Ants

[jmaneyapanda]

That is incredible that you keep toucans! I don't think I have seen someone keep those before (except for a pet store in florida)

They, not unlike aquariums, just have specific needs, that when met, are no harder than other birds. Theyre messy. I mean REALLY MESSY. Have specific dietary needs, including a lot of fruits, and low iron foods. And need space. The same can be said of the majority of aquariums we see here. Just need specific care to be successful.

 

[Nordy]

All I got to say, your bird is amazing , I appreciate you sharing that Video! I was a Ranger Rick kid growing up, Wild America before bed on tv, and my first Audubon book was N. America birds. I love trying to attract birds. Waxwings are my favorite, we share a common interest in eating berries.

 

[Nordy]

@jmaneyapanda , I share a similar view that if you look at where a species is from and replicate habitat and needs for survival, it can work with your diligence to come through for them. I did a lot of orchid growing way back when, so I looked at the whole picture as well as I could of climate for water and humidity, PAR, Temp, and if not epiphytic, a suitable medium that is characteristic to there natural environment. After seeing your Video, I’ll have a Molluccan on one shoulder, a Toucan on the other. Do you free flight your birds?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

@jmaneyapanda , I share a similar view that if you look at where a species is from and replicate habitat and needs for survival, it can work with your diligence to come through for them. I did a lot of orchid growing way back when, so I looked at the whole picture as well as I could of climate for water and humidity, PAR, Temp, and if not epiphytic, a suitable medium that is characteristic to there natural environment. After seeing your Video, I’ll have a Molluccan on one shoulder, a Toucan on the other. Do you free flight your birds?

I do not. I live in a wooded area and theres way too many hawks and owls and other predators. The toucan and parrots go outside in the summer to big aviaries, so they fly in their and get sunlight, sound and sight enrichment, etc. And suddenly, ANTS!! LOL. In the winter, they come inside, and I'll rotate them in the house and in the bird room. Every other day they get free flight of the hosue in the winter. Unfortunately, I cant let the toucan out with the parrots. Hes a bit of a turd and will try to kill them.

 

[KrisReef]

I hear these are effective natural predators so you can avoid using toxic chemicals

They seem to be out of stock at the moment.

https://undergroundreptiles.com/product/tamandua-anteater/

 

[UncommonSense]

The invasive, tough to deal with ones are the odoriferous ants

These sound like Argentinean ants… if so, it’s scary that they’re already in Washington!

The first documented sighting around the Monterey Bay Area (central California) was 2021, I started dealing with them in 2022…

I’ve had my best results following what trails I can back to the hive and digging it out, or simply caulking seams where they find their way into the home when the hive is unidentifiable!