September 27, 2026 · Guides
African Grey Parrot Price Guide for the US and Canada (2026)
If you’re searching for an African grey parrot for sale in the US or Canada, the first number you’ll run into is the price. It varies more than most buyers expect, and the low end of that range is where most parrot scams live.
What a Congo African grey actually costs
From a reputable North American breeder, a hand-raised, DNA-sexed Congo African grey (Psittacus erithacus) typically runs from around $2,500 to $6,000, with much of the market clustering near $3,000 to $4,000. The Timneh African grey, a separate, smaller species, is usually a few hundred dollars less. Prices move with the bird’s age, how far along its weaning is, its lineage, and how much hands-on socialization it has had before it goes home.
What the price is paying for
- Time. Hand-feeding a chick on a weighed schedule for weeks, then supervising its own weaning, is labor a breeder can’t shortcut.
- DNA sexing. Greys aren’t visually sexed, so a lab certificate is the only reliable answer.
- An avian vet check. A pre-sale exam from a vet who actually treats birds, not just cats and dogs.
- Paperwork. A closed leg ring fitted at hatch, and in the UK, the Article 10 certificate required for Annex A species.
Budget beyond the purchase price
The bird itself is the smaller line item over its lifetime. Plan for a cage (often $300–$900 for something large enough for a grey), toys and foraging enrichment, pellets and fresh food, and an annual avian vet visit. Many owners land around $75–$150 a month once the bird is settled. African greys commonly live 40 to 60 years, so this is a decades-long budget, not a one-time purchase.
Why “too cheap” is the biggest red flag
Genuine parrot scams almost always undercut the market rather than match it. A grey advertised at a few hundred dollars, especially paired with pressure to wire money quickly or pay a stranger’s “relocation” or shipping fee, is a well-documented scam pattern, not a lucky find. A legitimate breeder’s price reflects real labor and real veterinary costs; it won’t be a fraction of the market range.
Questions worth asking before you pay anything
- Can I see the bird live on a video call, not just in photos?
- What is the leg ring number, and does it match the paperwork?
- Is the price close to the market range, or suspiciously below it?
- Am I collecting the bird in person, or being asked to pay a courier or “shipping agent” first?
For more on what to check before you commit, see our guide on spotting an African grey parrot scam, or browse African grey parrots currently listed with their ring numbers and prices shown upfront.