of my Senegal's visit. I imagine it was about the same. However, he was older and didn't get the polyoma vaccine. I think he had already had one anyway.

However, we are very lucky that the AV is about 5-10 minutes from home.

[MaryG1959]

Lisa

I know the feeling....I'd say it would be close to several thousand dollars up to this point.

At least---

Mary

[FeathersNFur8]

I don't think there's a fid owner among us that wouldn't agree that they all add up to quite a few dollars and cents, but what they give us in return is worth every penny.
Oh, we really should keep the 'bottom line' hush hush. The rest of the world already thinks that were nuts. We shouldn't add fuel to the fire, LOL.