About Toucans

If you have ever eaten from a box of Fruit Loops, chances are you'll recognise this lively and colorful bird family. There are four commonly available toucans that can make unique and energetic pets; the Toco, Red Bill, Keel Bill and Channel Bill.

The most popular of the Toucans is the Toco (Ramphastos toco). It has a black body, white bib and bright blue eye ring. It's bill is generally golden orange with a large black spot at the end. The toco measures about 22 inches long and has a 10-inch-long bill. The Red Bill (R. Tucanus), approximately 20 inches long, is mostly black with a white bib, ending in a rim of red around the bib. The bill is black with dark red in the middle of each mandible. The Keel Bill (R. Sulfuratus), approximately 16 inches long, has a black body, yellow bib and red vent. The bill is bright yellow, pastel green and red at the tip. The Channel Bill (R. Vitellinus) has a black body with a white and yellow bib. The bill is solid black except for a blue band close to the face. The channel bill is approximately 18 inches long.

Toucans belong to the softbill family, despite the fact that their bills are definitely not soft. Their bills are also not as heavy as they look; they are made from a porous honeycomb type material and are very sensitive. Hand-fed toucans can make tame and loving pets, and may live up to 20 years. Toucans do not talk, instead they make a croaking-type sound, or they make a purring-like sound when they are contented.

Even though this group of birds is from the tropics, they need shade, especially if temperatures go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In that case, it is even more important that these birds receive showers or have a bathing dish. If you keep a single toucan in a cage, a large macaw cage of at least 4 feet long is appropriate. If you keep the birds in an aviary, consider one 7 by 10 by 7 feet. Keep in mind that these are extremely active birds that need plenty of room and perches to jump and run.

A toucan's diet is comprised of softbill pellets, fruits (avoid all citrus fruits) and vegetables -- no seed. There is some debate as to whether toucans need live food (crickets, mealworms, etc.). Another protein source is chopped hard-boiled eggs.