Stalls at hamster shows

[kiania]

Come from a hedgehog background, I was assuming the hamster shows would be similar. We have part of the hall sectioned off for the show part, but then have a number of stalls selling various things, from home made hog bedding (liners, pouches, tunnels, houses/huts, and toys) of which there are normally three or four, to more common toys (wheels, kongs, bowls, and other non-hand-made toys), as well as things like hog-related items (bags with hog fabric, ornaments, etc), and non-hog-related items such as a cake stall, jewelry, and so forth. Then we have two tables (one for each rescue - one wild, one exotic) who have information about keeping hogs/helping wild hogs, as well as a few bits and bobs like postcards, bookmarks, etc.

That said, I've not really seen any home-made things for hamsters, but the those would be the sorts of things I'd be interested in - like home-made treats (someone mentioned selling them on the forum - I'd 'expect' that sort of thing at a show), popsicle stick/wood houses (because I'm not very good with glue - it hates me, and terribly un-creative, I'd pay for things like that!), and things like personalised hamster bowls would be awesome - I love my hog's bowls, as well as her two big glass 'treat' jars (not so much treats, one holds her aquarium rocks, the other her flaxseed capsules!) - personalised things rock!

While some people might have everything they need, the hand-made stuff (if someone wants to sell it), is usually a good thing to entice even the I-own-everything crowd - namely temporary items (food/treats/bedding), or custom-to-order/handcrafted items (made to size huts and cage levels, sandbath bowls/jars with patterns/names on, and so forth). As a new-comer to hams, I'm feeling a distinct lack on that side of things (namely custom things to buy - I shop online for things like the Naturals range, or Boredom Breakers, but seems to be nada in the way of personalised goodies!), so thought the shows might cover that.

If nothing else, at least from the hoggie side of things, judging takes a good 3 hours where you can't get to your hog - browsing stalls gives a person something to do rather than make the judges self-conscious about being stared at for hours at a time

But, as I said, this is coming from going to other species' shows, and knowing what I like. Obviously, I'm not an expert in hamsters (or hogs really!), but I like the atmosphere, the meeting new people, the getting pointers on making my pets 'better', but I also like the shopping opportunities (and the ability to kick P&P in the butt ).

[Sammybingo]

*still giggling* WILLY WHEEL!

Sorry, sorry, it is most immature. It was funny though!

I have to agree - as a non-pro-hammy-fancier, I'd have loved more to peep at at the (only, so far) show I went to. It was fab to meet so many lovely people, have some great cake and tea, at a lovely place, as well as meet lots of hamsters (and rattikins!) and leave with Fur-nando, but I would have loved to see some homemade / custom hamster things on sale. Lots of people have great skill at making things, and a show would seem a good place to meet up and to buy things off people. And homemade hamster treats, like hamster cookies (obvs, not with hamster as an ingredient, like, ones *for* hamsters, in case you doubt my remaining sanity), with clearly labeled ingredients, would be gorgeous. And perhaps that is the sort of thing that someone might volunteer to make, and the profits can go to the club?

As I say, I've only been to the one show, and it was a smashing day out, and I wouldn't knock it at all, I'd just say that's something extra I'd like, in the ideal world. Whether it is feasible or not I wouldn't know. It's obviously jolly hard work to organise a show, and I have no idea how you all manage to do everything!

PS. I might have just turned 30, but if I took 'nando all the way to a show, even in pet class, and left without a ribbon, I'd cry like a big baby! Fair warning, eh!

[lisab]

I know the clubs do struggle for enough room as it is without adding more stalls. It is hard enough to make sure things go well and that it suits show people and pet people. you cant please everyone all the time though.

Whilst it is a good idea to add treats ect someone would have to take the time to make them pack them up and take them to Every show set up sit there all day maybe only sell one thing pack them up and take them home. things should have a sell by date and the person would need to sell them all by the use by date (how would you even choose a date either)

Hogs can use the handmade stuff like the pods where as hamsters cant really because they would just eat them.

Its lucky theres a stall to start of with, with rabbit show theres nothing at all just the animals.