Toucans in aviary

[muscovy man14]

I am currently building a 50x60 avairy that will have a small pond. Ill be putting ornamental waterfowl (mostly small ones like teal and woodies) I was wondering if I could also house a pair of toucans in there as well. The pen will have a netted roof it will be very high of the ground as well

 

[punk-a-doodle]

They need a low iron food (Mazuri makes a low iron softbill pellet), and appropriate fresh food. Provide with good perching and screening. The size is much roomier than what most get. Are you going to breed them? They make excellent and loving pets when hand-reared.

 

[muscovy man14]

Yep I'll get a pair and if all goes well I might get another. What kind should I start out with?

 

[muscovy man14]

And do u think they'll do fine with the ducks?

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

The problem is you would have to find some way to keep the toucans from eating the duck food. Otherwise, they would most likely do ok with ground dwelling ducks providing they had plenty of perch area and that your climate is warm enough.

Toco toucans are a popular "beginner" toucan. I don't really consider any toucan a beginner bird because their diets can be quite tricky. I can't see where you are from (my phone doesn't reveal locations of BYCers) but generally toucans are expensive. The last person I know who bought a young weaned toucan spent $10,000 for it, but they can be well over $15,000 depending on the species. If you live in an area or country where toucans are more popular, they may not be as expensive.

Of course, if you have the money to spend, more power to you! Just make sure you do lots of research before getting them. They are not a very forgiving bird when it comes to mistakes. Especially with diet since they are so prone to iron storage disease.

 

[muscovy man14]

I don't know if this helps lol but I've had experience with parrots. I've had a green cheek conure then I got an Eclectus parrot and boy did he make a mess! Lol his diet was VERY complicated as well so I don't think their diet would be a problem since I've had experience in that field. But like u said I would have to figure out a way so they couldn't eat a lot of the duck food

 

[muscovy man14]

And as for price they go for about 800-1500 around here

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Aracaris are a good place to start. I haven't had a chance to meet curl-crested aracaris, but they sound pretty neat and more personable than some of the species. Keel-billed toucans are my personal toucan favorites, and I loved working with them at an aviary. They are one of the easier birds to train to a scale, which isn't a bad idea for monitoring health.

Aracaris are easier to breed in my personal experience. A hollowed out log (5-6 inch diameter for the aracaris with room for them to excavate further) and mouse pinkies were usually enough to stimulate breeding. Some prefer insects due to concerns with bacteria. All I can say is that we never personally had issues.

 

[Magic Birdie]

I think whoever's selling those toucans seem fishy. That's a VERY low price for a toucan.

I think perhaps you should have parrots instead, they probably cost less and you do have actual experience with them. It may just be that I'm biased, but I think that's the best course of action

 

[muscovy man14]

I think whoever's selling those toucans seem fishy. That's a VERY low price for a toucan.

I think perhaps you should have parrots instead, they probably cost less and you do have actual experience with them. It may just be that I'm biased, but I think that's the best course of action

Yea maybe ur right lol they are cheaper and I've had experience with them. I've also heard of people raising touracos do u know anything about those?