Toucan and Red Front

[MaraWentz]

So after our baby is born my husband and I, when we have time, want to get a companion for Erin, and I want my bull terrier puppy a puppy I'm not worried about with Erin, as I have had many dogs, old and young raised around her. It's the Toucan. We're looking at the Ivory Bill Aracaris to be exact. They're supposedly really tiny. Maybe the size of a conure? We decided that because they don't generate noise and aren't real destroyers and their personality is said to be very docile and comical, that it would be best for Erin. We would be getting a baby of course. My concern is that they don't often house wit other toucans, but does this mean they may be mean to Erin? Even as a baby?

 

[sssaucey]

I don't know much about toucans ,but from what I have read and heard is that most people who own both parrots and toucans don't them meet. The reason for this is that adult toucans have a serrated beak which in a fight they can jab quite quickly. They also don't have to get as close to the bird to injure them. Now since you want to get a smaller species I would be more worried about Erin doing damage to the aracari since he's smaller (and I'm pretty sure most toucans don't do well with other birds)if he tries to go after Erin he will have to get close to her to attack which will put him close to her strong crushing beak.

all in all I think if you plan on getting one in the future I wouldn't risk putting these species together after all toucans do prey on parrot babies in the wild.

good luck though I'm sure more experienced members will correct me if I'm wrong, lol

 

[MaraWentz]

Hmmm. I'm not worried about Erin hurting the Toucan at all- she has had cats, hamster, ferrets, adn pet mice on her tree stand, drinking form her water bowl and eating form her trough lol She used to ride on my dogs back. I don't think she really acknowledges others existance, or just doesn't care. I'm worried that the toucan may be attacking her, but wanted to know that since she is bigger bird, would he be prone to do so?

 

[sssaucey]

I think it will depend on how much of a dominant and confident bird he/she will be.
It would most likely come down to an individual bird thing I would say.

 

[MaraWentz]

Do you know how most toucans are? I read they are super friendly, but don't do well with smaller birds or other toucans, which is why I'm posting. I know you don't have any, but form what you read or know via other people how would you say they are?

 

[sssaucey]

From what I have read they are really comical fun and cuddly when raised properly but that they don't do well with smaller birds because they do eat meat on occasion. I haven't looked into the smaller species yet so it may be different for them

 

[MaraWentz]

It says that the aracaris are even more docile than the larger toucans and that there isn't much of a personality difference. I'm just afraid that becaue Erin isn't the largest bird, and is so friendly that it might make the toucan more prone to take advantage and attack. But raing them together, should help right?

 

[sssaucey]

Since the new bird would be quite young you may not have a problem, but birds have minds of their own so things don't always go so smoothly for us humans lol

I'm going to do some research about this though, it sparked my curiosity.

 

[keepsmiling]

Toucans will attack any bird, big or small. My Jewels has gone after Gryphon and Yuna. I will not get her near my others. If they were raised together{both babies} the outcome might be different, and of course there are exceptions to any rule. But generally aracaris, toucanets, and toucans, do not play well with parrots, or especially any small bird. They have a serrated edged beak, and are fully capable of ripping flesh. In the wild they eat small birds. Jewels also tries to grab my bunny and my dog. She is only a year old this month!

 

[MaraWentz]

Toucans will attack any bird, big or small. My Jewels has gone after Gryphon and Yuna. I will not get her near my others. If they were raised together{both babies} the outcome might be different, and of course there are exceptions to any rule. But generally aracaris, toucanets, and toucans, do not play well with parrots, or especially any small bird. They have a serrated edged beak, and are fully capable of ripping flesh. In the wild they eat small birds. Jewels also tries to grab my bunny and my dog. She is only a year old this month!

Did your Acarari grow up with your other birds? Also where did you get yours' from? We're looking at a breeder in CA and he says that theirs' are all extremely friendly and a lot of his were bought by some FL Zoo (dont remember the name) and are being houses with a bunch of different birds in an exhibit, but I'm worried that he may just be trying to sell us a bird.I haven't found online that they eat small birds, just that they eat 90% fruit and have very weak beaks. But a serrated beak?! I read that their beak is so weak they have problems eating grapes and cant crack nut shells, etc, so biting wouldn't be a problem, but a serrated beak?! Can it take off a finger?

 

[keepsmiling]

"Along with a fringed tongue, green aracaris have an enormous beak with serrated edges, which help to hold food."
"Green aracaris eat fruit, especially figs and palms. They also eat large insects and small lizards. They rob other bird nests for eggs and nestlings. To eat, they seize their food with the tip of their bill and toss their head upward to throw the food backward into their throat."


www.letus.org/bmatters/animals/aracari.html

female

male

 

[keepsmiling]

They won't take your finger off, but they can certainly nip or poke you in the eye.If they were to grab a bird they would probably shake it back and forth and beat it to death. Separate out of cage times, or close supervision would be my suggestion.
I got mine from a friend when she was six months.Raising a young baby could have different results,but I would also consider the damage a redfront is fully capable of.

 

[MaraWentz]

Does this information apply to the Ivory Bill? We're not interested in the Green. And my red front wont arm a fly lol. She shares her food, water, and tree stand with our landlords' kitten and our pet mouse and hamster lol. However, she can be a bit unforgiving towards ants lol

 

[keepsmiling]

Oh my apologies, missed that you were interested in the ivory bill. The serrated edged beak yes, they all have it. Personal experience, I have none. Nor have I researched them. A quick glance shows they appear to be a good choice. I do not like to give too much info on birds I really do not know well. There are some forums specifically for Ramphastids. I even have a group on FB if you are interested, pm me and I can give you the info. Other than that, there is one by Jerry Jennings{Emerald Forest} also on FB, yet I have not been able to locate it. And there is a Ramphastid group on Yahoo. It is a different format, more of a list type than traditional forum like this, but many seasoned people there, including breeders. As far as purchasing one, I would look to Jerry Jennings, Jason Crean{Beaks Birdhouse} and even look on Softbillsforsale dot com.