Frequently Asked Questions
Toucans as Pets
Would you recommend a toucan as a first pet bird?
Yes! Toucans are not difficult to maintain. Their diet is simple and similar to a parrot diet, in that pellets and soft foods (fruit) are offered. Caging is equivalent, and a handfed, tame toucan is a delightfully friendly and playful bird.
What is the difference in personality between the various toucans, toucanets, and aracaris?
There is little difference in personality between the various species. Like any animal, they do have their own individual personalities, but generally speaking, all species are quite curious, playful, and friendly.
Are toucans really friendly birds?
Yes! Toucans are comparable to a tame cockatoo in friendliness and affection. They will cuddle with you, sit on your shoulder, enjoy being scratched and petted, and will come running (or flying) to greet you when you return home. They are eager for your attention. When cuddling, they will often make a soft purring sound indicating their content.
Are toucans very noisy?
Not when compared to a parrot. However, they do make noise. They do not scream, shriek, or make other loud, obnoxious noises, and they cannot talk like parrots do. Only the Red-billed and Swainson's toucans have a loud call and it is melodious. Toucanets and aracaris are generally very quiet.
Can toucans bite hard and hurt me?
Yes, toucans can bite hard. However, their beaks are not designed for crushing or chewing, and due to the length of their beak, they do not have the leverage a parrot has to bite down into your skin. Rather, they can grip or pinch, shaking their head with their slightly serrated beak, which can be sometimes painful or cause superficial wounds.
Will toucans chew my furniture or other household items?
No, toucans are incapable of chewing or causing damage to furniture, furnishings, drapes, TV remotes, or any other item in the house.
Are toucans messier than parrots?
Toucans are not any messier than other birds. They do not get into their bowls and throw the food around like a parrot looking for that special seed hidden at the bottom of the bowl. Rather, toucans pick the food off the top and swallow it. Occasionally they may shake their beak and a piece will fly off the tip of the beak creating a small mess.
Do toucans produce down and feather dust?
No, toucans do not produce any down or dust, and are an ideal bird of choice if you think you may have dust allergies.
Can toucans be trained?
Yes, they are very trainable. Some toucan owners have trained their toucans to go potty only in their cage. Toucans have been regular cast members of free flight bird shows, and can be seen daily at Disney World's Animal Kingdom. The training techniques are similar to those used in training parrots. We recommend you acquire Steve Martin's excellent video, Training Your Parrot, which is advertised in several bird magazines.
Is it true that toucans squirt their droppings sideways and upside down?
No, toucans do not squirt sideways and upside down. They defecate standing upright and it falls straight down.
Is it difficult to clean up toucan poop off of carpets or furniture?
No. Because their stool is so watery, it easily cleans up with a sponge and does not stick to fabrics and other surfaces. Parrot poop, on the other hand, is very pasty and will not readily come out of fabric unless thoroughly scrubbed. Toucans are much easier to clean up after.
Diet & Housing
What do toucans eat?
The bulk of a toucan's diet is fruit. They also require protein and certain vitamins and minerals, which are obtained through a pelleted diet. Toucans must be fed a large amount of fresh fruit daily, as they are a highly specialized bird with specific dietary requirements. They cannot digest seed, and should never be fed seed as part of their diet.
What is Iron Storage Disease?
Hemochromatosis, or Iron Storage Disease, is the excess accumulation of iron in the liver. It is fatal, and is the leading cause of death among toucans in captivity. However, it is easily prevented through a low-iron diet. See our Toucan Care page for more information.
Do toucans require pinkie mice and other live food?
No, toucans do not require live food. While toucans in the wild eat some protein when rearing young, it is not necessary to provide any live food to pet birds. You may choose to offer crickets or mealworms for variety and interest, but toucans receive all the protein, vitamins, and minerals they need from pellets. It is possible for pinkie mice to carry bacteria harmful to toucans, and should therefore be used with caution.
Can I keep a toucan with my other pet birds?
Yes, you can keep your pet toucan in the same room with your other pet birds, but not in the same cage. They can also be kept on a perch stand (if wing clipped) next to other similar-sized birds. Use caution with birds that are much smaller than your toucan, and always watch for signs of aggression between pets.
Can I keep a toucan in an aviary with other free flying birds?
Yes, depending on the size of the aviary and the size of the other birds. Birds of similar size can easily be kept with a toucan. The larger the cage, the more possibilities you have. Always watch for signs of aggression when introducing new birds to an aviary.
Purchasing & Shipping
When is the best time to acquire a toucan?
Toucans are more readily available in the summer during, and shortly after, breeding season, which extends from April through September. Availability can be limited as few people are successful in raising them. You may sign up for our mailing list to receive monthly updates of our availability and pricing.
How should I choose which toucan to buy?
We recommend you choose a bird based upon its appeal to you, your ability to provide adequate care and housing (larger toucans require much more space and food), and what you can reasonably afford.
Can you ship a toucan to another country?
Yes and no. Some species are listed on CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which means international trade is restricted. Emerald Forest Bird Gardens does not ship any of our CITES-listed species internationally, which currently includes the Toco Toucan, Keel-billed Toucan, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Black-necked Aracari and Green Aracari. Visit the CITES website at cites.org for more information. The remainder of our species can be shipped internationally.
What is CITES and why is it important?
CITES refers to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a global agreement that regulates international trade in wild animals and plants to prevent species from becoming endangered or threatened with extinction. They work to ensure trade is legal and sustainable, and does not harm wild populations. Species that are listed on CITES are restricted in international trade.
What are the requirements for shipping a bird internationally?
All birds being shipped from the USA to another country must have an International Health Certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian. In addition, you will need to research the specific import requirements of the destination country and follow that country's guidelines. This may include import permits, quarantine, or other documents and regulations. Contact your country's Management Authority for more information.
What are the requirements for shipping a bird domestically?
All domestic bird shipments within the United States require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from a USDA-accredited veterinarian. In addition, you will need to research the specific import requirements of the destination state and follow that state's guidelines. Contact the Wildlife Management Agency for your state for more information.
How much does it cost to ship a bird?
Costs associated with shipping a bird vary depending on the destination location and import requirements for your state or country. At minimum, you will need to pay for the airline flight and a health certificate. You may also need to pay for additional documentation, quarantine, or other requirements, depending on where you live. All costs associated with shipping are charged to the customer.