Toucans are striking birds that have captured the attention and admiration of people around the world. Their unique physical features, colorful feathers, and playful personalities make them an attractive choice for those seeking a unique companion animal.
However, while toucans may seem like appealing pets, it’s important to consider the responsibilities and challenges that come with keeping them as companion animals. I
n this article, we will explore the pros and cons of keeping toucans as pets, the legalities of owning them, their care requirements, and the potential ethical concerns that should be taken into account before deciding to add a toucan to your household.
So, if you’re considering a toucan as a pet, read on to learn more about the considerations involved in making this decision.
Toucans are considered to be excellent pets because they are friendly, playful, and intelligent. They also enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners. As a result, toucans can provide hours of companionship.
However, it is important to note that Toucans require a lot of daily care and they can also be expensive to keep. Captive toucans need fresh and exotic fruit. Additionally, you need to be careful about what you feed the bird. You can’t feed them just any fresh fruit you can find because it may cause iron-storage disease, which is a silent killer of the toucan species.
Is It Legal to Own a Toucan in the United States?
Toucans are a popular pet bird, but did you know that there are several states in the US where it is illegal to own this exotic bird without a valid permit? In Hawaii, Maine, Arkansas, Ohio, and Oregon, toucans are considered to be wildlife, and owning one without a permit is a violation of state law.
Some states do allow toucans to be kept as pets even without a valid permit.
If you’re thinking about purchasing toucans, be sure to check with your state’s wildlife services to find out if a permit is required.
How Much Does a Toucan Cost in the USA?
If you’re considering purchasing a toucan as a pet, be prepared to spend a significant amount of money. Toucans typically cost between $8,000 and $10,000 from a breeder in the United States.
In addition to the initial purchase price, toucans require a specialized diet and expensive cage, and they need to be seen by an avian veterinarian for regular check-ups.
Before buying a toucan, make sure that it is legal to own one in your state and file for the necessary permits.
Can You Put a Toucan Indoors?
Keep in mind that re-homing can be difficult for most birds, and toucans are no exception.
Toucans are very high-energy birds that require much larger enclosures than a comparably sized parrot. These exotic birds spend most of their day bouncing around their enclosure, so they need many perches and lots of space in a large cage with soft mesh.
Unlike parrots and other more destructive birds, toucans do not require a solid metal cage. Smaller toucans can be housed in lightweight cages for smaller birds. Additionally, if you’re planning to put your pet toucan with other toucans, do so in a large aviary.
Is a Keel-Billed Toucan a Good Pet?
Keel-billed toucans are a popular pet choice for many bird enthusiasts. These brightly colored creatures are not only beautiful to look at but they are also relatively easy to care for.
Unlike the Swaisons toucans that make a whistling yelp, keel-billed toucans are relatively quiet birds, although they constantly croak. They can be easily trained to perform tricks, making them an entertaining pet option.
When it comes to diet, keel-billed toucans require a diet that is high in fruits and berries. While this may seem like a daunting task, many commercial bird food brands offer formulated diets that meet the nutritional needs of keel-billed toucans.
Is a Toco Toucan a Good Pet?
The Toco Toucan is one of the loudest birds in the world, and as such, they do not make good pets for everyone. While their unique call can be interesting to listen to, it can also be incredibly loud and disruptive, especially in smaller spaces.
In addition, Toco Toucans require a large amount of space to live and thrive, and they are not well-suited to life in captivity. So, potential owners should carefully consider whether a Toco Toucan is the right pet for them before making a commitment.
There is still so much we don’t know about toucans. Unfortunately, there are so few resources on them which make them more difficult to care for compared to a parrot.
Therefore, you need to carefully consider whether or not this exotic companion pet is the right one for you before making a decision.
Are the Toucan Species Considered Exotic Pets?
Toucans are beautiful and exotic animals. They are commonly found in the pet trade industry. Although they are not as common as some other pets, they can be kept in most states.
Toucans are interesting and intelligent creatures that can bond closely with their owners. They require a lot of care and attention, but many owners find that the rewards of owning a toucan far outweigh the challenges.
