| Toucan Questions - CLICK HERE for the Pet Manual Forum Home Page |
| MissLindy |
I have owned parrots for around eight years, and I absolutely love them. I
currently own a cockatiel and have been looking to add another bird to my
life. Within my research, I stumbled across some toucan information, and
they seem, well...too good to be true.
The biggest problem that I have with parrots is that they bite--hard. I
am a somewhat timid soul in the aspect of pain, and it makes my
relationship with my birdies somewhat difficult. Because my birds have
always known they can control me with a bite, is has made retaining
dominance impossible. While this constant tug-o-war for "head of the
flock" position is definitely wearisome, it is something that I have
endured simply because it comes with the territory of parrots; and
therefore it is worth it.
One of the main things that appeals to me about toucans is that I have
heard that they can't really deliver an effective bite. That their beaks
don't have the provided leverage and that they even have trouble squeezing
a grape. Still, I look at the taco toucan's beak, with its slightly
curved-down tip, and I am wary. It looks like they would at least be able
to give a sharp, painful pinch.
On the other hand, I have also heard the opposite--that while toucans
rarely bite, they still can--and that it is insanely painful. As an owner
of (a) toucan(s), what is your personal experience with this? Also, how
aggressive are toucans, in general, in relation to dominance and
territorial behavior? Because toucans are flock animals, no doubt they
feel the need to constantly challenge the one in charge. This is a
survival instinct and I totally understand it. However, pet birds tend to
develop serious behavioral problems when allowed the dominance position
over their humans. The reason why I have not been successful in dealing
with this behavior in my parrots is because of their painful bite. It
would be wonderful if I could find a bird that is physically incapable of
biting hard enough to scare me.
Thank you so much!
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| James |
"MissLindy" <misslindyherself@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:755c76095be07b1b811b7f4068f8dba3@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
>
> The biggest problem that I have with parrots is that they bite--hard. I
> am a somewhat timid soul in the aspect of pain, and it makes my
> relationship with my birdies somewhat difficult. Because my birds have
> always known they can control me with a bite, is has made retaining
> dominance impossible. While this constant tug-o-war for "head of the
> flock" position is definitely wearisome, it is something that I have
> endured simply because it comes with the territory of parrots; and
> therefore it is worth it.
>
You lost the battle a long long time ago. You also seem to be sadly
mis-informed about the existance of parrot flock hierarchies.
--
James
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| Just Molly |
"MissLindy" <misslindyherself@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:755c76095be07b1b811b7f4068f8dba3@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
> I have owned parrots for around eight years, and I absolutely love them.
I
> currently own a cockatiel
So where are the parrots? They live longer than 8 years usually.
>and have been looking to add another bird to my
> life. Within my research, I stumbled across some toucan information, and
> they seem, well...too good to be true.
>
> The biggest problem that I have with parrots is that they bite--hard. I
> am a somewhat timid soul in the aspect of pain, and it makes my
> relationship with my birdies somewhat difficult. Because my birds have
> always known they can control me with a bite, is has made retaining
> dominance impossible. While this constant tug-o-war for "head of the
> flock" position is definitely wearisome, it is something that I have
> endured simply because it comes with the territory of parrots; and
> therefore it is worth it.
>
> One of the main things that appeals to me about toucans is that I have
> heard that they can't really deliver an effective bite. That their beaks
> don't have the provided leverage and that they even have trouble squeezing
> a grape. Still, I look at the taco toucan's beak, with its slightly
> curved-down tip, and I am wary. It looks like they would at least be able
> to give a sharp, painful pinch.
>
> On the other hand, I have also heard the opposite--that while toucans
> rarely bite, they still can--and that it is insanely painful. As an owner
> of (a) toucan(s), what is your personal experience with this? Also, how
> aggressive are toucans, in general, in relation to dominance and
> territorial behavior? Because toucans are flock animals, no doubt they
> feel the need to constantly challenge the one in charge. This is a
> survival instinct and I totally understand it. However, pet birds tend to
> develop serious behavioral problems when allowed the dominance position
> over their humans. The reason why I have not been successful in dealing
> with this behavior in my parrots is because of their painful bite. It
> would be wonderful if I could find a bird that is physically incapable of
> biting hard enough to scare me.
>
You are not equipped to own birds or any other pet. All pets bite, all bites
can be painful. If you are that scared of being bitten, don't get a toucan
or any other bird.
