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Toucans are quite playful, affectionate, love to be touched,
hugged and interacted with. They are very colorful not only in
their feathers, but also in their personalities.

Toucans are very trainable and like to learn tricks. They are not good
at talking.

They can become a very loving part of your family.


Toucans are known as a soft billed bird, this has nothing to do with the
softness or hardness of their beaks, but in the foods they eat.

Bills on Toucans can grow up to one third the size of the body.
Toucans cannot bite hard. Their beak muscles are very weak
compared to parrots and they cannot crunch.

When Toucans sleep, they tuck their long beak into their wings, with
their head turned, and their tails stick straight up.

The most famous Toucan is: Toucan Sam


Some Toucans can live up to 40 years
They are about 13 to 25 inches in length

Varieties of Toucans include:

Toco
Keel Bills
Swainson's Toucans
Emerald Toucanets
Guyana Toucanets
Collared Aracaris
Green Aracaris

Toucan Sam, the spokes bird for Fruit Loops was a Keel Bill Toucan.
The Keel-billed Toucan is the national bird of Belize.

Tocos are the largest and also are very rare as pet birds in the U.S.
The Guinness bird in the Guiness advertising is a Toco


Miniature Toucans are called Toucanettes.

Toucans come from Central and South America, and a few species
from Mexico.

Most Toucans are monomorphic, meaning males and females look
the same. Other than lab testing, there is no real reliable way to
tell the difference, other than to see which one lays the eggs.

There are a few species of Toucans which are dimorphic, meaning
the male and female have different characteristics.



Minimum cage size is:
4 feet by 8 feet by 4 feet for smaller birds
8 feet by 12 feet by 6 feet for larger birds

Keep cages away from drafts, open windows and the kitchen.
Toucans are sensitive to smoke and strong odors. Cover the
cage at night to prevent drafts.

Have perches of different widths, diameters and textures
to help keep a Toucan's feet healthy.

A wide range of toys is a necessity for all species


What to Feed Pet Toucans

About 40 to 50% of a Toucan's diet should be low iron, soft bill
pellets to supply protein, vitamins and minerals.

About 50% of a Toucan's diet should be fresh fruit prepared daily.
Some of the fruits that are great for Toucans include apples, blueberries,
bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, papayas, and most any other non-citrus fruit.
A small amount of vegetables is acceptable.

The acid in citrus fruits can cause health problems.



Toucans should always have access to clean, fresh water.
Don't use tap water. We recommend Steam Distilled water
for it's purity.



Signs a Pet Toucan is Healthy

Clear, bright eyes
Clean, smooth feathers
Eats throughout the day
A curious and active disposition


Call the vet if your Toucan exhibits these signs

Change in droppings in excess of two days
Decreased appetite; weight loss
Decreased activity and grooming behavior
Discharge from nose or mouth; sneezing
Feathers fluffed for prolonged periods of time
Sitting at the bottom of cage
Wheezing or coughing

Picture Toucan