Hamster show/Pedigree hammies

[Taro]

Hey, I have a few questions about hamster shows

I'm interested in going to the one in Lymm, July.

Can I enter my hamsters in shows?
How can I enter my hamsters in shows?
Is there a limit?
Can I buy any pedigree hamsters there?
Do breeders go with litters?
Are there any strict rules I should know about?
Who's going!!?

c: thank youuu.

Haven't posted in ages, currently have a happy ham family of 5 Russians all from recuses and breeders.

[GreySyrian]

I'm not an expert on shows but I think I can answer a few of your questions!

You will definitely be able to enter your hamsters in the pet section, you'll have to check the show details and it should tell you how to enter your hamsters (there might be a 20p fee or something).
Breeders do sell hamsters at the show so you should be able to find a pedigree to buy
The only rules I know is hamsters have to have something like a piece of cucumber in their cage to keep them hydrated

Someone will be able to fill you in better! Your dwarf family sounds adorable!

[CharlieB]

Hey Taro, hopefully I can answer your questions.
1. Yes you can enter your hamster in shows, if your Russian hams are hybrids they can only go into pet class as they will be disqualified from main class. It will say on the show Schedule of they have a pet class at that show.

2. If you want to enter them in pet class you just go along on the day and enter them before the start of judging (this is the case at midland and southern shows, check on the schedule for northern shows). If you want to enter main class you have send your entries before the show, the details for this will be on the show schedule.

3. This I am not sure on for Northern shows, hopefully a northern member can answer this one. I am only used to Midland and Southern shows.

4. Yes there is normally pedigree hamsters at shows for sale.

5. Breeders only go with hamsters that are ready for re homing and they are booked in before the day.

6. The strict rules that I can think of is all hamsters have to be booked in at Northern shows, if you are entering main class they have to be in a particular show pen - these are available to hire. You must provide a bit of veg for their water, cucumber is a common choice. They also need a source of food, if in main show you have a dog biscuit not their normal mix. If entering pet class they can have their normal food.

I am not sure if Northern shows have pet class, the schedule for Lymm isn't yet available but when it is have a look and see if it says they have a pet class.

[souffle]

There will be a pet class at Lymm. Pet class is judged around 1.30 -2pm. It costs £1 to enter and this entitles you also to enter the Hamster skittles where your hamster can go in a running ball then in to a pen with very very light skittles and they are timed as to how many they can knock over in a minute.

Just check in with the show sec around noon to enter pets. The schedule should appear on the site around 2 weeks before the show.
Pets are judged on tameness and condition. Bring them in a safe carrier with easy access and give some food, a chunk of cucumber for fluid and some bedding (not fluffy) A source of enrichment like a toilet roll tube, box or a nibble stick should also be in the carrier.
Are your hammies from a pet shop or pedigree hamsters? Pet shop dwarves are unlikely to be pure bred. If they are Chinese or Robos though you could enter main show hoever for a first show I would recommend pets.

There are usually some hamsters for sale at shows. You can bring a carrier if you are thinking of buying. They will come with a pedigree certificate and you need to be over 18 to purchase.

[Kissa]

Originally Posted by Taro

Hey, I have a few questions about hamster shows

I'm interested in going to the one in Lymm, July.

Can I enter my hamsters in shows?
How can I enter my hamsters in shows?
Is there a limit?
Can I buy any pedigree hamsters there?
Do breeders go with litters?
Are there any strict rules I should know about?
Who's going!!?

c: thank youuu.

Haven't posted in ages, currently have a happy ham family of 5 Russians all from recuses and breeders.

1. Yes! Come to Lymm!

2. Pet class is entered on the day, you just turn up somewhere around 1-ish (Judging normally starts at 2) with your hamster(s), and find the show secretary to enter. (Main class you have to enter your hamsters at least a week before the show, details for that are on the show schedule which isn't up at the moment.)

Echoing what others have said, pet class is probably your best bet for a first show (there definitely is one at Lymm, there is a pet class at all indoor Northern shows), especially as Russian hybrids are not allowed in the main class and if a judge suspects a hamster to be a hybrid they can disqualify it from the show.

3. I don't think there is a limit to how many you can enter into pet class, there is however a rule that you can only enter pet class if you have three or fewer hamsters in the main class. Just mentioning it in case you want to do both

4. You should be able to buy a hamster, it depends if anyone has pups available to book into sales, but there are generally hamsters for sale at every show

5. Breeders generally only go with those pups they're selling or passing on to other people. Occasionally people will come with a litter to ask another member's advice on it, but that isn't particularly common, think I've only seen it two or three times.

6. As CharlieB has mentioned, every hamster at a Northern show needs to be "booked in", our Livestock Manager is very strict about that rule. If you're entering a hamster into the show, in pet class or main class, then that counts as "booking in" -- it's more for hamsters that aren't booked into sales or the show itself that rule is for. So basically, don't bring a hamster that you're not going to enter into the show

7. I'll be there

[pinkneon]

The skittle game sounds fun!

I have only ever been to one show, and entered pet class. It was fun, but my hamster was uncharacteristically shy that day, spending a lot of time up my sleeve! I think she may have been a bit scared by all the noise and people.
I was advised that for a first show pet class could be best but it is up to you. I was also told that ANY hamster can enter the main show BUT that the judges are looking for for a lot more than from pet class
I don't know where Lymm is so doubt I'll be there!
I plan to go to Andover but no idea if I'm taking Sweep yet. If so he will go in pet class - this is mainly cos he's only just tamed, but also because there is no way we can get there for the morning!
Oh, for the main show I believe hamsters have to be in a show pen, instead of their carrier. You could contact the head of whichever area you are in (so Northen, Southern or Midlands club) and ask them. They can give you info about show pens etc

[souffle]

This is what they do in hamster skittles

[pinkneon]

Wow! I've never seen thise before!! Do they do it at every show?

[souffle]

Only at Northern indoor shows.

[Taro]

Wow guys!! You've helped out a lot thank you everyone. I really can't wait to go to lymm.