Magician with question about performing with chickens!

[BradleyRobert]

Hi all -

I've been a professional performer and magician for years. I'm considering adding a chicken production to my act (my family and I have also wanted chickens as pets for years!).

Don't worry - the production box is roomy, safe and comfy. The safety, security and comfort of the chickens are my primary consideration!

My question is about timing. I perform a weekly show at 9:30 PM. The chicken would be produced shortly after I go on stage, and then (preferably) sit comfortably on the side of the stage for several minutes, until she is needed for a "mind reading" effect.

Will being awake/woken up this late stress the chicken? (There will be gentle training for a few months to work up to the issues of being on stage - noise, lights, etc.) I want my girl to be safe and comfortable, but also not sound asleep while I need her to work!

After the effects, she could either sit and relax on stage or I can move her backstage. She will then ride home after the show and be back in the coop around midnight.

I haven't gotten the chicken(s) yet because I want to make sure it's the right thing for them. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Bradley

 

[zookeeper15133]

If you built their coop without windows and used artificial light to change their day/night cycle it should be ok. Let them out in the run after their artificial night is over and put them back before real night starts.

Anybody else?

 

[BradleyRobert]

The show I'll be doing is only once a week - always at 9:30PM. I'm more interested in knowing whether the chicken will be awake and alert, or look unhappy/tired/asleep in front of the audience! She'll be in the light until just before the show, then in the dark box a few minutes, then under the stage lights for the rest of the show (half hour or so).

I would think she'd be able to handle this once a week deal (especially with the treats involved I plan on offering).

What do you all think?

 

[ThatChick]

I've only had my chickens for a few weeks, and they're still babies, but I know in the middle of the night if I flick the light on in their brooder they're up and ready to party. I would think with treats also involved she would only be more willing. I have heard other people mention on here too that if they put a light on in the coop at night that their girls think it is daytime and become too active, so I really don't think you would have a problem.

Just my two cents. And if you want the chicken as a pet anyway, so why not try it and see. You already said you plan on what sounds like some good training and since I think you said you'll have multiple chickens then you should be able to train more than one and see who is the best performer. Sounds like fun to me

 

[centrarchid]

Following link should provide some insight into how chickens can interact with crowd under strange conditions. They can operate at all hours without serious disruption to well being.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/407880/ambassadors-for-the-farm

I recommend starting with hand raised chicks.