Why do we limit ourselves to just a dove or parrot? Has anyone used a different bird? I remember Henning used an owl, and Copperfield a falcon (although he didn't use it as a piece of magic). I can invision Criss Angel working with ravens or crows. I know ducks, geese, and canarys are used as well. Does anyone work with other species of birds? I am sure permits would be an obsticle. What are your thoughts?

It's all relative to what you want to do and your budget. Various species are used for different reasons in the context of an act or show. I know several different people who have used other types of birds, but most are not as reliable as doves. Dana Daniels uses a breed of conure -I think- and I know of friends who have used chickens, ducks, and even butterflies. I don't think we really limit ourselves by using what magicians believe to be "standard" birds such as doves and parrots, most commonly lay people don't even know they're doves but think they're pigeons or just plain have no idea what they are. I'd rather see magicians that fall into the trap of dove magic push the possiblilites with what we can do with animals rather than what kind of animal to use. Take it to the next level and let these animals work for us by using their inteligence, no matter how much there is, to our advantage and create new ways to tamefully and respectfully manipulate them to get the most magical reaction from our audience. I've always felt it is a waste of time trying to impress magicians, they pay crappy anyway too, and try to create the most natural looking and visually stunning magic. When using animals I always try to have everything make sense because when you really think about it, we're creating life in our bare hands, that concept should be milked to its fullest...ok I'm done shoot me now

SperriS

I have a friend that produces a Tucan(SP?) and quite honestly lamen really don't react much different to it then they do a macaw or other large bird.

MDS

I have always wanted to own a raven. They are so intellegent and fascinating to me. Does anyone know where they can be purchased?

Regan

Check out some local bird shows/swap meets, they're like reptile or horse swap meets...

"I know ducks, geese, and canarys are used as well"

I have a male canary but for the life of me I can't find a suitable prop to use him in. Also, his feathers will need to be clipped. I haven't done this in years and he a lot smaller than the bigger parrots I use to clip.

Thanks Sperris.

Regan

A Tucan, can you believe it?

MDS

I have Sigfreid & Roy producing about a dozen pink flamingo's on tape. I have also seen performers producing lizards, snakes, & even donkeys & elephants. Pen & Teller have produced Bees etc.

That bee thing that Penn and Teller do is mad crazy.

MDS