Show days are always fun and exciting days. Here is a list of things to be mindful of when preparing and getting yourself organised before the day of the show.

Hand in your entries before the cut-off date.
The cut-off date will be listed on the 'Show Calendar' page and in our Facebook group. Entries or changes to entries submitted after this date will not be accepted. Visit our 'Entering a Show' page for details on how to enter. When you enter the hall on the day, the show secretary will be seated at a table beside the entrance. Here you can pay for your entries (card preferred) and pick up your catalogue and show tub tags.

Have a carry cage ready for the day.
You will need a temporary cage or converted tub in which to keep your rodents over the course of the day. Something small enough to carry around but also roomy enough for the rodents comfortably live in for the day. This cage must contain food, bedding, hides, and water sufficient for the number of animals in the cage.

Have show tubs ready for the day.
When your rodent is ready to be judged, you place them in a small show tub and take it to the steward. Our standardised show tubs are Hagen Pal Pens. These are for sale or hire by the Treasurer in the morning at shows. The 'mini' is suitable for mice, the 'small' is suitable for young & most female rats, and the 'medium' is suitable for larger female rats and male rats. The substrate (bedding) in the show tubs will be supplied by the club on the day. Please do not use your own, as the bedding needs to be uniform among exhibitors to ensure anonymity (so the judge doesn't know whose rodent is whose).

Mite/lice treat your rodents at least 48 hours before the show.
A dab of kitten revolution behind the ears of each rodent in the week leading up to the show is sufficient. Animals with lice or mites will be disqualified and are required to be quarantined at the back of the hall to prevent the spread of mites at the show.

Health check your rodents.
Check for things like lumps & bumps, discharge around the nose & eyes, and most of all for breathing abnormalities (any odd sounds could be a symptom of respiratory distress). It's good practice to double check your animals the night before the show as sometimes unexpected problems can pop up. Unhealthy animals will be disqualified.

Bathe rodents if needed.
It might be a good idea to give your rats (particularly white rats) a quick bath or wipe over with warm water a few days to a week before the show. An animal with a healthy clean coat and tail will score better in Condition than an animal with staining or marks. To get marks off a rats tail you can gently brush with a toothbrush and warm water. If you would like to use shampoo, No Tears Baby Shampoo or animal shampoo is a good bet.
Mice are usually naturally extremely clean and do not require any cleaning for a show. If need be, you can wipe your mouse over with a damp cloth.

 

Remember, no animal sales on the day!
Remember, only registered breeders may advertise their rodentries and pre-arrange exchange of already purchased animals on the day of the show. There is to be no selling of animals at the show.

Think about bringing an object for the raffle table.
This object can either be for the animals or for the hoomans! The more people that bring something, the more there is to be won. 

Bring money to spend!
All members are welcome to bring items to sell at shows and there is a canteen available to purchase food and drink throughout the event. Please bring cash as most members will only accept cash. Entries and canteen food may be paid for with cash or card.