I've noticed most production boxes for rabbits require them to be on a slant. Are the rabbits okay with this? Is it uncomfortable? Do they every get pinched or wedged in too far?

Thanks,
Gideon

Yes, it is difficult for the rabbit if the bottom surface is not flat. That is why most thoughtful magicians minimize the time the rabbit is loaded.

Like most grazers, rabbits are designed to be on Terra firma. Anything uneven is difficult for them.

That is also why I prefer the Bunny Box as it is just a bit dark for a few minutes, no slanted bottom.

Bob

I am contimplating which is worse for the rabbit: the slant on a production box, or the squeeze of the rabbit pan.

Gideon, The slant of the Bunny box is really not as bad as you may think as Wellington mentioned. Its the amount of time that the bunny is in any device that is the issue. Being on a slant doesn't disturb the rabbit, or hurt the rabbit, but just be cautious of how much time the rabbit is there. I have been using the same rabbit for 9 years on a slanted surface, and no harm done. Again, its just the amount of time that you have the rabbit there. The rabbit pan, in my personal opinion, would be more dangerous to the rabbit because there is an issue of a limited amount air once set Not to mention that that rabbit will begin to breathe faster because of the dark very confined space which in turn will use up more of the oxygen in that small space. At least with the 'production' box, there is some kind of constant flow of air from someplace.

Again, that is just my opinion, and someone else may think differently...

The MAK Bunny Box has no slant.
Bob

Bob, do you think the slant is "less cruel" per say than the pan?

After forty-five years of animal magic it occurred to me that I have never owned a prop that put a rabbit on a slant! (And I've even put a horse on a slant!)

I'm not qualified to deal with your question. For a horse, you paint the prop floor with the paint used on diving boards at swimming pools. (You also don't use iron shoes.)

From owning many rabbits (and still do), I doubt that the rabbit cares very much how flat the floor is within limits. They willingly give up flat surfaces to sleep over their feed dish or some other obstacle. I have noticed that some rabbits fear heights. Most rabbits prefer dim light to strong light. (Just the opposite of doves.) They are also little heat seekers.

Good Luck!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

YES.
Bob

Gideon,
I use a number of different props. Our bunnies are in tubes, sit on slanted surface and flat surfaces while waiting to be produced. Our girls like the level surface the least - Go figure.
Max

I checked with a biologist. Rabbits wouldn't pay extra for flat level surfaces. They even prefer tunnels that slant.

I'm glad you are concerned for their comfort and safety, but this one isn't a critical issue to rabbits.

Bob