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wizardpa Inner circle The New Orleans area 1011 Posts |
I've been having mine for over 3 years now and She is such an important part of my show that I feared what I would do if something happened to her, so tomorrow I'm getting my second rabbit. I have a great idea to use both in my show. Of course they will be kept apart, even though both are females.
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noland Veteran user 350 Posts |
I have used a rabbit in my shows, and have very mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, they are a hit with children. On the other hand, they are a hindrance. When I've taken the rabbit, I've carried it in a carrier but I also have to carry a production box. Neither item fits into the bags that carry the rest of my props, so that means extra trips to the car to haul in these items. This translates into more set-up up time. This can mean you do fewer shows, particularly on weekends when you may be doing multiple shows and excessive set-up time will decrease the number of shows you would otherwise book. Then you also have to worry about the rabbit's well-being, which may again disrupt your schedule and impact how many shows you can do. For example, in the warm seasons (Spring through Fall), I get a certain number of requests to perform my show out-of-doors. I have an iron-clad rule--I won't use the bunny out-of-doors out of consideration for the bunny's well-being, due to the heat, as well as to other the risks that exist when performing outside (a neighborhood dog could run up; a loud noise could frighten the bunny and make it bolt). As a result, if I want those outdoor gigs, I may have to tote the bunny along with me for the indoor gigs and then face the challenge of where to leave the bunny when doing outdoor gigs. Leaving the bunny in a parked car in the summer heat isn't a viable option. I contrast these challenges that the bunny-toting magician faces to my care-free colleagues who have developed solid material that doesn't require use of a live animal. They haul around less stuff, can schedule indoor or outdoor shows as they wish, and can cram in more shows on a busy day. In short, having a bunny will complicate your life.
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ColinDymond Special user Gloucestershire, England 675 Posts |
I'll stick to my puppets, they don't mind being left in the car overnight!
Colin Dymond
www.aceofdiamonds.co.uk |
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Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
John
Most props for livestock production are of limited size. So you need a small rabbit. Sam got it right when he said go to a local breeder. Then you can see what your young rabbit will grow into. You need a dwarf. The dwarf rabbits are based on, bred out of the Netherland Dwarf. That's its official name. Don't get confused by 'Dutch Rabbits' - different breed altogether and big. Avoid the small dwarf Polish rabbits. They are vicious brutes . Put your hand within six inches and they will jump to bite and they hang on too. They are small but different to the Netherland Dwarf. Slimmer, racier and with a pointed face unlike the rather chubby head of the Netherland. Netherlands grow to around 2.5 lbs and I have found live anything from eight to twelve years. Bucks generally handle and show better than does. If you mix them in a show be aware that when a buck detects a doe he will signal by stamping his rear feet and even a dwarf can make a loud noise! I have always stuck to bucks and never had any problem with 'squirting'. They readily settle and become accustomed to sitting in dark places where they will remain quiet. Let in the light and they will become active. Rabbits like plenty of fresh air and will graze a lawn happily within a run. Beware of draughts. The one thing which will kill a rabbit is a draught. Within a hutch they need a safe sleeping compartment that is draught free where they go if needs be. Do as Sam says - find a local breeder and if they don't have what you need they will know another who does.
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
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coachc Regular user WV 130 Posts |
Ive had several rabbits and now have 2 Russian dwarfs. They are wonderful and add so much to my shows. Kids love animals....always an instant hit and they are easy to care for. My have a nice pen outside nd do well all year long. They are an upkeep but are worth it in my opinion.
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Leland Inner circle St Louis 1180 Posts |
I finally broke down and got a rabbit after so many kids yelling take a rabbit out of a hat! They are lots of work but worth it. Kids love it and it sells my show. I'm able to tell mom that I produce a live bunny at the end of my program and mom says I'll book you. $$
Life of Magic!
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RevJohn Inner circle Oregon City Oregon, Oregon 2473 Posts |
Thanks so much for all this wonderful advice!
You guys are great. RevJohn |
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=17
Search for "rabbit" in the "Polly wants a cracker" forum. Ed |
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Tony Ellis New user 11 Posts |
My production of a rabbit is the end of the show, then all the kids line up to pet the rabbit while I pack up the rest of the act. I cannot follow it with anything.
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ERIC Inner circle New Jersey 1188 Posts |
Here is what I have found to be the BEST way to go....4H.. 4H.. 4H..4H. Check out your local 4H clubs and they ALWAYS have people who raise and breed rabbits of all types. They care for them with much love and work hard to make sure they remain healthy.
I have found that many "Pet Stores" don't have a clue and many times try to sell you one breed while telling you it is another. I have had workers tell my "Yes, that is a Netherland Dwarf" but the baby didn't have the short ears or shortened snout. It was just a baby Dutch rabbit. I personally like Netherland Dwarfs and Holland Lops. Actually I will no doubt be checking out the County Fairs this year as my Lop is getting on in age and has gone blind. My past supplier has grown and moved so I have to make contact with a new one. I hope this helps you, and I hope you find the right "Partner" for you. |
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jolyonjenkins Inner circle United Kingdom 1181 Posts |
Unless you can devote a lot of time to it, and I guess if you are doing shows every day then you might, you really need two rabbits. They are very sociable creatures and shouldn't be left alone. But this is a huge topic and there are lots of resources out there.
Some rabbits really don't like being handled or picked up - you are more likely to find an amenable one if you have it from a baby, but basically they are prey species and make their living from avoiding potential predators, such as humans. I find that mine gets a good reaction in shows but not an overwhelming one
Jolyon Jenkins
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