How Much Do Lovebirds Cost? 2026 Prices by Color & Species

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.

Comparing young birds? Our guide to baby lovebird growth and weaning explains what to ask about age and readiness before pickup.

Ready to bring home a Lovebird? Check current listings for availability and ask what is included for the specific bird.

Lovebirds for sale →

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. Treat these figures as planning estimates. Confirm the listed price for the specific bird, whether the quote covers a single bird or a pair, and which services are included. To see the currently available lovebirds and colour mutations we hand raise, browse the Morphnests 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. For a closer look at what each one actually looks like, see our lovebird colors and mutations guide.

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?

Ask for a quote for the specific pair and confirm whether the listing price covers one bird or both. Consider the needs of the individual birds before choosing a single bird or a pair.

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

Morphnests offers Southern California pickup by appointment. Ask Mo about the specific bird’s testing records and whether delivery is available to your ZIP code. 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. Ready to buy? See our lovebirds for sale guide for everything to check before you choose a 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?

Pair pricing varies. Ask whether the listed price covers both birds and whether they are already bonded.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do lovebirds cost?

Lovebird prices range roughly $80–$500 depending on species, color mutation, and age.

Are lovebirds for sale near me shipped or local pickup only?

Local pickup is available by appointment in Southern California. Ask Mo to confirm delivery eligibility and cost for your bird and ZIP code.

Are Morphnests lovebirds DNA-sexed?

DNA sexing is optional. Ask which tests have been performed on the individual bird and whether a certificate or individual panel is included.