There are a few breeders of toucans in the U.S. and (at least the smaller aracaris and toucanets) make great pets, as well as being just as smart as cockatoos and macaws. I was wondering if anyone has tried using toucans in their magic? Their natural lifespan is roughly 20-25 years.

I believe Dave Womach uses at least 1 in his act. A big Toco or Keel Billed would be pretty cool.

That's cool that you know someone who uses them. I thought they'd be more popular, though, being as that their bite doesn't hurt, they don't live forever like a lot of the bigger birds, they're quiet, and extremely intelligent. One of the main U.S. breeders is Emerald Forest Bird Gardens. From what I heard, some of the bird shows at theme parks use them to retrieve items from audience members, do flips, etc.

Watch the movie "George of the Jungle". The toucan there did a lot of tricks.

I will admit they would good in an act. But I have a feeling they will be difficult to take care of (I could be wrong). At times I mention purchasing a cockatoo. Some members are all over me about not buying the bird for a trick because they are hard to take care of. You might want to send Dave Womach a PM.

Hey Guys,

Just ran across this. I use toucans in my show and don't recommend them... for many reasons.

1) My own selfish reason. As far as my research has shown, I'm the only one using them in magic, and I really like that. Although all good things must come to an end at some point. It's my most sincere hope that the magic community will respect that, and choose not to use them. With that being said...

2) Toucans are very messy animals. I literally have to change my cages twice a day. They are very foul smelling as 80% of their diet MUST be fresh fruits. And most die of hemachromatosis at a young age (iron storage disease). This makes them tough to travel with, and very expensive to maintain. I spend about $500/month per bird to feed it.

3) Despite what you may hear, my toucan can do some damage when she doesn't want to do the show. Occasionally she'll refuse to load up, and I end up with a bruised hand, and gashes up and down my arm. Honestly, I've had less injuries from macaws, and that's the honest to God truth.

4) They are expensive. Copperfield called me about getting a toucan, and I asked him that he wouldn't because I use them in my show. He respectfully said, "I don't plan on putting a $10,000 bird in a harness"... Good decision.

Obviously I'd like to keep them for my own show, but more importantly they do not make a good pet, they're hard to take care of, and usually die a very slow painful death from iron... they can't even have tap water... or bottled water... it has to be distilled... makes traveling even harder...

Just my thoughts...

Dave

Dave,

I'm not sure I understand the Copperfield reference, so he just called you because he wanted one for a pet, not to use in his show in some way? That seems a bit odd.

10k for a bird is pretty crazy. I think I'll stick to doves.

Steven

I use three cans!

Guys, I would recommend not using a toucan until Dave Womach retires.

Go for hornbills ..hahahah...

Thanks Dynamike. There needs to be more people like you in this industry. :o)

As for the Copperfield reference, I'd rather not go into more detail about it, as I'm not sure how much info he wants out about it.

Dave