The Basics:

Toucans are large, friendly softbill birds. Devoted to their human companions, Toucans will learn tricks and appear to enjoy impressing people by performing them. Unlike many birds, Toucans do not produce a lot of the feather dust that triggers allergic reactions.  Most Toucans are also incredibly curious and will have a strong urge to investigate everything they see by mouthing it with their long beaks.

Cage:

Toucans must have a large aviary to meet their exercise requirements. The minimal cage requirement is 5’ long by 3’ wide by 4’high. However, a larger flight cage or aviary is preferable, measuring at least 8’ by 12’ by 8’. Since Toucans are messy, their cage or aviary must be cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis. Toucans require cages with 1” bar spacing.

CAUTION
In most cases, more space is more desirable for birds. However, when increasing the size of a Toucan’s cage, the bird’s human companion must be careful to maintain a safe (narrow) space between the bars. The bars of a cage have to be narrow enough to prevent a bird from sticking his head in between. Bars that are spaced too far apart for the bird’s size can result in serious and even fatal injuries.

Positioning The Cage:

Toucans enjoy the company of people, and their housing should allow them to see and interact with their human companions, while still providing them with privacy. These birds don’t tolerate very high temperatures very well, so care should be taken not to position their cage in direct sunlight. Drafty areas should also be avoided. No bird’s cage should ever be placed in or near a kitchen, since fumes and rapidly changing temperatures can cause severe, even fatal, health hazards.

Playthings:

The fun-loving Toucan loves to play with toys. However, care should be taken to avoid small toys, since this inquisitive bird will swallow them. Ring toys should also be avoided, since they pose a safety risk for Toucans. Large rubber toys that are too big to swallow and rope toys tend to work best.

Perches:

Toucans enjoy being at high levels, so they should be provided with large sturdy perches and perch stands, ranging from 1” to 2.25” in diameter and about 14-16” long. A perch should be placed in front of, but not above, food and water dishes.

Play Time Outside The Cage:

The sociable Toucan should spend time outside the cage or aviary every day bonding with her human companions. Any room the Toucan is allowed in must be bird-safe and escape-proof. A perch stand and large toys should be available in the Toucan’s room.

Grooming:

Consult veterinarian or literature about trimming nails

Diet:

As softbill birds, Toucans eat a different diet in nature than parrots. Rather than being nut and seed oriented, the Toucan dines on diced (not whole) fruits for the bulk of his diet. Toucans must have fresh clean fruit every day to live a healthy life. Their digestive system evolved to process fruit, and they obtain most of their water from fruit rather than drinking it directly. Papaya and cantaloupe are preferred fruits, while pears, grapes, and bananas are also good. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and pineapples should be avoided, as should tomatoes, because they can contribute to the bird’s tendency to store too much iron. Remove all seeds from fruit before offering it to a toucan. Seeds should never be a part of a Toucan’s diet, because his digestive system cannot break them down.

In addition to fruit, Toucans should be given smaller quantities of low-iron protein sources, such as soft bill bird pellets. Mealworms, crickets and peanut butter can also be offered as an occasional treat for protein. Dog and cat food, raisins, spinach, and monkey chow and other iron-rich foods should be avoided. Raw vegetables should also be avoided, but cooked vegetables are ok. Vitamin and mineral supplements should also be avoided, unless recommended by a veterinarian. Fresh clean, chlorine-free water should be available at all times, though the Toucan is more likely to bathe in it than drink it.. Provide additional calcium during egg laying.