Cockatiels for Sale: Flat $150, Every Color

Cockatiels are the most popular pet bird in the US for a reason: they’re affectionate, whistle-happy, easy to tame, and far more manageable than a larger parrot. If you’ve been searching for cockatiels for sale, here’s everything to know before you buy — what they cost, which color to pick, and how to tell a properly hand-raised bird from a cheap, untamed one.

What is a cockatiel?

Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are small crested parrots native to Australia, closely related to cockatoos. They’re known for their expressive crest, their loud contact whistle, and a gentle, easy-going temperament that makes them one of the best first birds for new owners, including families with kids.

How much does a cockatiel cost?

At Morphnests, every hand-raised cockatiel is a flat $150, regardless of color or mutation — Normal Grey, Pied, Lutino, Pearl, Whiteface and every combination in between. For a full breakdown of each color, see our cockatiel colors and mutations guide.

Hand-raised vs. parent-raised

This matters more than color. A hand-raised cockatiel has been fed and handled by the breeder from a young age, so it steps up and tolerates handling from day one. A parent-raised bird is cheaper but will need weeks or months of patient taming, and some never fully tame. Every cockatiel at Morphnests is hand-raised from hatch.

What to check before you buy a cockatiel

Hand-raised from hatch, if you want a tame, cuddly pet.
Fully weaned and eating on its own — never take home an unweaned baby to hand-feed yourself.
Bright eyes, clean feathers, alert behavior. Avoid fluffed-up or listless birds.
A breeder who answers questions after the sale, not just before.

Are cockatiels loud? Good for apartments?

Cockatiels are moderate on the noise scale. Males especially love to whistle, and contact calls can be sharp, but nothing close to a conure or macaw scream. Most apartment dwellers do fine with a cockatiel.

Which cockatiel color should you pick?

Color is entirely cosmetic in cockatiels — a Lutino is just as whistle-happy as a Normal Grey, and a quiet Pearl is no calmer than a boisterous Pied. Pick the look you love, not the color you think will be “easier.” Normal Grey is the classic, most affordable look. Pied is one-of-a-kind since every bird’s patches fall differently. Lutino and Whiteface are the brightest, most eye-catching options. For every color explained in detail with current pricing, see the full cockatiel colors and mutations guide.

Single bird or pair?

You don’t need two. A single hand-raised cockatiel with regular daily attention bonds closely to its owner and often makes a better pet than one of a bonded pair, since two cockatiels tend to bond to each other instead of to you. Buy a pair only if you specifically want a bonded duo or plan to breed.

What does a cockatiel cost to keep?

Cage: $80 to $200 for a cage of at least 20 by 20 by 24 inches
Perches, bowls and toys: $40 to $120
Food in the first year: $100 to $200
Avian vet in the first year: $120 to $300
Emergency fund: $250 minimum

Common mistakes when buying a cockatiel

Buying an unweaned baby to hand-feed yourself — this is risky and best left to an experienced breeder.
Assuming a bright color means a louder or calmer bird. Color doesn’t predict temperament.
Buying two birds on the assumption cockatiels “need” a companion — a single hand-raised bird does fine.
Skipping questions about hand-raising and socialization in favor of a lower price.

How long do cockatiels live?

15 to 25 years with good care. See our parrot lifespan chart for how that compares to other species.

Where to buy a cockatiel

At Morphnests we hand-raise cockatiels in Southern California and ship nationwide. Browse the cockatiels category page, check the new-born babies page for current availability, see our California buyer page if you’re local, or contact Mo directly.

Frequently asked questions

How much do cockatiels for sale cost? At Morphnests, every cockatiel is a flat $150 regardless of color.

Are cockatiels good for beginners? Yes — they’re widely considered one of the best first parrots: affectionate, manageable in size, and easy to tame when hand-raised.

Do cockatiels need a companion bird? No. A single hand-raised cockatiel with daily attention bonds closely with its owner.

How long do cockatiels live? 15 to 25 years with good care.

Are cockatiels loud? Moderate. Males whistle frequently, but they don’t scream like larger parrots, making them a reasonable apartment bird.