How Much Does a Cockatoo Cost? Complete Species Price Guide 2026

Cockatoos are among the most demanding, intelligent, and long lived parrots kept as pets. Their prices vary dramatically by species, from under $1,000 for a Goffin to over $15,000 for a Palm Cockatoo. This guide walks through exactly what each commonly kept cockatoo species costs in 2026, why some species command such high prices, and what your first year of cockatoo ownership will actually add on top of the purchase.

What is the average price of a Cockatoo?

A hand raised cockatoo from a working US aviary typically costs $1,500 to $5,000 depending on species. Median pricing sits around $2,000 to $3,000 for common species like Umbrella and Sulphur Crested. To see currently available cockatoo species, browse the cockatoos category page at Mo’s Birds.

Cockatoo price by species (complete 2026 US pricing)

Cockatoo prices are driven primarily by breeding difficulty, availability in the US pet trade, and CITES status. Palm Cockatoos are near the top of the range because they are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity and are heavily protected under CITES Appendix I.

Why do Cockatoo prices vary so much?

Breeding difficulty. Some cockatoo species breed reliably in captivity (Goffin, Umbrella). Others are famously difficult (Palm, Major Mitchell). Difficult breeders produce fewer chicks per year, which drives per bird price higher.

Species popularity. Moluccan and Umbrella Cockatoos are among the most popular pet cockatoos and command premium prices even from beginner breeders. Less demanded species can be found at lower prices.

Hand feeding time. Cockatoo chicks require 16 to 24 weeks of hand feeding, longer than most parrot species. That is real breeder labour reflected in the price.

CITES protection. Palm Cockatoos and Major Mitchell Cockatoos are on CITES Appendix I, the highest protection level. This does not prevent captive breeding but adds paperwork and administrative overhead to every bird sold.

DNA sexing and health screening. Reputable breeders test every chick. See our full explanation of the DNA sexing process for parrots for how this works and what it costs.

Real first year cost of owning a Cockatoo

The bird itself is only the starting number. First year cockatoo ownership adds $2,500 to $5,000 across most species.

• Cage: $800 to $2,000 for a proper cockatoo cage. Minimum 36 by 30 by 48 inches for small cockatoos, 48 by 36 by 60 inches for medium and large. Must be stainless steel or heavy powder coated.
• Perches, bowls, and initial toys: $300 to $600
• Food (first year): $600 to $1,200 for pellets, fresh vegetables, and small amounts of nuts
• Avian vet first year: $350 to $700 including well bird check and follow up
• Emergency fund: $2,000 minimum
• Shipping (if buying out of state): $300 to $600 via Delta Cargo. See our shipping page for details.

Cockatoo lifespan by species

Every cockatoo species is a multi decade commitment. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos can outlive their owners. Cocky Bennett, a wild Sulphur Crested, was documented at 120 years old. For the full lifespan picture across parrot species, see our how long parrots live guide.

Warning signs of an underpriced Cockatoo

Cockatoos advertised well below the ranges above are almost always a warning sign. Common patterns:

• Photos pulled from other breeder websites
• Refuses live video call before payment
• Insists on wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card payment
• Cannot name the specific subspecies
• Sells unweaned chicks (dangerous and illegal in many states for cockatoos)
• Vague or shifting shipping location

Which Cockatoo is the right choice?

If you are a first time cockatoo owner: Goffin Cockatoo. Smallest and most affordable common species, shortest lifespan of the group, and generally easier temperament than Umbrella or Moluccan.

If you want a quieter cockatoo: Bare Eyed or Galah. Both are quieter than most cockatoo species and have more manageable personalities.

If you want the classic tall crested white cockatoo look: Umbrella Cockatoo. Most popular pet cockatoo. Extremely affectionate but demanding of attention.

If you are experienced with large parrots: Moluccan or Major Mitchell. Beautiful and intelligent, but highly demanding of daily interaction and prone to feather plucking.

Where to buy a Cockatoo the right way

Because cockatoo species are less commonly bred than smaller parrots, expect a waitlist from most specialty breeders. At Mo’s Birds we work with several cockatoo species from our Southern California aviary. To see currently available cockatoos, browse the cockatoos category page, browse the new born babies page, or contact Mo directly for waitlist information on any specific cockatoo species.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest cockatoo?

Goffin Cockatoo, at $800 to $1,500 hand raised in the US in 2026. Goffins are also one of the smallest cockatoo species at 12 inches, which makes them slightly more apartment friendly than larger cockatoos.

What is the most expensive cockatoo?

Palm Cockatoo, at $10,000 to $16,000 or more. Palms are extremely difficult to breed in captivity and heavily CITES protected, which drives the premium pricing.

Are cockatoos good pets for beginners?

Marginal. Cockatoos are among the most demanding parrot species in terms of daily attention needs. Even the easier species like Goffin require 4+ hours of interaction per day. For a first parrot, most avian vets recommend a smaller species first.

Are cockatoos loud?

Yes, very. Cockatoos are among the loudest parrots kept as pets. Contact calls from a Sulphur Crested or Moluccan can reach 130 decibels, louder than a jet engine at close range. Not suitable for apartments or shared walls.

Do cockatoos need a permit in the USA?

No federal permit is required to keep captive bred cockatoos as pets in the US. CITES Appendix I species (Palm, Major Mitchell) require paperwork proving captive breeding origin, but no personal permit is needed.

What is the monthly cost of owning a Cockatoo?

$150 to $300 per month for food, toy replacement (cockatoos destroy toys quickly), and vet fund contribution. Emergency vet visits sit on top of this.