Hi kid show magishes,

Are those of you who used to produce live rabbits (say 5 or 10 years ago), still doing it? Or has the post-COVID cleanliness trend or the animal rights movement, or some other factor, made it harder to use live rabbits?

Thanks for any advice. I would like to get back to using my rabbit production boxes, but it will take an investment in a fox-proof hutch under the deck, and I have heard some resistance to live animals at birthday shows lately.

Cheers.

Todd/Mumblemore

I have had absolutely no resistance, or any complaints about using a rabbit in my act for about 10 years. In my 35 years of using a rabbit, I can count the number of objections (I wouldn't call them complaints) on one hand. Quite the contrary. Its the highlight of the show.

Thanks. Good to know.

I used one around 25 years ago for a short time. I always felt like it was more trouble than it's worth. I switched to adding puppets with ventriloquism about 15 years ago, the kids love it, I enjoy doing it, and I don't have to take care of them and worry about their well being.

I used a live rabbet for a while - then found a rabbet puppet called a 'kicker Rabbet' - that kicked when holding it. - years ago. wonder if still available

I've been using a rabbit in my shows from 1975 and bever had a complaint or any negative remarks from any of my customers.
Every bunny I had was treated as one of with care and respect. Each one has their own personality and if you are gentle with them, you can teach them tricks. The children and parents love to see them act up.
Knowing that that people always remember my bunny if I give it a well known name (Pop Culture), years ago when Robert Redford was a big name, my first bunny name was (Rabbit Redford)-and the next one (Peanuts)-(Tina Tuna like Turner)-(Lucy Lue)- my black bunny(Beyonce) and my recent (Lady Gaga).

I just used my rabbit in 2 shows this month and everyone loved him! Always a highlight in the show.

I remember the Kicker Rabbits. I started to make one years ago but never finished. Here's a thread:
https://themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=283167

I always use a live rabbit in my kids shows and it is one of the reasons that I get well booked, a long way in advance. The children and adults absolutely adore a live rabbit and he is the highlight of the show and has brought smiles and joy to lots of children over the years.