Toucan and Toucanette

General characteristics

There are approximately 35 (or more) species of toucans and toucanettes (family Ramphastidae) including the smaller, slender Araçaris. They are found in Central and South America. Their most outstanding feature is the large, elongate, hollow beak that varies in colouration from black to multicolored. They are not commonly found in the pet trade industry. They can be very hard to tame – even hand-reared birds. They cannot be recommended as cage birds – they are far better kept in large aviaries. Their bill is both powerful and gentle. These birds will entertain themselves by throwing and catching toys and food at the end of their beaks with the greatest of ease. It is also quite sharp and these birds can inflict a nasty bite. The beak is surprisingly light and can be damaged by rough handling. Toucans eat a large volume of moist food and are rather messy birds. They have frequent, loose and often projectile droppings that may render them as less desirable pets. They do not talk or sing and are only vocal when wanting attention or hungry. They have a pleasant rattle like tremolo when happy or content. They can be aggressive with other birds and are known to occasionally kill and eat smaller species.

Commonly kept species are the Toco toucan and the Sulfur-breasted or Keel billed toucan.

Purchasing toucans and toucanettes

Toucans and toucanettes may be purchased from a reputable breeder. When selecting a toucan or toucanette, try to choose a young bird. The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your veterinary surgeon. Many health problems stem from diet so specialist advice should always be sought BEFORE purchase.

Diet

This is the most common source of problems with high iron levels being a major cause of death in these birds. Problems can be reduced by:

• Using a proprietary diet with iron levels less than 50ppm (ideally less than 25ppm)
• Not feeding citrus fruits
• Giving small amounts of decaffeinated tea each day (tannin adsorbs the iron!)

Veterinary care

Toucans and toucanettes require regular, routine veterinary health check ups. Your veterinarian can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim) and laboratory tests as needed. During these semi-annual check ups, health, nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary check ups help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird.