How to Choose Parrots and Parrot Eggs for Sale: A Complete Buyer's Guide

When searching for parrots and parrot eggs for sale, the most important step is ensuring you're working with ethical, legal, and reputable breeders who prioritize animal welfare. Healthy, hand-raised parrots from verified sources typically adapt better to home environments and have fewer behavioral issues 1. Fertile parrot eggs should only be purchased if you have proper incubation facilities and knowledge of avian reproduction, as improper handling leads to high mortality rates 2. Always verify CITES permits for endangered species like macaws or cockatoos before purchase.

About parrots and parrot eggs for sale

The term "parrots and parrot eggs for sale" refers to live birds or fertile eggs offered by breeders, pet stores, or private sellers for companionship, breeding programs, or aviculture collections. Parrots—ranging from small budgerigars to large macaws—are intelligent, long-lived birds known for their ability to mimic speech and form strong bonds with humans 3. Parrot eggs, on the other hand, are primarily sought by experienced aviculturists aiming to hatch and raise chicks under controlled conditions.

Common use cases include:

Companion pets in households seeking interactive animals
Breeding operations focused on rare or color-mutated species
Educational institutions or wildlife sanctuaries expanding aviary populations
Conservation efforts involving captive breeding of threatened species

It’s critical to understand that purchasing either live parrots or fertile eggs involves significant responsibility, legal compliance, and long-term care commitments.

Why parrots and parrot eggs for sale is gaining popularity

Interest in acquiring parrots and parrot eggs for sale has grown due to increasing awareness of exotic pet ownership, advancements in avian veterinary medicine, and online marketplaces making it easier to connect with specialized breeders. Social media platforms have also fueled demand, showcasing talking parrots and rare color mutations that attract enthusiasts 4.

Additionally, some buyers seek fertile eggs to participate in conservation-oriented breeding programs, especially for species listed under CITES Appendix I or II, such as hyacinth macaws or palm cockatoos. However, this rise in demand has also led to illegal trafficking and unethical breeding practices, emphasizing the need for due diligence when selecting suppliers.

Types and variants

Different types of parrots—and corresponding eggs—are available depending on size, temperament, lifespan, and care requirements. Below are common categories:

1. Small Parrots (e.g., Budgerigars, Lovebirds, Parrotlets)

Pros: Affordable, easy to house, suitable for beginners
Cons: Shorter lifespans (5–15 years), less vocal complexity than larger species

2. Medium-Sized Parrots (e.g., Conures, Pionus, Quaker Parrots)

Pros: Balanced personality, moderately sized cages needed, good talkers
Cons: Can be noisy; some species prone to feather plucking if stressed

3. Large Parrots (e.g., African Greys, Amazons, Macaws)

Pros: Highly intelligent, excellent mimics, form deep emotional bonds
Cons: Require large enclosures, extensive socialization, and can live over 50 years

4. Parrot Eggs (Fertile, Incubation-Ready)

Pros: Opportunity to hand-raise tame chicks, valuable for breeding programs
Cons: High risk without proper equipment; require precise temperature/humidity control

Note: Egg viability depends on freshness, storage conditions, and species-specific incubation timelines 5. Candling after 5–7 days helps assess embryo development.

Key features and specifications to evaluate

Before buying parrots and parrot eggs for sale, consider these essential evaluation criteria:

Health Indicators (for live birds): Bright eyes, clean nostrils, smooth feathers, active behavior, no labored breathing 6
Age & Weaning Status: Hand-fed weaned chicks are ideal for bonding; unweaned chicks require round-the-clock feeding
CITES Documentation: Required for international trade of protected species; verify authenticity directly with issuing authority
Egg Quality: Shells should be intact, clean, and stored at 18–20°C (64–68°F) before incubation 7
Veterinary Clearance: Request recent fecal tests, PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease), and Chlamydia screening results
Socialization Level: Birds exposed to human interaction early tend to be more adaptable

Pros and cons

When owning parrots or hatching eggs is appropriate:

You have time for daily interaction (several hours for large species)
You can afford long-term veterinary care and quality nutrition
You’re committed to housing requirements (large flight cages, safe rooms)
You’re involved in a registered breeding program with proper permits

When it may not be suitable:

Limited space or noisy environment (e.g., apartments with thin walls)
Inconsistent schedule preventing regular care
Lack of access to avian veterinarians
Intent to resell without understanding import/export laws

How to choose parrots and parrot eggs for sale

Follow this step-by-step guide to make an informed decision:

Define Your Goals: Are you looking for a family pet, a breeding pair, or a rare mutation project?
Research Species Needs: Match bird size, noise level, and lifespan to your lifestyle.
Locate Reputable Breeders: Look for members of organizations like American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) or local avian societies 8.
Visit Facilities In Person: Observe cleanliness, bird behavior, and ask about diet and medical records.
Verify Legal Compliance: Ensure CITES paperwork is complete for restricted species.
Ask About Parentage (for eggs): Known lineage reduces genetic disorder risks.
Check Return Policies & Health Guarantees: Reputable sellers offer short-term health warranties.
Avoid Red Flags: No documentation, pressure to buy immediately, refusal to allow inspections, or unusually low prices.