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| pianoharp |
"MissLindy" <misslindyherself@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:755c76095be07b1b811b7f4068f8dba3@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
> I have owned parrots for around eight years, and I absolutely love them.
I
> currently own a cockatiel and have been looking to add another bird to my
> life. Within my research, I stumbled across some toucan information, and
> they seem, well...too good to be true.
>
> The biggest problem that I have with parrots is that they bite--hard. I
> am a somewhat timid soul in the aspect of pain, and it makes my
> relationship with my birdies somewhat difficult. Because my birds have
> always known they can control me with a bite, is has made retaining
> dominance impossible. While this constant tug-o-war for "head of the
> flock" position is definitely wearisome, it is something that I have
> endured simply because it comes with the territory of parrots; and
> therefore it is worth it.
>
> One of the main things that appeals to me about toucans is that I have
> heard that they can't really deliver an effective bite. That their beaks
> don't have the provided leverage and that they even have trouble squeezing
> a grape. Still, I look at the taco toucan's beak, with its slightly
> curved-down tip, and I am wary. It looks like they would at least be able
> to give a sharp, painful pinch.
>
> On the other hand, I have also heard the opposite--that while toucans
> rarely bite, they still can--and that it is insanely painful. As an owner
> of (a) toucan(s), what is your personal experience with this? Also, how
> aggressive are toucans, in general, in relation to dominance and
> territorial behavior? Because toucans are flock animals, no doubt they
> feel the need to constantly challenge the one in charge. This is a
> survival instinct and I totally understand it. However, pet birds tend to
> develop serious behavioral problems when allowed the dominance position
> over their humans. The reason why I have not been successful in dealing
> with this behavior in my parrots is because of their painful bite. It
> would be wonderful if I could find a bird that is physically incapable of
> biting hard enough to scare me.
>
> Thank you so much!
>
>
>
If you don't want to be bit, but you want a cuddly bird, get a dove.
They are very defenseless, though, and it will be incumbent upon you to
defend them.
Canaries don't bite either, or at least you can't feel it. There are people
who have hand-tamed them, but I don't. Unlike what many will try to tell
you, canaries get to know you / your voice, and really do respond. They're
very smart.
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| MissLindy |
Lou Boyd - Thank you for your reply! I never looked at it this way. I
have been a subsriber to Bird Talk for several years, and it has been my
understanding that while birds are wonderful, companionship-oriented
animals, they are also extremely intelligent and can be controlling when
allowed the chance. I believe in "nurturing dominance," meaning that the
bird owner should be "in charge," but always in a loving, friendly way.
Scolding and physical force is absolutely unacceptable, I agree.
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| Just Molly |
"MissLindy" <misslindyherself@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:7e38077ce5e36b8d9a8bed1ef0f3a27e@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
> James - I apologize, perhaps I did not explain myself clearly enough. It
> is my understanding that the way a flock operates is something akin to a
> large family. Everyone is friendly and loving and helpful to each other -
> and that's the way it should be. I also believed that there is one "head
> bird," so to speak (though the terminology may be sadly off) that is
> usually the highest up, watching for danger, etc.
> I could be very wrong, in which case I am completely willing to recieve
> correction. Do you have any information you can offer about the hierchy
> of a parrot flock? If so, please let me know. Thanks so much for
> replying.
>
> P.S. One of the places where I got my information is here:
> www.cockatiel.org/articles/establishing.html
> Let me know what you agree/disagree with.
>
You are indeed wrong. Most of the dominance theories came from dog trainers
I believe. Birds operate more like a commune, with some birds feeding and
some birds watching out, nobody really in charge but all doing it randomely.
In large flocks there need not be a boss bird.
Imagine a flock of birds rather like the 'borg'. A collective, working
together for the good of the collective.
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| James |
"MissLindy" <misslindyherself@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:666a889b8e6721540cabd080a6f88cf9@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
> Just Molly -- You are correct, most parrots have rather long lifespans.
My
> cockatiel is seven years old and in very good health. He sees an avian
> vet, and is on an organic, undyed pelleted diet supplemented with fresh
> fruits and vegetables. I love him very much, and while he is not a cuddly
> bird, he loves his head scratches. He shows some territorial agression
> around his cage, but anywhere else in the house he does not bite me. (For
> example, he does not like when I have him step up onto my hand while he is
> inside his cage.)
