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Is it safe to have both toucans and passerines in one cage?

Discussion in 'General Zoo Discussion' started by Unenlagia90, 3 Jan 2023.

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  1. Unenlagia90

    Unenlagia90 Well-Known Member

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    I do know toucans are omnivores, they predominantly eat plants but occasionally eat animal protein like live frogs, bugs and small birds. But i wonder if it's safe to have both passerines (up to 10cm in length) and toucans in one aviary? How to make them not eat passerine hatchlings?
     
  2. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    It will be safe for the toucans at least.
     
  3. FBBird

    FBBird Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    They’ll eat the adults, you won’t get as far as hatchlings:)
     
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  4. Aardwolf

    Aardwolf Well-Known Member

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    Not if they choke on the passerines it won't be
     
  5. Carl Jones

    Carl Jones Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    Enrichment for the toucans, they will have a lovely time.
     
  6. Sheather

    Sheather Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    It depends on the species whether they will be a danger to adult passerines. Aracaris have been maintained in aviaries with small birds with success by many facilities, Brookfield Zoo has them with honeycreepers. The small birds breed in open cages with doors too small for the toucans to access afaik.
     
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  7. Unenlagia90

    Unenlagia90 Well-Known Member

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    Ramphastos spp., Chimelong keep them with mynahs in one aviary.
     
  8. Unenlagia90

    Unenlagia90 Well-Known Member

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    Mynahs nests in tree holes or bird houses
     
  9. Great Argus

    Great Argus Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    I'm not quite sure what your point is here - toucans are also tree hole breeders. They are also documented to steal young birds out of cavity nests using their long beaks. Mynas might work a little easier since they are boisterous and pushy themselves, but there would still be risk in breeding them.
     
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  10. Kakapo

    Kakapo Well-Known Member

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    The smallest species of toucans (like Aulacorhynchus species, Baillonius or even Selenidera) could be kept with adult larger passerines (from the size of a superb starling upwards) without predation risk, I think.
     
  11. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    You're basically only wanting the answer of "yes, it is perfectly safe, go for it" aren't you?
     
  12. MRJ

    MRJ Well-Known Member 15+ year member Premium Member

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    Maybe some larger corvids or a lyrebird, or maybe a currawong?