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Theom New user 2 Posts |
I am currently putting together an act which I plan to use a rabbit.
Was just trying to work out the best animal to use. I am aware that the two main breeds to use are the Netherlands Dwarf or the Mini Lop. I am aware that the mini lop is generally more docile and clam to use but the Netherland Dwarf is typically smaller. Just wanted to know if anyone had any advice or experience on this subject? Many Thanks |
cafecheckers Regular user 126 Posts |
I used a Netherlands Dwarf for several years Box production. It really depends on several factors though. How are you planning to use it? How often do you plan on incorporating it into performances?
The “Polly wants a cracker”section is specifically for such discussions and may get you more answers, if you do not get enough answers here. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Cafécheckers is correct. What prop are you using for a rabbit?
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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
If the prop you're using isn't an issue, you can't beat a Blanc de Hotot (pronounced Ho To).
I've used every bread of rabbit over the years, and magicians don't realize what they're missing by not using a Blanc de Hotot. It's my understanding that they're French rabbits, and a bit harder to locate than most breeds, but children (and adults) go absolutely nuts over them because they have black around their eyes. Also, I believe they only have black eyes, which is so much better than a rabbit with spooky red eyes. That's $200 worth of great magic advice you just got for free. Gerry |
Theom New user 2 Posts |
Thanks so much for the advice.
I am not particularly familiar with using rabbits but I feel that not nearly enough people use them as they are so well known for magicians to use. I am under eighteen but a member of the Junior Magic Circle and I thought that the use of animals can help in making an act much more original. I don't know if there is a problem how young you can be to use a rabbit but I am aware that there are certain licenses that I will need to be able to perform with animals. I am currently building myself an appearing bunny box with plans by Steve Kovarez just to understand the handling of rabbits and stage illusions. I don't know if I will actually use the box in the end but it is just an idea and my act is not definate as I am still doing research on rabbits and the illusions to go with them. Again thanks so much for the advice Theo |
stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
I don't want to go all ASPCA/PETA on you, but my advice is...prepare to have a rabbit for a pet FIRST, then as an addition to your show second. I know firsthand of which I speak... rabbits are WORK, EXPENSE, FRUSTRATING, and TOTALLY WORTH IT. Space for their "lodging," time for cleaning ( they leave LOTS behind) nail trimming, free roaming exercise... you have to consider it all. It's not just carrots and cage. I found out I had a lot of education to obtain only AFTER my first rabbit... it did not end well. I had to work with my rabbit for many months before I could use him in my "Balloon To Bunny" routine (learning to manage the noise without freaking out, and the kids' enthusiastic response afterward.) There are lots of threads on the subject, but I just wanted to encourage you to prepare for the time off stage when you stop being a magician and assume the greater role of "pet owner." Good luck in your endeavor!
Final tip, avoid purchasing a rabbit from a pet store... they are products of mills. I suggest locating a REPUTABLE groomer in your area. An example is here, from which I found my shows current "star" and who has provided me with much information and support... www.wabbithabitat.com |
Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
Stempleton,
All great valid points. My rabbit died a few years back, and I actually cried when that happened. After that, I decided not to get another rabbit. My numbers may be off a bit, but I believe I was spending about $500 a year for vet visits, nail trimming, food, bedding, etc. Thanks, Gerry |
noland Veteran user 350 Posts |
I took my rabbit out of my show a number of years ago when it got sick. While he was recovering, I had the opportunity to reflect on the pros and cons of using the rabbit--and there were many cons. After he recovered, I never put him back in my show. Life is easier without having to haul around a live animal (and worrying about it's care and welfare when performing), and I feel I've actually improved my own set of performing skills and offer an improved, stronger show than when I used the rabbit. The rabbit was kind of a crutch.
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danfreed Inner circle West Chester PA 1354 Posts |
I had a rabbit a million years ago and gave it away after 4 months. It wasn't worth all the bother and I don't like the idea of stressing out an animal. Focus and making your act as good as possible, and you may not feel like you need a rabbit at that point. Also, you might want to try puppets with or without ventriloquism, in some ways it's a lot more entertaining than 1 trick with a real rabbit, and a lot less trouble. I realize the temptation because it can help with marketing and some parents ask if I have a rabbit, but you can do lots of improvements on marketing without a rabbit, and I tell parents, if they ask, that my puppets are more entertaining, and that works.
Dan Freed
AKA The Amazing Spaghetti https://www.magiciandanfreed.com/birthday-party-magician-for-kids http://thecaricatureartist.com http://danieljayfreed.com |
Owen Anderson Loyal user A sturdy fence needs at least 231 Posts |
Out of the bunny business now but my last one was a Hotot. Lived about 8½ years.
Small when fully grown and the black circles of fur around their black eyes is crazy cute. They can be a rather willful breed so you need to work with them to break 'em in.
Owen Anderson
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vincentmusician Loyal user Toronto 265 Posts |
I had a Bunny for about a year a long time ago. An agent talked me into getting one. He said I would get more shows. I found it a big hassle. A pooping machine. Nails very difficult to clip. Feeding, cleaning. When I would produce it, it was wet with pee in the bottom of the container. I also found that I did not get hardly any more shows because of it. So I got rid of it and concentrated in doing a better show.
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Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
I've worked with rabbits for years (my wife breeds rabbits for show, so it's convenient). My favorites to date have been the Netherland Dwarf (most popular with magicians because of their size), the Polish (about the size of the Dwarf, but has longer ears, and looks more "Rabbity"), and the Himalayan (the most docile by nature, but slightly larger...I built my own props to accommodate).
My current rabbits are Dustin "Dust" Bunny the Netherland, who is also registered with Pet Partners as a Therapy Animal for visits and such, and Holly, who is a Polish and is currently being trained up. Males are typically a bit easier to work with in my experience, as females tend to get a bit cranky after maturity if they are not being bred.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
Been using bunnies for many year, I'd say from 1969 till present. Most of them were females, the males would spray all over the cage and in the production boxes, just marking out their territory.
My preference were Netherland dwarfs, but for the last 10 years I've changed over to the Hotot, those are the ones with the black rings around their eyes. Some bunnies are trainable, the ones that are curious and has a personality. It takes a lot of patience and time to get the bunny to catch on in what you want her to do, it's a habit forming training. You can train bunnies to pick up a wand and toss it to the floor, even pick a card from a fan of cards or even stand up on her hind legs to the applause. My bunny passed away during the Pandemic (got old) 7 years, her name was Lady Gaga. Since then, I've bought and resold 5 bunnies, just looking for the right one with a personality and a bit curious. I finally got a hotot (female) in training. She should be ready by May. Tricky Ricky |
Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Quote:
On Mar 13, 2021, TrickyRicky wrote: To spend this much time and effort trying to find the right rabbit probably sounds crazy to most magicians. But considering the long term success of Tricky Ricky it would be wise try to understand this post. I'm very impressed with his attention to detail in how he prepares his show. He has a goal in mind, something he knows his audience will respond to, and then pursues that goal with persistence. Quote:
On Nov 12, 2017, stempleton wrote: I couldn't have said it better!
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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