the easiest way to cackle is on a slate, glass, or box. I don't think its that hard on a diaphram once you learn how to do it. The diaphram is also more realistic, IMHO, if you learn how to get the pitch. Getting the rhythm on one can be difficult for some to do since it starts out with a few clucks then breaks into a face pace. But if you know how to cut on one then you shouldn't have any problems.