Toucans?

[Lovebird]

Okay, so I've heard of Toucans as pets, because they don't have dander, which I am allergic to. So I've still loved feathered friends. I heard that they are expensive (which they are) and require a bit more space than large macaws, and they need a special fruity low-iron diet. I've researched them for quite a bit but their isn't much info on them. I've read all over Bird Tricks and other websites. Any suggestions or info?

 

[riddick07]

They are beyond messy.... spray stuff everywhere....

But yeah all fruit diet is best and low iron pellets. They require an aviary to move about. They are expensive ones.

Oh did I mention they are nasty messy???? But yeah if you can handle the mess go for it

 

[Terry57]

The one I used to have seemed to aim his poo stream right at me...and it was really, really watery. Yep, a very cool bird, but the mess is something else.

 

[Kiwibird]

From what I understand of toucans, they eat only nectar and fruit. This makes their poop liquid, and they shoot said poop everywhere. Comparatively, I've heard they make your "garden variety" fruit flinging, poop only outside it's cage, shred up everything parrot look like an OCD neat freak

They also need a flight cage, so basically, a dedicated room OR a built-in that will take up a good chunk of your living or family room (don't forget about the poop that will inevitably end up in the living room).

I have heard they are very intelligent and affectionate, but make poor pets overall because of their mess and enclosure needs. I know I would love to meet one, but I wouldn't consider any of the softbills. Too much mess! I think you need to keep researching because there are other birds out there who are low dander and just "regular" messy.

 

[riddick07]

Yeah I had to take care of the toucan when I babysat the shelter.....

Mess doesn't even cover it... that stuff is everywhere!!! Yeah sure he is cool and was very curious about this weird human walking into his cage....and then crawling around to get all the newspaper... and looking up to make sure he wasn't aiming anything at my head...which now that I think about it would have been worse since it would have been my face instead....

He is very cool to visit though

 

[RavensGryf]

that will take up a good chunk of your living or family room (don't forget about the poop that will inevitably end up in the living room).

... and looking up to make sure he wasn't aiming anything at my head...which now that I think about it would have been worse since it would have been my face instead....

LOLOLOL had some good laughs!

 

[khaiqha]

From what I've read they also have a tendancy to eat anything that they think they can swallow. Since their tongues aren't as long as their beaks, they can't taste most things before they try to eat them. This leads to a lot of toucans dying from swallowing coins and what not.

If you're allergic to dander I always heard eclectus parrots are hypoallergenic.

 

[Mekaisto]

The low-iron is REALLY important - same for birds of paradise. This means you should also try to stay away from feeding acidic fruits that are high in Vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons, and other citrus. The combo of vitamin C and acidity causes an increase in iron absorption, which can lead to sickness and death in toucans.

Another factor to consider is where you're sourcing your bird from. Many toucans are still taken from the wild, and even if you get a 'diluted' wild bird (the offspring of wild parents), you are supporting the illegal wildlife trade. It can be extremely hard to tell if the seller you're using has wild or captive bred birds. Many exotic species don't have paper-trails, or have questionable heritage.
I am not from America, so I can't say much for toucan breeders, but if possible, try to find someone who has generations of paperwork for their birds. Most if not all toucans will have wild ancestors just a few generations away, but the more responsible the breeder the better, both for you and the bird.

 

[Birdman666]

I've already done this post three times. The info is already on this site somewhere.

To me, they are interesting, but they do have problems with iron storage disease. They require a large, probably outdoor aviary. Their diet is very critical. And they are very messy "squirt poopers."

 

[jenphilly]

They need a huge walk in type enclosure indoors, unless you live in a year round warm area.

The toucan at the shelter literally takes up a large corner of a very very large room. Its easily 6'x8' and floor to almost ceiling.

I had promised someone else photos of the mess... heading over on Saturday, I will do my best to get some pics that shows what having one looks like...

They eat alot of berries - alot of berries. The enclosure looks like a blueberry pie exploded, and thats when its clean.... just think of how much blueberry stains...

 

[mtdoramike]

I really like toucan's myself and often thought of getting one, but they aren't common in my area surprisingly. It might be because the mess.

 

[jenphilly]

Mike -

I would think in Florida they would be much more popular since you are more likely to be able to keep them outdoors year round or majority of the year. I'm really surprised to hear they are not common.

 

[Lovebird]

You can buy toucans at a place called Emerald Green Toucans or something. I've always loved birds but I am kind of allergic to my lovebirds. But they aren't tamed so I can't really spend too much time with them. I'm not sure if the Emerald green place ships or not but here is the link: Toucans EmeraldForestBirds.com

 

[jenphilly]

So did not get too many good pics of the toucan and mess today... tried, but not sure why they just came out terrible!! But here are a few photos.

And the toucan was so incredibly sweet and affectionate with Jean, was making almost a purring sound when Jeanne was petting him....

Not sure these help a whole lot, but I can get more if you like!!

and this is a cage that is cleaned and everything scrubbed down with a wire brush to get blobs... so literally what you see is less then a day's worth!!

 

[echoskybound]

I don't have toucans myself, but I've also done some research out of curiosity because I LOVE aracaris and toucanets. However, I don't think I will ever have one for many reasons:

-The enclosure needs to be HUGE, since toucans can't climb like parrots - they have to hop, so all perches need to be accessible by either flight or hopping. This also means wing clipping isn't an option, otherwise they may not be able to get to their food/water. They need very large food and water bowls as well.

-They're frugivores which means fresh fruit every day, and fruit thrown everywhere. Of course this means really messy dropping as well.

-They're highly susceptible to hemochromatosis, or iron storage disease. It's best to give them distilled water and avoid iron as much as possible.

-There really aren't many resources on toucans. Diet, behavior, and health are all pretty undocumented.

As much as I adore them, I don't think I will ever have the pleasure of having one, sadly... not unless I live in a tropical climate with outdoor aviaries, heh.