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Jeff Jenson Veteran user Denver, Colorado 319 Posts |
I was talking to a friend awhile ago, and he told about how when he was performing in New York, in the middle of his dove act when he went to produce a dove from silk, he noticed it had died from old age. So when he noticed it, he just took the silk with the dove and placed it into his drop box. After his routine was over and he was backstage, he picked up his dove and broke down.
I was just wondering if any of you have the same experience?
Jeff Jenson
"Keep The Magic Alive" |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I was not there, so I do not know what caused the dove to die. But doves can die also from not being handled properly. Death from suffocation and heat exhaust can happen.
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
A few years back, I had a very well known magician call me and tell me his 23 year-old dove died a showman's death backstage.
Most of the doves I use are at least 16 years old. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-08-13 16:57, Dynamike wrote: A dove's death does not necessarily mean there has been neglect on the magician's part. Living things die. Sometimes their time is up during a show. |
Autumn Morning Star Grammar Hostess Today, I corrected grammar in 1378 Posts |
Geez, I have never had a dove die onstage. How terrible! I sure hope it was just the dove's time to pass on. All living beings have a finite time limit on this Earth. A healthy dove's lifespan is often 23 years or more! I sure hope the dove was not mishandled. It is a magician's responsibility to make sure the dove has enough air and is not overheated. A long pre-set before the production can be very dangerous. A hot show environment can be fatal.
Magicians should always consider these things when using live animals in the show. Call me crazy, but I actually drilled big air holes under the metal rim of my beautiful solid oak Chalet duck bucket, so my dove to dog production would be safer and more comfortable. I often use a small blue ice pack in the bottom of a prop if the temperature of a room is over 72. Small spaces can get hot quickly. To work more safely with birds, select a bird that does not appear stressed. Some stress signs include: Any wheezing or heavy breathing, feathers that look scruffy, tail moving up and down when they breathe, dull eyes, and birds that keep their eyes half closed or totally closed. For the dove's sake, I would heartily suggest retiring birds when they no longer seem to enjoying performing.
Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world - it's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded, especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.
Doug Henning |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-08-14 09:18, RJE wrote: I hope I am not the next one in line to go during a show. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Dynamike,
I saw you last week. You and I need to talk, Buddy! LOL You were in the pink! (I'm sure you will outlive me. John Calvert is going to visit me in the nursing home when I get old!) After 47 years performing magic, I can't say that I've never died on stage. LOL I even had my friend come backstage after a show and say, "Let me help you burn that livestock vanish!" There is something to give you. You didn't make it back for the Saturday Lecture in Colon. Please email me a mailing address. I ship out to France very early in the morning and won't be home again until Labor Day. So don't give up. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander PS --- Body temperature for a dove is in the 103-105 range. They will feel hot to a human at 98.6. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Bob, you are a great comic magician. I never noticed it until last week. Thanks for all the laughs, my friend.
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Dynamike,
Thank you for the mailing address. Which is it you never noticed until Colon earlier this month: Bob, you are a great comic? or Bob, you are a great magician? LOL! We'll get together when Lucy and I get back from Paris. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander PS --- The street magic guys would love it here. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
LOL
Please fly carefully. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Dynamike,
I fly like a covered dove. Immediately, I go to sleep! (AND I'm really good at it!) See you down the road. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
greatscott Special user 595 Posts |
I have never had a dove die during a performance. But, early in my magic career, I was performing for a child's birthday party, and when it came time to produce my rabbit (which is normally at the end of the show), I had not considered how hot it was in that family's back yard. And that August day (in the south), I ended up producing a dead, limp bunny. The children never realized it, because I manipulated the rabbit similar to the way someone would use a "Rocky Raccoon". I learned a lot from that show.
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revmike Special user Annville, PA 646 Posts |
When I am planning a show that is outside, I essentially plan two shows, one with and one without animals. I will not expose my animals to bad heat. I also make that clear to Birthday Party requests - that while we will plan a rabbit production, if outside, it is subject to the weather to ensure the safety of the animal.
My animals are not props. They are pets that are part of the family and are treated as such.
The magic is not in our sleights and illusions, but instead in our ability to bring love and joy.
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greatscott Special user 595 Posts |
I do the same now. When I first started, I didn't realize how hot it got for the animals in the load area of a prop. I felt bad about what happened to the rabbit, but I did learn from it.
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