I have never done any magic with animals, but I have pet rats and was wanting to incorporate them into my act. They are very smart and can be trained. Has anyone ever used rats in their magic? Where would I buy illusions for small animals? Are there any books or building diagrams I can buy to build props?

You might have something here. Some magicians work with snakes. I believe they like the fear factor. Rats may have the same effect. Give it a try. Illusions for small animals like doves are sold everywhere. Some may take some minor conversions, but check the dove stuff out. One I think would work well is the "dove through mirror" It isn't that expensive. A good place to start.

Be very interesting with rats! now that gives me an idea for hamsters!

Public perception, correct or incorrect, is that rats are dirty and spread disease. Keep that in mind.

Have used hamsters in the past. Productions pans work great.

What about alive by bobby motta.

Jim Gerrish has plans for various small box props that can be used to make small animals appear and disappear. True, he had doves in mind when he designed them, but that's pure prejudice. I'm sure your rats will do just fine in the space reserved for a dove. The question is, will they play along with the gag or try to gnaw their way out of any confinement? In any case, the props are made of hardboard and duct tape and so are easily repaired if they do cause a little damage from time to time. In the Hardboard Magic section on my site, check in Book 1 for Flip Over Box, and Chocolate Bunny Box (resized for a rat); Book 2 has "Magic House of Mystery," "Visible Vanish", "Tear Apat and Take Apart Dove Vanishes", "Pass Through Tube Effect" - with an easy and gentle livestock appear included.

Last, but noit least, is my "Big Cheese" from The Wizards' Journal #18, but that's a play for two or more mice, just in case your rat is working on raising a family.

Thanks for that Spellbinder! will be sure to look into that.

My pet rat just gave birth to 8 babies!