Paco, Paz, & Pepe are Toco toucans, the largest of 38+ toucan species. They have lived in the Caribbean for most of their lives, mostly together here in the British Virgin Islands. We adopted them from a local tourist attraction that was not able to provide them with the care they required and deserved. We are pleased to be able to give our birds what we feel is a much improved living situation in all areas, from their housing arrangements (huge aviary upgrade), necessary enrichment, and designated caregivers that they can form a positive relationship with (that’s us!). Unfortunately, most of their history is a mystery to us from where they are originally from (Paraguay?), their specific ages (somewhere around 9 years of age at the time of adoption maybe?), to the damage of their beaks (they’re still beautiful though!).
Upon initially meeting the Three-Cans, most people have trouble noticing any contrast between them. However, after spending any length of time in their captivating presence, you will quickly realize that they are very different, both in physical appearance and especially personality.
* For more in-depth personality profiles, click on their names, which are blue, highlighted links in the descriptions below.
MEET PAZ
Paz is the largest of the Three-Cans and our only female. Her name, which means peace in Spanish, suits her sweet, delicate nature perfectly. Paz has an insatiable appetite – she’s our hungriest hippo who never turns down a blueberry and consistently polishes off more fruit daily than either of the boys. Paz has always been the most shy and timid of the Three-Cans, but since our move into a more private space, she has gained a much needed a boost in confidence and has come further in her training and relationship with me than we ever could have expected. Paz loves digging for toys in boxes, teasing the boys with her grapes, and is our most avid sunbather.
MEET PACO
Paco is the gregarious social butterfly of the trio. Seemingly fearless and forever curious, Paco is interested in anything and everything that presents itself to him. Definitely the most vocal, Paco has an opinion on everything – purring non-stop once you begin the conversation. Paco is the one who has bonded with me the most, and makes it clear he considers me his “mate” in many ways. I often refer to him as my toucan-puppy, as he is just as, if not more, loyal, playful, loving, and mischievous as an adored family dog.
MEET PEPE
Pepe is the easiest of the three to tell apart visually due to his flat, blocky bill. His top mandible extends beyond his bottom mandible, giving the appearance of a slight overbite. We call Pepe “the toy monster” due to his passion for catching anything he can hold in his beak and tossing it around for hours. Pepe has always had mysterious balance issues since we adopted him and has to live in a special, handicapped aviary which we built to prevent him from hurting himself when he falls. Pepe’s easy going, goofy personality makes him a joy to spend time with.
They are so beautiful! What gorgeous coloring on their beaks and bodies. As much as they deserve to be free, it looks like you take great care of them. I bet they really enjoy playing with you.
Hello Chrissann & your 3 gorgeous Toucans. I’m looking into owning a Toucan and hope you can guide me or suggest who to go through or where to start. It appears there are several scams and very old postings when I do internet searches, I admire all the love and great care you give to your babies. I have had an African Gray since she was a baby and now 15 years old. I’m ready to add on by having another family member/pet soon hopefully. I fell in love with a Toucan at Magnolia Bird Farm in Riverside and want one of my own, or two. I work part time out of my home and my husband is retired and home all day. I hope I can find a trustworthy contact. Thank you for your time. Best regards, Anna
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your note and kind words. Personally, I have not worked with any toucan breeders and cannot recommend one. I generally don’t recommend the larger species as pets for many reasons. What species of toucan are you considering?
Thanks, but I think I might have worded it wrong before.I’m gone for about 6-7 hours a day (5-6 next year) but people would be there the time I was gone.And yes I know that keel bills and tocos and keel bills are not naturally the most affectionate.But I do know they are the most intelligent and can be with tons of hard work and training.I simply was asking which could become more affectionate if everything is done right.And I knew that they both are a ton of work but I was asking which was less. I would be able to spend (at least) 5 hours with a toucan a day.I also have found websites like what I said I just was asking if you knew which were reliable, And which were scams.Not actually rescues but people who could no longer take care of there toucans.And by the way though do toucans eat a whole papaya in one day? Thanks, and I’m really sorry for my misunderstandable, (unclear) questions and for wasting so much of your time I know you must be busy with the toucans and all
Hi Ryan,
I will respond to you via email. I believe that will be an easier forum for us to further discuss your questions.
Thanks,
Chrissann
I read that you rescued 3 toco toucans from bad homes (bird adoption) place instead of buying them and were wondering how you do that and if there are any place in the northeastern USA? Also I read your “so you think you want a toucan” post or whatever its called, lol. Thanks. if possible please message me at RyanPKandFreerunner@gmail.com or my youtube account TheSwoopingFalcon64
Hi Ryan,
Thank you for your note. I will send you an email to the address you provided.
Best,
Chrissann & the Cans
thanks for your last reply and also I have 2 more questions about toucans 1. Is there a certain way to find toucans in the area that need to be adopted (website, strategy ECT.)? 2.What are more affectionate and easier to take care of, Toco Toucans or Keel-Billed Toucans? and 3.if I have to go to school or work would I still be able to properly maintain a toucan? Thanks, and BTW good luck with the threecans, Ryan- RyanPKandFreerunner@gmail.com
Hi Ryan,
I don’t know of any website that would tell you if there are any toucans available for adoption – they are rare to have as pets and very rare to find in a rescue. Tocos and Keel-billeds are definitely not the most “affectionate” or “easy to take care of” within the toucan species – they are the most work by far and require the most space and skilled training. Perhaps you might find this article interesting, comparing Large vs. Small Toucan Species as Pets: https://adventuresintoucanland.com/2012/12/large-vs-small-toucans-as-pets/ .
Toucans require a LOT of time and training each and every day – I spend around 5 hours each day caring for my three Tocos. This is possible because I work from home – I wouldn’t be able to care for them properly if I didn’t. If you would be away all day at school/work, you would need someone else to assist you in their care. One of their basic needs is to be fed a fresh bowl of fruit twice per day. The larger species would go crazy, in my opinion, in an indoor cage without interaction all day. I know some people with aracaris and toucanets who do okay leaving them during the days, I can put you in contact with them, if you’d like.
Thanks,
Chrissann & the Cans