African Grey Parrot Price in India (2026): Costs, Rules & Guide

There can be two African Greys that look the same on a seller's screen, yet one is priced at ₹80,000 and the other at ₹3,50,000. The gap typically isn't about feathers. Age, training, and one thing most buyers overlook - paperwork.

Here's the twist. The Hindu made RTI applications to 19 States and Union Territories, and only Kerala reported any breeder licence applications for this parrot, a mere 17. Yet Greys are sold openly in pet markets all over the country. When choosing to compare the african grey parrot price in India, then you should be aware first of the legal cost of the bird and why a cheap one is generally a bad idea.

The prices below are derived from the guides for the year 2026 from Petsworth Guide and Pet House.

Hand-taming alone can add ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. The reason for already talking birds being more expensive was not because they are rare, but because they have had many years of work put into them.

The City data begins at a higher level than the national low, so consider it a metro benchmark. Mumbai and Delhi are on top. The Galiff Street market in Kolkata is cheaper, but birds are often sold without documentation.

The Congo Grey is the type most commonly sold in India. It's the big bird (33-40cm in length) with a bright red tail and a black beak and will be found at the higher end of the price spectrum.

The Timneh is smaller (28 to 33 cm) and darker grey, with a maroon tail and a partially horn-coloured upper beak. Pet House lists it at ₹70,000 to ₹1,30,000. According to Timneh fans, it settles in quicker and can begin talking earlier.

Beware of "Red African Grey" advertisements. A red tail is normal for a Congo, so the label is often just used to boost the price.

The species is on the CITES Appendix I, the highest protection level, and is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. In India, it is listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024 mandate that everyone who has an African Grey, whether an owner or a shop, register it on the PARIVESH 2.0 portal. Breeders need a licence from the State Chief Wildlife Warden under the Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023, along with a CITES import permit, a DGFT import licence number and an NOC.

So ask any seller for:

No papers, no deal. Our guide to legal pet birds you can own in India explains which species are banned.

The entry ticket is the only purchase made. The initial cost of required items like a stainless steel cage (at least 90 × 60 × 120 cm), perches, bowls, toys, carriers and the first vet check come to about ₹13,300 - ₹39,300.

Pellets, fresh vegetables, toys and routine treatment by a vet cost approximately ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per month. One bad month at the vet can add another ₹5,000 to ₹20,000.

Then there is time. A Grey should get 2 to 4 hours out of the cage each day; if it gets bored, it may begin pulling out its own feathers. Your parrot may live for 30-60 years in captivity, and make sure you have someone else looking after it after you. Beginners can find a budgerigar to be a more gentle introduction to the world of birds.

Don't pay until you've visited the breeder, or at least requested a live video call.

Check for shiny eyes, smooth feathers and easy breathing.

Ensure the chick feeds itself. Unweaned babies require hand-feeding every few hours.

Be wary of a "documented" bird under ₹60,000. That is the typical price of missing papers.

Don't purchase a wild-caught Grey.

Most legal, captive-bred birds cost ₹80,000 to ₹2,50,000. Talking adults reach ₹3,50,000, and breeding pairs start at around ₹3,00,000.

Usually. Timnehs are typically priced at ₹70,000 to ₹1,30,000, with Congos priced higher.

Yes. The 2024 registration rules require owners and pet shops to register these birds on PARIVESH 2.0.

Most say their first clear words at 12 to 18 months.

A Grey isn't cheap. However, a low-cost Grey is not always a good deal and the price of an African grey parrot in India is not cheap for no reason. Purchase a captive-bred bird with CITES and PARIVESH papers, make it a decade-long commitment for good care and you'll have one of the brightest companions in the bird world.