The most popular animals used in magic shows are white rabbits
and white doves. The reasons for this are simple: these animals are very calm, they can be
trained to sit still very easily, they are inexpensive to purchase, and their white color
shows up well from a distance.
White rabbits and white doves
(also known as Java doves) can be purchased at many pet shops. There may be local breeders
in your area, also. The best doves to use are the pure white ones; the best rabbits are
white dwarfs (because they will stay small).
The Chicago House Rabbit Society has posted a wealth of information on
the correct care, feeding and handling of rabbits at http://www.hrschicago.org/index1.html
The production or vanishing of
a live animal always gets a big reaction, and can be a worthwhile addition to your act.
There are some things you should consider, however, before you decide to include live
animals in your show.
First, and foremost, the
health and safety of your animal is very important. Invest in roomy, clean cages and tend
your animals daily, providing fresh food and water and clean bedding. Keep the cage in a
pleasant, warm and dry area. Spend some time each day talking and handling the animal.
When you transport the animal, use a sturdy and clean carrier cage with a strong latch.
Keep the animal out of drafts, especially when traveling. Not only will your animal be
healthy and happy, it will LOOK healthy and happy. There is nothing more distressing to an
audience than a sick-looking bird or rabbit.
Except, perhaps, a dead
animal. PLEASE USE CAUTION when loading your animal into the harness or box. Make sure the
animal fits comfortably. (Rabbits are known to quickly grow too large for typical magic
equipment. Don't squeeze your rabbit into any box- get another rabbit.)
And by the way, NEVER pick up
a rabbit by its ears. Despite the many unfortunate illustrations of a magician literally
pulling a rabbit from a hat in this manner, such handling is very harmful to the rabbit.
The animal should always be firmly but gently supported underneath.
Remember that your
audience will thrill at the production of a live animal. When the animal appears, pause a
moment in your act- your audience will be happy to have a few moments just to stare at
your animal. Of course, members of your audience (especially children) will want to touch
or pet the animal. It is best to wait until after your show, as a petting session will
bring your show to a halt. When you do allow spectators to touch your animals, it is
advisable to hold the animal gently but firmly yourself, and let people gently pet the top
of the head or the back of the animal. For the safety of the animal, you need to keep
control of the animal yourself.
Also be aware that doves will
fly away (clipping their wing feathers doesn't work, and can be harmful to the bird). It
is best to use them in cage-like props, where they are always safe, or at least use them
only for indoor shows.
Doves can be trained to fly to
a post or to your hand, or over the heads of the audience and back to you, and this can be
a very dramatic addition to your show. Because of the work involved, not many magicians
use doves this way, so you would also have a pretty unique act.
MagicTricks.com
carries an excellent book on dove magic called Encyclopedia of Dove Magic.
If you would like to use doves
or rabbits, but do not want to have to train them, there are a number of magical props specially created to safely produce or
vanish small animals.
Other animals can be used in
your act as well. Magicians have used parakeets, cockatoos, parrots, turkeys, ducks,
ferrets, skunks, pigs, snakes, and dogs.
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