Pet class questions

[bonkers4hamsters]

If you have seen my latest post, you will know about my latest addition Fizz.

She is a hybrid and unfortunately due to poor breeding she has a hip displacement. We took her to the vets and the vet said it wasnt worth doing any x-rays or anything as there wasnt anything they could do. She also said that she didnt seem to be in pain (I agree as she is the happiest ham I have ever met!) so we havent got any medication either.

So basically what I wanted to know is will I still be able to put her in for pet class. Her hip displacement means that although she uses her back legs, she uses them in a strange way but this doesnt stop her at all. It also means her balance is a little worse than any other ham, but as I said, this doesnt stop her either.

If I did enter, and she will probably be coming to Highworth anyway, would I have to speak to the judge before hand, or write them a note or anything?

Thanks for any help

[bonkers4hamsters]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg-YR7-qOg8

This video explains everything and hopefully you may be able to see what I am talking about

[Hamsters4eva x]

Aww fizz is so cute! My hamster Pip seems to walk a little like fizz but I think it's just because of old age (she's 4) we haven't took her to the vets because we don't want to stress her and she doesn't seem to be in pain and is a very happy hamster.

Here's a video of pip
~Pip~ - YouTube

[kyrilliondaemon]

I'm no expert but I think you'd be ok with her. In pet class its just looking for a good pet so you don't get penalised for deformaties - e.g I believe a three legged ham could enter and have as good a chance as a four legged ham.
This article explains things better than I can to be honest - Preparing for the Pet Class

[souffle]

Pet class is judged on tameness and condition. We always take in to account the age and anything that was obviously there from birth when judging and would not penalise a hamster for that.
It might be an idea though to put a little post it note on saying 'I was born with a disability but I manage just fine' or similar on it

[DrKMcK]

Originally Posted by bonkers4hamsters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg-YR7-qOg8

This video explains everything and hopefully you may be able to see what I am talking about

Originally Posted by Hamsters4eva x

Aww fizz is so cute! My hamster Pip seems to walk a little like fizz but I think it's just because of old age (she's 4) we haven't took her to the vets because we don't want to stress her and she doesn't seem to be in pain and is a very happy hamster.

Here's a video of pip
~Pip~ - YouTube

OMG! These are adorable. I do believe pet class includes pets with ambulation problems, among others. The hammy doesn't have to be "perfect" physically or "perfect" by breed specifications, just "perfect" as a pet

Little old man Pip is just precious. He's so elderly that he grooms in slo-mo ...so cute. I would be so happy if my little dwarfies live that long. Beautiful.

[bonkers4hamsters]

Thank you for all the comments, I think I will pop a little note on the cage! It is a while to Highworth but I get excited and like to be prepared haha!

[Hamsters4eva x]

Originally Posted by DrKMcK

OMG! These are adorable. I do believe pet class includes pets with ambulation problems, among others. The hammy doesn't have to be "perfect" physically or "perfect" by breed specifications, just "perfect" as a pet

Little old man Pip is just precious. He's so elderly that he grooms in slo-mo ...so cute. I would be so happy if my little dwarfies live that long. Beautiful.

Thank you! yep! He sure is