I recently posted pics of the Toco Toucans we currently have. Many folks come in and are in awe of the magnificent creatures - they are considered "eye candy" as much as I despise using that term.

What people do not realize is the importance of their diet. These birds MUST be fed a low iron pellet. We prefer Mazuri Soft Bill. In addition, tons of FRESH fruit should be given daily. Preparation is important. The fruit must be cut in 3/8" squares - no larger. This is not a hit or miss thing - it is DAILY.

Fruits which I suggest are fresh mango, papaya, blueberries, bananas, red raspberries, grapes and cantaloupe. This is an absolute MUST! They derive most of their hydration from fruits. All seeds in fruit should be removed. Citrus fruits should be avoided.

Without a low iron diet and lots of fresh fruit DAILY, toucans can easily become afflicted with hemochromatosis or iron storage disease. There is no test to determine if a toucan has this disease on a living bird with the exception of a liver biopsy, which can be very risky.

It is important that these birds NOT be fed any type of dried fruits. In addition, no additional vitamins or supplements should be given.

So, while we are all enjoying the gorgeous pictures, I think it is more important that we all be educated on the very species specific diet they require.

How cool is that?!!! Ekkies are NOT the biggest pain in the butt to feed!!

Interesting information Kathie. What amount of fruit are they given daily? Is it fed twice a day or more? Why do they need such an exact size (3/8") measurement of the fruit? Can it be smaller than 3/8"?

That's all very interesting! I'm interested to hear the answers to the questions that Karen asked as well.

That is very interesting, I didn't know any of that. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the info! I think Toucans are so beautiful. Although I'd never want the responsibility of caring for one. I'd be too afraid! One of my friend's always raves of how she wants a toucan. She can barely take care of her tiels! (It drives me nuts!) I'm going to love giving her this info on toucans!

Toucans (Ramphastidae): Information from Answers.com

Great link, Mike! Fascinating birds.

Toucans are so absolutely beautiful yet odd, or different, I should say. My mom always told me as a child that I wasn't wierd, I was what they call unique. So maybe unique is a better word than odd. They are so captivating which unfortunately like most things captivating that can also be their demise.

I know nothing about them and will soak up everything anyone will tell me. The most I know about a toucan was the one I met every morning on the front of my cereal box as a kid.

Thanks for posting some of the facts, Kathie. That is so important, especially when something is viewed so sadly as simply eye candy.

Oh sure - it can be smaller - sorry for not being clear on that. It should be no larger than 3/8". We feed a huge bowl once a day. I would think it is probably more appropriate to feed the fruit as often as possible. They eat their entire bowl of fruit, too! I fill (well, about 3/4 full) a 30 oz lock crock with fruit each day.