How to Live with a Toco Toucan
Although they are beautiful to look at, toco toucans are not considered good pets because of their need for large spaces and their tendency for aggression. Toucans are best housed alone or in compatible pairs to avoid this. Large, macaw-sized, horizontally oriented enclosures are needed in addition to outside playground space with several perches.
Outdoor flights should be at least 8 ft x 12 ft x 6 ft. Birds must have access to a sheltered space protected from strong winds, rain and excessive heat (above 90°F) as well as easy access to the water bowl or misting during the summer.
Perches may be made of natural bark-covered wood. Feeders and water pans should be elevated above ground in aviaries to prevent contact with feces and organic material. The floor of the enclosure should be well drained and easy to clean in order to avoid potential pathogenic microorganism buildup and contact with parasite eggs. The water dish for drinking/bathing should be at least 8 inches x 10 inches in size.
What to Know About Your Toucan
Toco toucans are territorial; they should not be housed with any other birds, especially smaller ones, as they can be aggressive and prey upon others. Flight cages should be screened visually from other toucans as they aggressively protect their territory, engaging in beak jousting even through a wire mesh.
Tocos are very active throughout the day, needing considerable space to move around and daily activities to keep them busy. During sleep they rest the bill on the back and cover it with the tail. Toco toucans can actually bite hard (by applying pressure) if upset and are not recommended for children. Tame birds that do not receive sufficient attention may become aggressive towards the owner.
The adult body weight of a toco toucan is 27.6-30 oz (500-860 g), and the body length is 22-26 in (55-65 cm) including the long bill. The bill is extremely sensitive and fragile and is used to regulate heat distribution by modifying blood flow, working as a transient thermal radiator. Toco toucans also have a long keratinous tongue with lateral horn fringes.
Is My Toucan a Boy or Girl?
Males tend to be larger and heavier than females and have a slightly longer beak (males = longer than 6.3 inches and females = shorter than 6.1 inches). Sexual maturity is achieved at 3-4 years of age. Toucans need choices for mate selection. Captive breeding is usually difficult. Killing or mutilation of chicks by the parents is a common event in captivity if not fed with appropriate sources of protein.
How to Keep Your Toco Toucan Happy
Toucans require a pelleted diet low in iron content specific for Ramphastidae. In addition, fruits may be offered, with the exception of high-acid fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, pineapples and tomatoes, which can increase iron uptake. Dietary items may be provided in a variety of ways, such as offering large chunks instead of chopped. Nontoxic tree limbs, ornamental grasses or bamboo to defoliate and destroy may be provided for activity. The most common disorders include self-inflicted beak fractures, which are common due to intraspecific aggression through wire mesh or with birds recently introduced to an aviary. An adaptation period might be necessary in aviaries sheltered with plastic or nylon cloth. Toucans are susceptible to iron storage disease (hemochromatosis), avian pseudotuberculosis (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis) as well as other bacterial pathogens, mycotic diseases, viral diseases and parasites.
Adapted from Toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) by André Becker Saidenberg, DVM, MS, PhD candidate, ExoticDVM Veterinary Magazine Vol 11.4, 2009, available at harrisonsbirdfoods.com under The Learning Center, ExoticDVM Archives.
