Toucans, Part II: Domestic Housepets

pass on the following: E. Coli, Salmonella, and Yersina. These are bacterial infections, usually carried and passed on through urine and feces. Internal parasites such as roundworms, capillaria worms, and proventricular worms are easy to diagnose and cure. However, another condition called Hemochromotosis; also known as Iron Storage Disease, is caused by an excess of iron in the liver. It is diagnosed by a liver biopsy, and controlled by extracting amounts of blood on a regular basis. This form of treatment is called a phelbotomy. To help avoid this condition, it is recommended that a domesticated toucan be fed a low protein diet.

Whether part of a human family or part of the rainforest ecology, the remarkable toucan has proven its ability to adapt and thrive.

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