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My pet Toucan.



Has anyone tried this with their Toucans ? I know three

that do it, and probably it is a common trait. Breathe on the hind

quarter just under and at the tip of the wing, and watch him stand

on one foot, cock his head, swell up and open and place across his

back the wing you blew under. This posture is held for a long time,

and only relaxed gradually to normal. Then do it again. Brother,

it’s fine !


Six months elapse, when out of a clear sky I see a title

flashed on the screen of a lady who tames birds and then by the

movies she proves it. You can imagine my excitement when her

subjects were shown to be Toucans. Naturally, the “ Gentleman ”

went boarding out. He is back now, and I am the boss. But what

a hump of curiosity he possesses! Everything must be picked and

pulled, and, with his powerful beak, his investigations are liable to

be very complete. Diamond rings (taking the finger along too) are

his specialty. Watch chains and buttons are substitutes. Girls

having none are not on his list of acquaintance. They are not, and

are all afraid. Furthermore, the “ Gentleman ” knows it and goes

for them. When I am shaving he sits on the arm of the mirror ;

eats his breakfast at the table — oatmeal, bread in coffee, fruit and

butter balls. These latter he loves, and to take them away, slippery

as they are, is some job. Gum, jam and candy he will not eat. All

the rest, including snakes and mice, if you give them — yes. To be

scratched is wonderful, and the operation is assisted by throwing out

all the feathers, that a fellow may have the full effect on his skin.

Purring accompanies same. When he is harsh, voicing displeasure,

watch out or get nipped! What is he now doing on the pencil ?

It should be his, but as I can’t see it that way, my fingers get

it. When scolded he departs to the far corner to sulk (for a few

seconds only). Curiosity is the greatest trait. Open a draw and

he must see what is therein ; must also help (?) in the morning when

food for the day is being prepared, when cleaning cages, changing

water ; must investigate your shoe-laces and eyes— in short, all and

everything.



"American spelling has been retained throughout this paper.—G. E.]