Price & market insights

Pricing varies widely based on species, rarity, age, and region:

Budgerigar: $20–$50
Lovebird: $75–$150
Conure: $200–$400
African Grey: $800–$1,500+
Macaw: $1,500–$5,000+ (up to $15,000 for hyacinth macaws)
Fertile Parrot Egg: $100–$500+, depending on species and breeder reputation

Higher prices don’t always mean better quality. Focus on health, temperament, and documentation rather than appearance alone. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true—illegally imported birds often enter markets at discounted rates 9.

Top-seller & competitive analysis

While specific models aren't applicable, certain species dominate sales due to popularity and availability. The table below compares commonly traded parrots:

Species	Avg. Price	Lifespan	Talk Ability	Best For
Budgerigar	$20–$50	5–10 yrs	Moderate	Beginners, children
Green-Cheeked Conure	$250–$350	20–30 yrs	Basic words	Families, apartment living
African Grey (Timneh)	$1,200–$1,800	40–50 yrs	Exceptional	Experienced owners
Blue & Gold Macaw	$1,500–$2,500	50–70 yrs	High vocabulary	Spacious homes, handlers

Note: Prices reflect U.S. averages from licensed breeders as of 2024. Always confirm vaccination history and socialization level regardless of cost.

Customer feedback synthesis

Analysis of buyer reviews across forums and retail sites reveals consistent themes:

Common Praises:

“My hand-raised conure bonded quickly and learned phrases within weeks.”
“The breeder provided full medical records and answered all my questions patiently.”
“Eggs arrived safely packed with detailed incubation instructions.”

Recurring Complaints:

“Bird showed signs of illness within days—no refund offered.”
“CITES certificate was fake; customs seized the bird upon arrival.”
“Egg never developed despite following guidelines—possibly non-fertile.”
“Seller refused video calls or facility visits, which should’ve been a red flag.”

These patterns highlight the importance of transparency, health verification, and secure shipping protocols.

Sourcing & supplier tips

To safely source parrots and parrot eggs for sale:

Purchase only from breeders who allow facility tours or virtual walkthroughs
Use escrow services for high-value transactions to ensure delivery and condition
For international shipments, confirm adherence to CITES and USDA APHIS regulations 10
If buying in bulk (e.g., for aviaries), request genetic diversity reports to avoid inbreeding
Consider adopting from rescues instead of buying—many rehomed parrots are well-socialized and vet-checked

Maintenance, safety & legal considerations

Owning parrots or hatching eggs comes with ongoing responsibilities:

Diet: Provide pelleted food supplemented with fresh fruits/vegetables; avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine
Caging: Minimum cage size should allow full wing extension; bar spacing must prevent head entrapment
Toxicity Risks: Keep away from Teflon fumes, aerosols, and lead-based paints
Zoonotic Diseases: Practice hygiene when handling droppings; test for psittacosis if respiratory symptoms appear 11
Legal Requirements: Some states (e.g., Hawaii, California) restrict certain parrot species; check local ordinances before purchase
Breeding Permits: Required in many jurisdictions for commercial hatching operations

Conclusion

Choosing the right parrots and parrot eggs for sale requires careful research, ethical sourcing, and a commitment to lifelong care. Prioritize health, legality, and breeder transparency over price or aesthetics. Whether adopting a companion parrot or incubating fertile eggs, responsible ownership ensures both animal welfare and personal satisfaction. When in doubt, consult an avian veterinarian or certified aviculturist before finalizing any purchase.

FAQs

Q: How can I tell if a parrot egg is fertile?
A: Use candling after 5–7 days of incubation to detect blood vessels or embryonic development 12.

Q: Do I need a license to buy parrot eggs?
A: While personal possession may not require one, hatching and selling chicks often does—check state and federal regulations.

Q: Can I import parrots from overseas?
A: Yes, but only with valid CITES permits and compliance with USDA entry requirements, including quarantine periods.

Q: What should I feed a newly hatched parrot chick?
A: Use commercial hand-feeding formula every 2–3 hours at correct temperatures; consult a vet for species-specific guidance.

Q: Are parrot eggs for sale safe to ship?
A: Yes, if packed in insulated containers with temperature control and shipped overnight—but success depends on handling and timing.