I've seen many posts from people talking theoretically about Bettas (Beta Betas) but I would like to correspond with someone who has actually used them. I personally have worked with parrotlets, parakeets, chicks, and rabbits, and I dilsike using animals in my act (but I do, for the response).

I am considering using a TT production (Yamamoto with D. Stone-type presentation) but I wanted to hear from those who have used bettas over goldfish. I wonder about the larger fin size, how much the fish hate being handled, can they ever poke you (they are fighting fish) and air time (if 10-15 min for a goldfish how long for a betta?)

Thanks for getting back to me and not flaming me for using live animals. Thanks

Got the gimmick from KJMagic (man are they fast)

I have enjoyed working with the betta and retired him from active service

I've peoduced mine 11 times now. I have alway's had a thing for betta's, I raised them as a kid. If you produce them in a wine class with a lot of curve in the glass. Or a brandy sniftner they look larger. Due the magnification between the water and the glass.I think this adds to the effect.
jmac

http://www.diamond-jim.com/

I have never produced fish, but I saw Diamond Jim lecture. One of his items was a fish and bowel production, called little fishy...This may help with you air time problem.

Andrew

I offer a "goldfish" (BETA) production for an extra up-charge at my kids shows. The kid keeps the fish, along with a bowl and starter kit that I buy on the way to the show, or the night before. The kid helps with the production effect. I use the "Crystal Fish Cylinder" and have had no problems what-so-ever with it. I also have Anton Corrandin's fish producing silk and an old Grant Stull Fish Bowl along with Fish Bait and Diamond Jim's mini fish and bowl production.....but it's still the Crystal Fish Cylinder that keeps coming along and getting the work done. It's available at Hocus-Pocus (do a search for Crystal Fish Cylinder) for about $75. I'm sure it's available at other retailers as well. LOVE the Crystal Fish Cylinder!!

How well does that production go over? Bet it gets lots of ooohs and ahhhs.