Page 470 - Hand rearing birds second

464 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure­28.4­ Juvenile Red Crest Turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus) halfway to adult plumage.

with little or no warning. Hiding places on the ground, such as appropriately sized hollow pipes,
should always be available in turaco enclosures. Use of the “howdy cage” technique described in
Chapter 35 is recommended when introducing turacos to one another.
Turacos of all ages are generally safe to house with other birds, even small finches, although they
may start chasing other birds when in breeding condition. Turacos have very individual tempera-
ments so there are many exceptions, but generally the green species, such as White Cheek Turacos,
are more aggressive to mates and to other avian species in community aviaries.

­ Behavioral­Training­for Pet­Turacos

Turacos are not birds recommended as house pets for several reasons, but mainly because they
require large amounts of space, are strong flyers and jumpers, and are very active. Most people
who want a pet turaco tend to think that turacos can be treated as parrot-type pets, which is not the
case. With very rare exceptions, turacos cannot be trained to stay out on shoulders, perches, or cage
tops like most parrots. Although young turacos can be stroked and petted, adult turacos are not
cuddly at all and do not like being touched, no matter how socialized to it when young. They will
only endure, or usually avoid, physical touching interactions with their keepers. Tame turacos will
interact with people by approaching the person, tugging at clothing, landing on heads, and eating
out of hands.
However, tame birds, even in large aviaries, can be quite endearing because they will interact
with people even after they mature. But beware, tame birds, especially when in breeding condition,
have absolutely no fear of people and can be dangerously aggressive, pecking at and jumping on
faces and heads.
Typically, turacos cannot be trained out of this behavior, so it is generally best to modify the
keeper’s behavior by learning to read the bird’s mood and when necessary avoid direct eye con-
tact (which is considered a challenge), keep interaction to a minimum, and wear protective
headgear and glasses. Turacos will usually warn the person of these moods by approaching and
displaying with open wings, head bowed, and loud calling or growling. Novice turaco owners
and observers tend to be thrilled at this interaction by the bird and may feel inclined to display