What to Feed Your Pet Toucan?
If you’re lucky enough to have a toucan as a pet, you’ll need to provide them with a diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables should make up the bulk of their diet, with pelleted food as a supplement. They favor the more exotic produce such as wild ficus and palm fruits which can be hard to find. The next best options are papaya, blueberries, and bananas.
You can mix these fruits together with seasonal fruits and vegetables like figs, guava, watermelon, cantaloupe, pears, dragon fruit, acai, green beans, carrots, fresh berries, and peas to create a constant supply of nutritious and delicious meals for your pet toucan.
Toucans are mostly vegetarian, but they do need some animal protein in their diet. In their natural habitat, this comes from insects, small lizards, nestlings, and some rodents which have been left behind by other animals.
Additional Information on Owning a Pet Toucan
With proper care, a toucan’s life expectancy is usually extended while in captivity. While they may not have the same life expectancy as parrots, a pet toucan bird can have a life span of 25 years.
Toucans are very social birds. This means they spend most of their time engaging in any form of interaction. This means you need to pay them attention so you will be missing out on extended happy hours or spontaneous weekend getaways with your family and friends if you own a toucan as a pet.
In other parts of the world, breeding and owning toucans is illegal. In these countries, individuals who want to enjoy the company of these colorful creatures need to poses a zoological certificate.
Conclusion on Are Toucans Good Pets
Toucans may seem like exotic pets, but with the right owner, they can make great companions. With plenty of love and attention, toucans can be just as rewarding as any other pet.
If you’re thinking about adding a toco toucan baby akin to those colorful feathered creatures you saw in the zoo, do your research and find an experienced breeder who can help you choose an excellent pet for you.
Most importantly, make sure that it is legal to own a toucan in your state and that you have the commitment and right mindset going in to become a toucan pet owner.
If the thought of owning this bird bums you out, then choose different species of small birds as pets.
FAQs on Owning Toucans as Pets
Do Toucans Poop a Lot?
Toucans eat a great deal of moist food, and as a result, are rather messy birds. They are infamous for leaving behind a lot of poop. The reason for this is Toucans have an extremely fast metabolism and they need to eat about every 15 minutes to maintain their energy levels. As a result, they produce a lot of waste at roughly the same frequency.
In addition, Toucans often eat fruit, which can add to the mess since it is often sticky and can leave residue on their feathers.
Are Toucans Endangered?
Toucans are striking birds that are popular among bird enthusiasts and the general public alike. These tropical birds are known for their brightly colored bills and cheerful calls. However, what many people don’t realize is that most species of toucans are in danger of becoming extinct.
Some toucan species such as the Yellow-browed toucanet are considered endangered. Other toucan species are considered threatened due to their rapidly decreasing population.
There are several factors that have contributed to the decline of toucan populations. Habitat loss is a major problem, as toucans require large tracts of forest to live and breed. Deforestation due to logging, agriculture, and other human activity has left toucans with fewer and fewer places to call home.
Furthermore, toucans are also hunted by humans for the pet trade as well as their meat and feathers.
Where Do Toucans Live?
Toucans are a type of bird that is native to the Neotropics. This encompasses an area that extends from Mexico to Argentina. There are also toucans in Eastern and southern brazil, Eastern and central Paraguay, Eastern South America, and the Caribbean.
Within this region, toucans can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and even deserts. Toucans are most common in the rainforests of Central and South America, where they play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowers.
Are Toucans Aggressive to Other Birds?
Toucans are known to be aggressive with other birds, especially during the breeding season. While their colorful plumage and cheerful whistles make them seem harmless, these tropical birds can be territorial and even violent when it comes to protecting their mates and nests.
In the wild, toucans have been known to chase away and even kill other birds that venture too close to their homes. They will also attack animals that come too close, although they are generally more afraid of larger mammals than they are aggressive towards them.
While toucans can make fascinating and adorable pets, it is important to remember that they are wild animals with the potential to be dangerous.