> Where are my other birds? I owned a poicephalus parrot who died at four
> years from a birth defect that could not be healed. I am heartbroken over
> his loss, but I am confident that I gave him a very happy life. Thank you
> for your concern. I, too, am very upset when parrots do not live out
> their full lifespan due to neglect/misinformation. I have always made it
> my goal to ensure magnificent health for all of my animals.
>
But you do very little to learn and understand their behaviors.
--
James
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| James |
"MissLindy" <misslindyherself@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:72756d5a6c773d3fa0d83e8d8e76ff7b@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
> Pianoharp -- Yes, I'm heard of finches/canaries behind handtamed. They
are
Who asked you if you were "heard of finches"? is that your indian name? and
how does a canary (or anything) get behind hand tamed?
--
James
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| James |
"MissLindy" <misslindyherself@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:fd7421974522b0e3a09fd8369a53902f@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
> I believe in "nurturing dominance," meaning that the
> bird owner should be "in charge," but always in a loving, friendly way.
But you'r not. You're too afraid of being bitten to be the one in charge.
> Scolding and physical force is absolutely unacceptable, I agree.
>
Birds scold each other all the time. They also use physical force on each
other.
--
James
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| Mamabird |
"James" <just ask me> wrote in message
news:49bf1a6af0608c129675903e8fa06926@news.teranews.com...
>
> "MissLindy" <misslindyherself@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:72756d5a6c773d3fa0d83e8d8e76ff7b@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
>
> > Pianoharp -- Yes, I'm heard of finches/canaries behind handtamed. They
> are
>
> Who asked you if you were "heard of finches"? is that your indian name?
and
> how does a canary (or anything) get behind hand tamed?
If that's her Indian name, I believe "*herd* of finches" would be more
appropriate, though "flock of finches" would be my choice.
--
Mama aka "Dances with birds"
~^~^~^~ Visit Mamabird's Nest: <http://iluvbirds.tripod.com/> And My
Photo Albums at: <http://photos.yahoo.com/iluvbirdz>
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
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| Starlight |
"James" <just ask me> wrote in message
>news:49bf1a6af0608c129675903e8fa06926@news.teranews.com...
>>
>> "MissLindy" <misslindyherself@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:72756d5a6c773d3fa0d83e8d8e76ff7b@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
>>
>> > Pianoharp -- Yes, I'm heard of finches/canaries behind handtamed. They
>> are
>>
>> Who asked you if you were "heard of finches"? is that your indian name?
>and
>> how does a canary (or anything) get behind hand tamed?
>
Perhaps English isn't her first language. If it bothers you so much,
please tell her the proper word usage and spelling.
Becky
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| Just Molly |
"Mamabird" <sexy@60.hot> wrote in message
news:dlLCc.25467$Y3.22576@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> "James" <just ask me> wrote in message
> news:49bf1a6af0608c129675903e8fa06926@news.teranews.com...
> >
> > "MissLindy" <misslindyherself@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:72756d5a6c773d3fa0d83e8d8e76ff7b@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
> >
> > > Pianoharp -- Yes, I'm heard of finches/canaries behind handtamed.
They
> > are
> >
> > Who asked you if you were "heard of finches"? is that your indian name?
> and
> > how does a canary (or anything) get behind hand tamed?
>
> If that's her Indian name, I believe "*herd* of finches" would be more
> appropriate, though "flock of finches" would be my choice.
> --
> Mama aka "Dances with birds"
IIRC a flock of goldfinches is called a 'charm'.
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| James |
"Starlight" <homehealth_rnDELETE@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:iu6nd0t59mj0vb1qe0sjfte274nt90cdb9@4ax.com...
>
> "James" <just ask me> wrote in message
> >news:49bf1a6af0608c129675903e8fa06926@news.teranews.com...
> >>
> >> "MissLindy" <misslindyherself@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
> >> news:72756d5a6c773d3fa0d83e8d8e76ff7b@localhost.talkaboutpets.com...
> >>
> >> > Pianoharp -- Yes, I'm heard of finches/canaries behind handtamed.
They
> >> are
> >>
> >> Who asked you if you were "heard of finches"? is that your indian name?
> >and
> >> how does a canary (or anything) get behind hand tamed?
> >
>
> Perhaps English isn't her first language. If it bothers you so much,
> please tell her the proper word usage and spelling.
> Becky
So much? It doesn't bother me at all. Why would it?
--
James
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