You might already know there are several types of cockatoos in the world. Some types have further sub-types, and some types have produced hybrids with other types. So there are several kinds of cockatoos, and their cost also varies.
The average cost of an adult cockatoo is $1000-1500. The most expensive species cost up to $7500, whereas the least expensive species cost as low as $100. The type of species, age, gender, behavior, training, breeding history, and availability also impact the cost. Some rare breeds sell for as high as $23000.
Generally, the cost of baby cockatoos is almost half or one-third the price of adult cockatoos. But in some species, the babies sell for higher prices especially if the species is rare.
Following is a detailed price breakdown of all cockatoo species.
| Species | Adult | Young (Tame) |
|---|---|---|
| Umbrella Cockatoo | $2000-2500 | $1200-1500 |
| Black Palm Cockatoo | $5000-7500 | $3500-4500 |
| Sulphur-crested Cockatoo | $2500-3000 | $1500-2000 |
| Galah Cockatoo | $2000-2500 | $1200-1500 |
| Moluccan Cockatoo | $2000-2500 | $1200-1500 |
| Red-tailed Black Cockatoo | $2500-3500 | $1500-2000 |
| Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo | $2500-3500 | $1500-2000 |
| Citron-crested Cockatoo | $2000-2500 | $1200-1500 |
| Gang-gang Cockatoo | $1800-2200 | $1200-1500 |
| Bare-eyed Cockatoo | $2000-2500 | $1200-1500 |
| Blue-eyed Cockatoo | $5000-6000 | $3000-4000 |
| Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo | $5000-6000 | $3000-4000 |
| Goffin’s Cockatoo | $2000-2500 | $1200-1500 |
| Long-billed Corella Cockatoo | $2000-2500 | $1200-1500 |
| Glossy Black Cockatoo | $5000-6000 | $4000-5000 |
| Ducorps Corella Cockatoo | $2000-2500 | $1200-1500 |
| Cockatiel (Cockatoo) | $100-300 | $50-200 |
Now let’s discuss the cost of all cockatoo species in detail.
Umbrella Cockatoo
The Umbrella cockatoo (also called white cockatoo) is completely white. It has a large white crest that makes it beautiful. A full-grown Umbrella cockatoo sells for $2000-2500, and a young tamed bird sells for 1200-1500.
Black Palm Cockatoo
Black Palm cockatoos are the largest parrots in the world. They become great pets but they don’t breed well in captivity. The cost of an adult Black Palm cockatoo is $7500-5000, and the cost of a tamed young bird is $3500-4500. However, being in high demand and rare, Black Palm cockatoos are sold for up to $23000 in the USA.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
Sulphur-crested cockatoos are among the most adored species of cockatoos. They are a good start if you are looking to buy a large cockatoo. The cost of an adult Sulphur-crested cockatoo is $2500-3000, and the cost of a tamed young bird is $1500-2000.
Moluccan Cockatoo
Moluccan cockatoos look slightly pink as they have a red tinge. They also look similar to sulphur-crested and blue-eyed cockatoos. The cost of an adult Moluccan Cockatoo is $2000-2500, and the cost of a tamed young bird is $1200-1500.
Galah Cockatoo
Galah cockatoos are medium-sized cockatoos. They are easy to train and bond with but they are not as talkative as most large cockatoos. But they are easy to breed in captivity. The cost of an adult Galah cockatoo is $2000-2500, and the cost of a tamed young cockatoo is $1200-1500.
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
Red-tailed Black cockatoos are one of the rarest cockatoo species in the world. An adult Red-tailed black cockatoo costs $2500-3000, and a tame bird costs $1500-2000. Since they are hard to find and breed in captivity, some breeders in the USA sell them for up to $12000 each.
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are very playful and adorable birds. But they are more suited for experienced cockatoo keepers. The cost of an adult Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is $2500-3500, and a young tamed bird costs $1500-2000.
Citron-crested Cockatoo
Citron-crested cockatoos are almost the same as Sulphur-crested cockatoos. The only difference is the color of their crest. An adult Citron-crested cockatoo costs $2000-2500, and a young tamed Citron-crested cockatoo costs $1200-1500.
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Gang-gang cocaktoos are medium-size cockatoos. Both birds have grey scales on the entire body except the male has a red head. An adult Gang-gang cockatoo costs $1800-2200, and a young tamed Gang-gang cockatoo costs $1200-1500.
Bare-eyed Cockatoo
Bare-eyed cockatoos are slightly larger than the Gang-gang cockatoos. An adult Bare-eyed cockatoo costs $2000-2500, and a young tamed Bare-eyed cockatoo costs $1200-1500.
Blue-eyed Cockatoo:
Blue-eyed cockatoos have a blue eye ring and a yellow crest (similar to sulphur-crested cockatoos). They are one of the rarest cockatoos species in the world. Since they require great care, I recommend skipping their breed and getting another breed as pet. An adult Blue-eyed cockatoo costs $5000-6000, and a tamed young bird costs $3000-4000.
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
Like Red-tailed Black cockatoos, Yellow-tailed Black cockatoos are rare. An adult Yellow Tailed Black cockatoo costs $5000-6000 while a young tamed bird costs $3000-4000. However, taking advantage of their rarity, some breeders sell them for as high as $12000.
Goffin’s Cockatoo
Goffin’s cockatoos are also medium-sized cockatoos. They are a sub-species of corella cockatoos. The cost of an adult Goffin’s cockatoo is $2000-2500, and the price of a young tame bird is $1200-1500.
Long-billed Corella Cockatoo
Long-billed corella cockatoos are slightly larger than Goffin’s cockatoos. They have a beautiful red patch on their forehead and neck. An adult Long-billed Corella cockatoo costs $2000-2500, and a tamed young Long-billed Corella cockatoo costs $1200-1500.
Glossy Black Cockatoo
Glossy black cockatoos are very rare in certain regions. They are rare in captivity and they are hard to find. An adult Glossy Black cockatoo costs $5000-6000, and a young tamed Glossy Black cockatoo costs $4000-5000.
Ducorps Corella Cockatoo
Durcorps Corella cockatoos look like a miniature version of Umbrella-crested cockatoos. But Durcorps Corella cockatoos have a slight red tinge on their entire body. An adult Ducorps Corella cockatoo costs $2000-2500, and a young tamed Ducorps Corella cockatoo costs $1200-1500.
Cockatiel (Cockatoo)
Cockatiels are best cockatoo species for starters. They are very affectionate, loving and passionate to learn. Moreover, they are the least expensive species of cockatoos. An adult cockatiel costs $100-300, and a young tamed cockatiel costs $60-200. Unlike other cockatoos, cockatiels exist in various body colors; they may have black or red eyes.
So their cost also varies according to their body and eye color. Generally, red-eyed white and yellow (lutino) cockatiels are the most expensive among all cockatiel colors.
Final Thoughts
Most cockatoo species are expensive, for starters. Fortunately, a cockatiel costs just $60. Cockatiels are just smaller than other cockatoo species by nature and look; they are no less playful than other cockatoo species.
So if this is your first time buying a cockatoo and you are on a short budget, I recommend getting a cockatiel. You’ll love it.
