Questions :)

[maebh06]

I'm thinking of going to an upcoming show near me in a few weeks and I have a few questions (some may be very stupid!) as it is my first show and I just want to make sure I know what's happening
The show in question is the Andover on the 6th June.
First of all it says that you have to provide your own shavings or sawdust for shorthaired hamsters and wood-based cat litter for longhaired. I personally don't use either of these for my hamster, and instead use carefresh, but i'm not sure if I would be allowed to use this. I don't really want to go out and buy some more bedding, and put my robo in it on the day, in case the change of bedding stresses him out even further after travelling, so i'm not really sure what to do on that front.
The show says it is an open show held under NHC rules, so i'm pretty sure this means anyone can turn up whether or not they are part of the NHC, but I just wanted to check that I didn't have to be a member or pay any extra to get in after entry fees.
And finally (for now!) has anyone got any tips or anything that could help?!! I've shown dogs before, but this seems quite different, so any advice would be helpful!
Sorry for the long post but thank you if you got through this all

[DrKMcK]

Hello maebh. I have no shows near me, you are so lucky to be going. Your questions are so not stupid...at all. I am interested in the answers you will get on them.

[jemmalg]

Im going to this one too

I'm assuming you're entering the main class? In this case then yes you will need to get shavings or cat litter, it's a change for mine too, they're usually on aubiose, but they don't seem to mind it!
You are correct in that anyone can enter, and no you won't need to pay anything other than the costs to enter your hamster. If you are a non-member you won't tbe able to enter certain duplicate classes like novice and the members points classes, but the main class and most duplicates you can enter.
You might need to hire a show pen? Robos are shown in syrian pens.
You'll need to give him a piece of vegetable, most pepole use cucumber or carrot, I usually cut a thumb-length chunk of cucumber and then cut that in half. I don't like to use carrot as it can stain! Benching is between 9 and 10, make sure your hamster is on the table by then. When you arrive at the hall the show sec will have the labels for your pen and a dog biscuit, and you can pay your fees then. The shows can run quite long, I'd expect to be there til about five.

If you don't fancy the main class you could try the pet class, that way you can show in your own carrier, on your own substrate, and ypu won't need to book in until the afternoon.

That's all I can think of for now!

[maebh06]

Thanks for the help!
I think I am going to go for the main class, just to try it, and maybe try the pet another time, or do both if you can
Possibly see you there!

[jemmalg]

Yeah I went straight for main class the first time I showed You can only enter a ham in main or pet class, not both.

[souffle]

Good luck at the show. There is some useful information here:
Shows and Displays - National Hamster Council
You have to show your robo on shavings I'm afraid. This is because they must all be on the same substrate so the judge cannot know who each belongs to. An even platform so to speak. You can get a little pack in the supermarket for about 80p which will do fine.
You should enter Main class Roborovski plus duplicates which would be Grand challenge and in your case likely Novice (also any you are eligible for after reading the schedule like Junior if under 16 etc) If you join the club you can enter members classes as well.