Toucan as pet?

[Crebain]

Can they be friendly? I've never seen a pet toucan, and was surprised to them included here?

I don't want one ... just curious.

[Monica]

I've heard of toucans being kept and bred as pets, and even saw two keel billed toucans being boarded at a parrot store some months back. One was there longer, and he was real cute! LOL Well, he was on a stand near the door, and decided to go around the store and then eventually into his cage which was left open. Toucans usually don't walk, and usually hop around from place to place (like the little finches or rabbits)... Before he could get in his cage however, my mother was standing in the way, and didn't notice him. He decided to peck at her foot, hop off, then once she moved, he went and hopped into his cage!


They are a joy to watch! Though they may be a bit messy when it comes to eating, they usually eat very well!

[Crebain]

Cool story! Thanks Monica!

Do you know if they talk or mimic at all?

[Monica]

I haven't heard of any talkign or even to mimic, so I'm unsure... I don't believe they actually do...

[Crebain]

Oh well, ...they make a great breakfast cereal mascot in any event!

[Graehstone]

http://members.sitegadgets.com/reog/board.html

Caleb runs this site and used to be a member here. Have not heard from him in some time. And No Ramphastidae do not talk or mimic,but they do make great pets if you can handle the mess. It is not only messy going in but coming out as well, other than that they are great birds to have around. I had the plaesure of visiting the Emerald Forrest aviary here in the San Diego area and they are the largest breeder of Ramphastidae in the states.
http://www.emeraldforestbirds.com/index.html

Check out the site it's a good one.

[The Outlaw]

Toucans are very fascinating little things. I have a dear friend who has a Swainson's, one of the more colorful ones. His diet consists of mostly fruits and just like Lorys, he is one messy, messy guy. However, he is quite friendly and if he hadn't recently gotten "married" would likely have just remained a cute by messy pet.

The requirements for caging are quite unusual. They don't fly, but rather hop from limb to limb. Consequently, you don't need high cages, but you do neet long cages. That precludes many from owning them, for they simply take up too much real estate in most homes.

If you can stand the mess (he squirts OUT of his cage) and have the room, why not?

THE OUTLAW

[lynden21]

i'm a little late in responding, but here's another great site for toucans:


http://summersbirds.com

[willostory]

I once had a Toucanette. He died of iron storage disease, which happens easily in Toucans. They have no crop, their food passes right through them. They eat mostly fresh fruit and they are a mess to clean up after! Those are all of the "negative" points. Now on to the good: They are wonderful, delightful, intrigging little creatures! One day I will have one again. Probably more the one! But I have to get myself ready for the extensive cleaning they require everyday. And I want to get a better grip on thier diet too....they seem so fragile.

[Monica]

Sorry to hear about your toucanette, however, when you get some more toucans, the best of wishes! They really are quite unique birds, even if they may be on the messy side!