How Much Do Lovebirds Cost? Real Prices by Color and Species in 2026
Lovebirds are the most affordable true parrot commonly kept as pets in the US, and their small size, striking colours, and huge personalities have made them one of the top choices for first time bird owners. But prices vary widely depending on species, colour mutation, source, and whether the bird was hand raised or parent raised. This guide walks through what you should actually expect to pay for a lovebird in 2026, why the price differences exist, and what your ongoing ownership costs look like after the purchase.
What is the average price of a lovebird in the USA?
A hand raised lovebird from a working US aviary costs $80 to $500 in 2026, depending on species and colour mutation. The median hand raised classic green normal sits around $120 to $180. To see the currently available lovebirds and colour mutations we hand raise, browse the Mo’s Birds lovebirds category.
Lovebird price by species
The three lovebird species you will actually find for sale in the US pet trade have similar but not identical pricing.
Peach Faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis). The most common and most colour varied species. Classic green normals run $80 to $180. Common colour mutations $150 to $300. Rare combined mutations reach $500.
Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri). Slightly smaller and more slender. Classic natural colouring runs $100 to $200. Common colour mutations $180 to $350. Fewer mutations exist than in Peach Faced.
Masked Lovebird (Agapornis personatus). Distinct black head and yellow collar. Classic green and blue masked run $100 to $250.
Lovebird price by colour mutation
Colour mutations do change the price, but the gap is smaller than in most other parrot species. Here is the general 2026 US market picture.
| Mutation | Description | Price Range |
| Green Normal | Wild type coloration | $80 to $180 |
| Lutino | Yellow body, red face, red eyes | $150 to $280 |
| Dutch Blue | Blue body, white face | $150 to $280 |
| Whiteface | Pale creamy face | $180 to $300 |
| Pied | Yellow patches on green or blue | $150 to $250 |
| Cinnamon | Softer brown grey base | $180 to $300 |
| Violet | Deep violet blue rump | $250 to $400 |
| Rare combined mutations | Two or more mutations | $300 to $500 |
Why do lovebird prices vary so much?
Two lovebirds advertised at the same price can be genuinely different birds. Here is what justifies a higher price.
Hand feeding. A hand raised lovebird has been fed with warm formula from around 2 weeks of age through weaning at 6 to 8 weeks. That is 4 to 6 weeks of daily labour by the breeder. Parent raised lovebirds are significantly cheaper but require months of taming work.
DNA sexing. Lovebirds are not visually sexually dimorphic. A DNA sexing certificate adds $30 to $80 to the price and is worth getting.
Species and mutation rarity. Peach Faced normals are the most common and lowest priced. Fischer’s and Masked lovebirds trend slightly higher because they are less prolific breeders.
Age at purchase. Weaned babies (6 to 12 weeks) command the highest price. Older birds are typically less expensive but often require patience.
Real first year cost of owning a lovebird
The bird is just the starting number. First year ownership adds another $300 to $700 on top of the purchase price.
- Cage: $100 to $300 for a proper lovebird cage (minimum 18 by 18 by 24 inches)
- Perches, bowls, and initial toys: $50 to $150
- Food (first year): $120 to $240 for pellets, vegetables, and small amounts of seed
- Avian vet first year: $150 to $350 including well bird check
- Emergency fund (recommended): $300 minimum
- Shipping (if buying out of state): $150 to $350 via cargo. See our shipping page for exactly how live bird shipping works.
One lovebird or a pair: does it change the price?
Buying two lovebirds together typically means the breeder discounts the pair by 10 to 20 percent versus buying each separately. But before you assume you need two, understand the trade off:
- A single hand raised lovebird with daily human contact will bond strongly to you. Perfect if you want a pet you can interact with.
- A pair of lovebirds housed together will bond to each other, ignore humans more, and be noisier. Perfect if you want the visual joy without daily interaction.
Neither is wrong. Just know what you actually want before buying two.
Warning signs of an underpriced lovebird
Lovebirds advertised for $30 to $60 from a supposed hand raising breeder are almost always parent raised (not tame), wholesale rehomes, or scams. Real hand feeding costs more than $60 in formula and time alone. Common warning signs:
- Refuses to send video before payment
- Insists on wire transfer or gift cards
- Cannot name the specific species or mutation
- Sells birds younger than 6 weeks (unweaned)
How long do lovebirds live?
A well cared for lovebird lives 15 to 20 years. Poor diet, especially seed only feeding, is the single biggest factor that cuts lovebird lifespan short. For the full lifespan picture across parrot species, see our how long parrots live guide.
Where to buy a lovebird the right way
At Mo’s Birds we hand raise lovebirds in Southern California, DNA sex every bird before it leaves, and ship nationwide via Delta Cargo. To see currently available colour mutations, visit our lovebirds category page, browse the new born babies page for the latest chicks, or contact Mo directly for photos and video of any specific bird.
Frequently asked questions
How much is one lovebird?
A single hand raised lovebird costs $80 to $500 depending on species and colour mutation. Most classic green normals sit around $120 to $180.
Are lovebirds cheaper in pairs?
Yes. Buying a pair typically saves 10 to 20 percent compared to buying two birds separately. Just be sure a pair is what you actually want, since paired birds bond to each other and ignore humans more.
Why are some lovebirds so expensive?
Rare colour mutations, combined mutations, and specific rare species can reach $400 to $500. Hand feeding time, DNA sexing, and health screening also raise legitimate prices.
Do lovebirds need to be in pairs?
No. This is a persistent myth. A single hand raised lovebird with daily human contact is perfectly happy and often bonds more closely with its owner than a paired bird will.
What is the monthly cost of owning a lovebird?
$25 to $50 per month for food, toy replacement, and vet fund contribution. This is one of the cheapest parrots to keep long term.
Can I keep a lovebird in an apartment?
Yes. Lovebirds are small and their contact calls are moderate. A single lovebird is significantly quieter than a pair. They are apartment friendly if you have understanding neighbours.