Ethical Hamster Fair

[Ria P]

Just saw that advert. That's the kind of hamster fair i'd like to go to. No hamsters stuck in small boxes all day long. I'm also very interested in what kind of goods the vendors are selling.

[Ria P]

That's a better screenshot, minus the volume bar.

[LunaTheHamster1]

Yes, I believe Happy Hamsters UK (who I believe Serendipity adopted from) is organising it
I wish I could go, but sadly too ill. Would have been great to go as I think quite a lot of people from the hamstergram community are planning on going. I think hopes healthy treats will be there as a vendor - i think it was her that I read would be there. Not sure who else at the moment.

[Ria P]

I'm really hoping this is going to catch on so they'll organize one further south as well.

[Amethyst_ice]

I'd be interested to know who the "industry professionals" are

[Ria P]

I suppose one could contact HappyHamsters UK to find out who the industry professionals are giving talks because they must have a schedule.

For me professional means trained people with qualifications so relating to hamsters it would be vets, vetenary nurses, animal behaviourist, people like that.

[Amethyst_ice]

I just worry that the narrative im seeing increasingly growing, seemingly against well established breeders, such as many we have on Hamster Central, who have been doing so for 20 year plus..are being characterised as bad and unethical. While hamsters shows are not for everyone, having been "around" for a while now, they have played their part in advancing the hamster community and I think many people commenting on them have never actually experienced them in person or seen how things were only 10 years ago. I remember being elated to be able to purchase my first 8" hamster wheel at a show and being shown how to check teeth properly. I feel both types of shows still hold value and it just worries me slightly that some view a large following to equating to reliable knowledge and experience.

I recently gave someone on IG some DM advice about their hamster and they were "shocked" I knew so much as I didn't have a large following. It does make me laugh slightly but it does worry me.

That's just my two cents!

[souffle]

I too find this of some concern. As a ticketed event at a not small sum of money I would like to see some information on what will be on offer and of interest to hamster fans.

[Amethyst_ice]

Yes, the price also concerned me. I have voiced concerns here and over on "hamstergram" about how many decent owners are at risk of being "priced out" of hamster care by these hamster advocates". So far I have more concerns about this than it is probably intending. I have asked them who they approaching

[Ria P]

This ethical hamster fair is new so really one would need to attend one to be able to comment reliably.

I'd happily pay the admission fee to find out what is on offer and what exactly they are trying to advocate.

I don't do social media, tried it once for a short time but couldn't fathom this whole following scenario.

As for hamster shows. I've been to one and frankly, i didn't know what to make of it. Yes, it was very interesting to see all the different hamsters but they were kept in tiny holding boxes without water or food as far as i could see. Surely, this can't be a pleasant experience for the hamster. Then i saw one sprawled out on some kind of a rack while the judges inspected them and thought that this was very undignified to say the least for the hamster.
There was a row of very small cages for sale as well. The kind of cages i would try and rescue hamsters from.

I do not have issues with ethical breeders i may add and understand the importance of breeding hamsters for health and temperament and to continue their lines. I have a pedigree dwarf myself for this very same reason but is it really necessary to make a public spectacle of them so the breeder can win a rosette?