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trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
A friend of mine and I were discussing things like fire, animals, dangerous items in your act etc. One topic we discussed would be traveling with doves. He told me of a recent experience in which he traveled to a daycare show, and upon arrival the client immediately asked "you don't have live birds do you?" Is it getting harder to use doves in your act due to bird flu etc.?
Cheers Chaz |
sperris Special user http://www.Anti-Conjuror.com 881 Posts |
I would not say it is getting harder...but it is probably getting more EXPENSIVE from what I've noticed - granted its always been expensive. I carry my cockatoo on the plane with me and check my doves into the animal cargo hold under the plane. They charge me $250 each way for my large pet carrier under the plane and the in-cabin pet reservation costs me from $75 - $100 each way. The vet papers you will need to get when flying domestically run right around $50 and are good for 10 - 30 days. I have never had any problems getting to a gig and the buyer freaking out because I had birds. They know well in advance if I will be using them or not. Even when I used to do lots of kid's shows especially lots of daycares they knew I used live animals and they were optional if they did not want any animals there due to health reasons. I've never had any issues because of the bird flu as your friend did. The only thing I can think of is that sometimes little kids are afraid of birds at first, even something as sweet as a dove. You'd be surprised at just how many people have a bird phobia, especially kids. Since it isn't a cute fuzzy bunny but rather this flapping animal with a beak it can sometimes cause more of a shock as it comes out of the dove pan or dove bag as opposed to a bunny that kind of just sits there and maybe flicks its ears.
In the end it always costs more to get the birds to a gig than me haha
DANSPERRY.COM
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
I'll vote with Dan on this one. The costs and prices are higher.
As an old booking agent, I will also say that it is certainly worth it. The use of livestock will generate many times the additional costs. Good agents can simply get you many times the fees than the others get for the same gig from the same client. For my experience, I have been paid about four times as much in professional bookings as even those with current television magic shows when they did not use livestock. I'll take it! On the other side, using livestock in the USA today almost always means driving rather than flying. In the olden days, (pre 911), I sent doves ahead via the Post Office for about $22-27. They were always there by 3 PM the next day. Airlines have never been that reliable at any price. Today flying is simply a way to miss a gig and ruin a business relationship. There is no longer any reason to rely on their schedules. Money doesn't solve the problem. Using livestock does require accepting some responsibilities and costs that can be avoided by not using livestock. I not only enjoy the company, but it pays me better. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Magicdoc88 Regular user 194 Posts |
One of problem I run into is most restaurants and community centers do not allow use of live animals in the magic show.
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trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Hey guys thanks for tuning in and giving your take on traveling with doves. I have not had any clients that were bothered by my "dove" (only had one) but something I have run into is the doves flying during the show over the heads of the audience, and scaring a few of them.
I lost my last working dove while traveling to this remote state park in West Virgina. I plan to get some new ones, and train them into my manipulation act, but not sure how to get a tux tailored etc. Dan are you going to Magi Fest this year? If so see you there Chaz |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
In some states, the health regulations don't allow livestock where food is served. Yet, they allow dogs for the blind!
I have personally eaten at a lot of sidewalk Cafés where birds had to be scared away from the tables and chairs. When in Rome... Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
revmike Special user Annville, PA 646 Posts |
I have yet to use my doves or rabbits for any more than perhaps a 90 minute drive. Any tips for longer travel?
The magic is not in our sleights and illusions, but instead in our ability to bring love and joy.
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RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Taking doves and rabbits on the road, by car, plane, train, boat requires proper caging. Keep the cages clean and make sure they have food and water.
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
On the road my doves live in a cat carrier. (Please don't tell them!) These cages give good protection, are well contained, are stackable, and have room for a perch for the doves. At home the tops and bottoms can be separated for a good cleaning.
Bob Sanders Magic By Sander PS --- Doves that are not allowed plenty of time perching will get to where they cannot perch! They enjoy their time walking but it must not be to the total exclusion of perching. |
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