We rescued our blue front amazon, so we had to pay nothing for the bird himself. I personally wouldn't ever buy a bird (there are just so many who need to be adopted), but I have heard that most common amazon species cost between $500-$2000, depending on if they are weaned/unweaned and the breeder you get them from. Keep in mind that when you buy a parrot (especially a large one like an amazon) the actual cost of the bird is NOT the only cost you will incur upfront, or over the long-term. Plan to ALSO need to buy the following as well-
*Suitable sized cage- $500-$800 (pretty much a one time investment, so buy the biggest possible, and one you like the looks of, because it will be sitting in your living room for the next 60+ years)
*Multiple, various sized perches- $10-30 for rope perches and $25-$75 for natural wood (your bird will need about 3-4 perches in it's cage, mixed wood/rope, and variety of diameters for healthy feet). Most birds will need their perches replaced every few years (more if you get a zealous chewer).
*Appropriate parrot diet- plan to spend about $15-20 for a good quality seed or pellet mix (5lb bag lasts a little under 2 months for a single bird). Also plan to spend about $5-$8 extra every week at the grocery store buying various fresh produce (which your parrot needs daily) and whole shell nuts (a favorite, nutritious treat).
* Lots and lots of toys. Parrots destroy toys at a rate you cannot believe, and parrot specific toys cost between $10-$75 a piece. Some will last for years (like acrylic foraging or foot toys), but others, like wood chewing toys won't last 2 days. Plan to spend about $25-$50 each month keeping up on toys to keep your bird busy (and that's after you've researched other bird safe things you can give them like toilet paper rolls).
* Grooming- Most domestic parrots will need grooming every 3-4 months. This includes clipping wings (if not flighted), trimming the toenails and beak. Grooming will cost about $20.
*Vet bills- no way to tell if or when anything will ever go wrong with a parrot, but if they get sick or injured, expect the vet bills to be pretty expensive. For example, my moms DYA broke her foot, and to fix it cost over $1500.
And finally- new stainless steel pots and pans for the kitchen (if yup don't already have them). Non-stick pans are deadly to birds (the release odorless, toxic fumes that can kill a parrot in minutes), so if your buying a parrot, you will likely need to replace your cookware. Expense will depend on how nice of a set you choose.
Best of luck, and don't forget that not only is a new parrot a lifelong commitment time and attention wise, but also the most overall expensive "common" type of pet to own.
LOL
