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Ryan Price Special user winnipeg, MB, Canada 641 Posts |
Hello,
I am interested in getting a duck in the future. I perform at a lot of preschools and other places that host shows in relatively small rooms. I was wondering if anyone has experience in using a pekin in this type of situation. I keep going back and forth if the children would be afraid of such a large animal being produced or not. I do know about call ducks and that is a possibility as well but I would like an animal that would show up on a larger stage and ideally I wouldn't have 2 types of ducks as I already have so many other animals. Thanks. |
tropicalillusions Special user Tulsa Okla 631 Posts |
Ryan, these ducks are a mess to work with. They love to do their number a lot!!!!!! I have seen DC have his ducks housed in the alley behind the auditorium with a s,al childs wading pool to keep them cool and clean. If you are going to use them in a theatre setting, be sure to have a tarp on hand to keep under their cage... and the smell..... whew, nothing like duck dukey....LOL.
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tropicalillusions Special user Tulsa Okla 631 Posts |
S,al is a typo, should be small.... sorry guys, typing to fast for to index fingers.
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revmike Special user Annville, PA 646 Posts |
They are messy, but they can really be worth the reaction and not that many people use ducks so if you could build yourself something special with the duck, you might a nice "something" that others in your area do not.
I just received my new production device specially built that I can use with my Pekin Duck, my 2 Call Ducks, or my Cat. I would not use any of my Rabbits as they would look too small in it. MIke
The magic is not in our sleights and illusions, but instead in our ability to bring love and joy.
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tropicalillusions Special user Tulsa Okla 631 Posts |
Revmike, You are so correct as far as audience response, They are a great production, and I do like working with them. I just got tired of having to change the water in the pool in the back yard for them,,,, whew the smell...LOL. So now, we usually get them from a local farm. then return them afterwards, It is always the same pair we work with, and nice to have them housed somewhere else...LOL. would love to see pic of your new prop.
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Ryan Price Special user winnipeg, MB, Canada 641 Posts |
Do you use the pekin in smaller venues or do you use the calls in this situation?
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revmike Special user Annville, PA 646 Posts |
Only use the Ducks for special shows or true stage shows as just too much to bother with for smaller ones. But they are really neat and normally very unexpected.
I am working on a routine with my Axtell puppet duck to go along with the Duck Production.
The magic is not in our sleights and illusions, but instead in our ability to bring love and joy.
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revmike Special user Annville, PA 646 Posts |
The magic is not in our sleights and illusions, but instead in our ability to bring love and joy.
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revmike Special user Annville, PA 646 Posts |
And here it is with not my Duck because I had just fed them, but my cat making an appearance.
Mike Click here to view attached image.
The magic is not in our sleights and illusions, but instead in our ability to bring love and joy.
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tropicalillusions Special user Tulsa Okla 631 Posts |
Looks real nice!
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Blake Alexander New user Chicago 65 Posts |
I have personally worked with only the Pekins and yes they are a terrible mess. The reaction with the audience is amazing though. If you do decide to buy them consider it like a newborn in a sense. Typically people get them right after they are born (at least I did) and you almost have to hand feed them and nurture them (from birth) so they are tamed later on. they will grow very quickly and can grow big. if you are plan on using a duck bucket, wait until you think your duck has stopped growing because mine did not even fit inside. You will also not be able to use it right away because it can not withstand the means of "performing" so young. you must nurture it first. another thing is they are not bright white when you get them, they are yellow and will not develop their white feathers for about 4 to six months after birth. another problem is last but not least....the droppings. Ducks do NOT poop in big lumps like dogs, nor do they poop little pellets like a rabbit or bird.....they SQUIRT (not meaning to be nasty, just the truth) all over, I mean projectile diarrhea every time lol. so beware when performing not to feed them at least 2 hours before showtime. (believe me its not fun to be covered in that on stage.) other than that they make fun lovable pets and outstanding performers!
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Libis New user 39 Posts |
Would this be a possibility to keep them from being a mess? They are custom-sized to your bird, so you'd have to get one of these when it was full grown or buy another as it got bigger. http://www.birdwearonline.com/ChickWearStore.html
I know that people who keep house pigeons, ducks, and chickens use these when the birds are out and about. They shouldn't be left on for more than 3 hours though without being changed. I'm not sure how this would work in your shows though, or if it would give you the look you're going for.
"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." J.R.R. Tolkien
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I had one Pekin Duck for a few years, and sure it was a huge mess to maintain. But, it was also a real highpoint in a show that featured doves. The duck production from a large fountain of silks was the final effect in the show, and always got a huge reaction. Only once did I have it actually poop on me during a show. But, because of how I produced the duck, which was being held on my open palm up hand with the ducks legs straddling my wrist, the duck blasted me from my wrist almost to my shoulder. Of course it got a big laugh, but what can you do?
This is "Ping" that famous magic smiling duck!
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Mattia Regular user 128 Posts |
Regarding kids, I think their reaction can depend mainly on the way the duck is presented to them. DC use Webster as an assistent, so the duck is not only an animal involved in a magic act, but it's considered as a second magician. If kids recognize him as a friend they won't be scared of the duck. There are many ways to do it, but I think You should let them see that the duck is very good at doing magic(maybe you may let the duck find the card chosen from a kid, or something like this).
Obviously the duck must be well trained and completely tamed, or he could hurt someone. |
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