Aracaris as pets
Owning an Aracari as a pet is an amazing and rewarding experience that is like nothing else. If you have ever kept any other type of bird you will need to toss out any preconceived ideas about what to expect as these guys do not behave anything at all like parrots, large or small. They are extremely inquisitive birds and are always investigating everything around them. They will not be content to sit on your shoulder and rest, however they will likely use you as a landing platform often, looking for some scratching and petting in the process. They do like to cuddle and will relish time spent up inside your shirt, tail folded up over their backs, having a nice little snooze.
The large beak is what most people need a bit of time to get used to when first letting a toucan in their lives. Aracaris are not inherently aggressive birds and rarely bite their owners. They don't hold grudges or tend to get moody for extended periods of time like parrots do. The beak is actually very lightweight and the closing pressure is relatively weak. Jabbing is the greatest risk but they really don't bite like so many other birds do. If they are not happy with something they just fly off rather than stay and bite.
Aracaris are typically happy and content birds. They do sometimes have odd reactions to things that we would not think were a problem. For instance, my pet green absolutely hates my iPhone. It was never used in any negative way around her but she switches into "hate" mode when she sees it and tries to attack it. As soon as it is out of sight, 'snap', she is back to her lovable self. And that is how the mind of the Aracari works. She does have the occasional morning that she just does not want to deal with us, growling through her cage bars. Rather than try to "correct" the behavior we just let her be and within a few hours she is fine. That is how they should be treated. Negative behavior like that rarely is long lasting and trying to discipline a toucan will never be helpful. When raised in a home and given lots of affection and attention they rarely develop bad habits.
Leaving an Aracari caged during the day also typically does not lead to any problems often experienced with parrots. Feather plucking or other destructive habits do not normally occur as the birds are perfectly capable of keeping themselves amused when provided with toys and other environmental enrichment. They should be allowed out for a few hours at least once a day to fly around, get exercise and, especially, interact with you! Whenever the bird is outside of it's cage it is important to be sure that all windows and door are securely closed as they are amazingly fast fliers. Also check that any small items that you do not want turned into toys are kept out of reach. They are very sneaky birds and know when you are watching and when you are not, and will seize that opportunity to make off with anything shiny!
Aracaris are also extremely quiet when compared to most other birds. Although they are capable of making a somewhat loud alarm call they rarely do so and instead make quiet rattles and whimpers to communicate. They have an amazingly soft whimper they make when they are getting their beak rubbed or head and neck scratched that shows a great level of pleasure. Each species is a little different but none of them could ever be considered 'noisy'.
Toucans and Aracaris do not usually care much for typical bird toys. They don't chew like parrots do but they do enjoy chiseling away things such as soft wood. We have given our birds cut sections of dried Agave flower stems and they love cleaning out the soft center. These are finding their ways into various bird toys but the sizes needed for Aracaris is most likely going to be found in craft/floral stores. Be sure that they have not been treated with any dyes, paints or chemicals before use. Additionally, these birds love objects that they can hold in their mouth and "bang" on their cage and perches. Usually, the shinier the better! Our pet green loves fingernail clippers and will not miss an opportunity to grab some if we are not looking. Wooden beads and small, soft balls are also enjoyed especially when they are strung on a piece of leather cord and hung from the top of the cage. The birds can go into a state of frenzied excitement playing 'tether-ball', grabbing and jabbing at the ball and watching it bounce wildly!
All in all these birds are a real joy to have as part of the family. They don't normally become one-person birds and like to interact with everyone. They may or may not accept other pets or even each other so it is best to use caution when allowing the bird out of it's cage for play time if other animals are loose in the house. I have kept many, many different pet birds over the years and can say that Aracaris are unlike any of them. I could not imagine not having one in my life ever again.
The large beak is what most people need a bit of time to get used to when first letting a toucan in their lives. Aracaris are not inherently aggressive birds and rarely bite their owners. They don't hold grudges or tend to get moody for extended periods of time like parrots do. The beak is actually very lightweight and the closing pressure is relatively weak. Jabbing is the greatest risk but they really don't bite like so many other birds do. If they are not happy with something they just fly off rather than stay and bite.
Aracaris are typically happy and content birds. They do sometimes have odd reactions to things that we would not think were a problem. For instance, my pet green absolutely hates my iPhone. It was never used in any negative way around her but she switches into "hate" mode when she sees it and tries to attack it. As soon as it is out of sight, 'snap', she is back to her lovable self. And that is how the mind of the Aracari works. She does have the occasional morning that she just does not want to deal with us, growling through her cage bars. Rather than try to "correct" the behavior we just let her be and within a few hours she is fine. That is how they should be treated. Negative behavior like that rarely is long lasting and trying to discipline a toucan will never be helpful. When raised in a home and given lots of affection and attention they rarely develop bad habits.
Leaving an Aracari caged during the day also typically does not lead to any problems often experienced with parrots. Feather plucking or other destructive habits do not normally occur as the birds are perfectly capable of keeping themselves amused when provided with toys and other environmental enrichment. They should be allowed out for a few hours at least once a day to fly around, get exercise and, especially, interact with you! Whenever the bird is outside of it's cage it is important to be sure that all windows and door are securely closed as they are amazingly fast fliers. Also check that any small items that you do not want turned into toys are kept out of reach. They are very sneaky birds and know when you are watching and when you are not, and will seize that opportunity to make off with anything shiny!
Aracaris are also extremely quiet when compared to most other birds. Although they are capable of making a somewhat loud alarm call they rarely do so and instead make quiet rattles and whimpers to communicate. They have an amazingly soft whimper they make when they are getting their beak rubbed or head and neck scratched that shows a great level of pleasure. Each species is a little different but none of them could ever be considered 'noisy'.
Toucans and Aracaris do not usually care much for typical bird toys. They don't chew like parrots do but they do enjoy chiseling away things such as soft wood. We have given our birds cut sections of dried Agave flower stems and they love cleaning out the soft center. These are finding their ways into various bird toys but the sizes needed for Aracaris is most likely going to be found in craft/floral stores. Be sure that they have not been treated with any dyes, paints or chemicals before use. Additionally, these birds love objects that they can hold in their mouth and "bang" on their cage and perches. Usually, the shinier the better! Our pet green loves fingernail clippers and will not miss an opportunity to grab some if we are not looking. Wooden beads and small, soft balls are also enjoyed especially when they are strung on a piece of leather cord and hung from the top of the cage. The birds can go into a state of frenzied excitement playing 'tether-ball', grabbing and jabbing at the ball and watching it bounce wildly!
All in all these birds are a real joy to have as part of the family. They don't normally become one-person birds and like to interact with everyone. They may or may not accept other pets or even each other so it is best to use caution when allowing the bird out of it's cage for play time if other animals are loose in the house. I have kept many, many different pet birds over the years and can say that Aracaris are unlike any of them. I could not imagine not having one in my life ever again.