Fillongly Show Query

[Elaine67]

Hi,

As someone who's looking for a well reared hamster for my younger daughter. I was advised to take my daughters (the older, 15yr old sister having 2 lovely pet russians) to the Fillongy show as I live in Coventry.

Jemmalg kindly took the trouble to tell me about the show a couple of weeks ago. As the weeks are passing and I've never been to a hamster show, I thought I'd ask some (probably daft) questions as I don't want to cause offence or put my foot in it. First, how do I know if someone is selling any hamsters or willing to put me on a waiting list? Should I just ask or should I look for some sort of a For Sale sign? I would hate to appear to be one of those Awww - I want one! people. I've had hamsters in the past who all lived long and happy lives - even the flesh eating ones! Having done a bit of refresher reading on both Syrians and Dwarfs, bought escape-proof cages (Well, hopefully) and loads of toys for all size hammies, all I need to do is find a suitable resident/companion.

I really hope this doesn't make me look a complete idiot. All feedback will be gratefully received.

Thanks for reading.
Elaine.
PS, I've got a carrier too. It's big enough for a fully grown Pygmy Hedgehog to move around in so any hammy will have room to spare!

[ianpallen]

I would say most of the people at shows are breeders, so they might have some for sale. No harm in asking. The answer would either be yes or no. If no, they might tell you who is selling. I would love to go to a show and buy one. I dont think it would matter if you saw them and said "I want one". I think everyone does as they are all so cute. Visitors go to shows to buy mostly and not just look. All the best at the show and I hope you get the one you have in mind. I think this will help. Fillongley Show - 30th August 2014

[kyrilliondaemon]

At shows there's a sales table where all the hams for sale will be. Then there'll be someone behind the table and they'll be the one selling the hams. You just pick who you like, ask to see them or buy them and there you go, nice and easy and you don't often end up speaking to the breeder at all. We've never spoken to Nimlet and Scrabble's breeder, just chose them on the sales table and spoke to the lady in charge of it

[jemmalg]

Don't worry, no silly questions there at all! All the hamsters for sale will be at the sales table, they are usually in small clear plastic cages and have a pedigree underneath their cage so you know who's bred them. The sales table will probably have cages/toys/treats etc to buy too so you'll know it. The ones who are being shown who you can't buy will be in little wooden barred cages as in the attached picture, and they'll be probably on the opposite side of the room.

Also everyone there is friendly, so don't be afraid to ask questions

[Elaine67]

Ahh...

That all makes perfect sense. Thank you all. My girls are looking forward to visiting the show. It's actually part of my daughter's birthday treat - she's 11 today!

I'm hoping they'll be inspired to take their interest/affection for their furry friends a step further as a hobby the 3 of us can share - at least until I deem them old enough to care for their animals without me.

Thanks again
Elaine

[jemmalg]

Happy birthday to your daughter, I'm glad they're looking forward to the show! I'm going to be at this one so will keep an eye out for you

[Flamestriker]

Im hoping to go to this show...im also hoping to have my little boy three days before, but if not I will ask Blue Rose Hamstery to take him with her and I will get him there. one heck of a drive...Im glad its a Saturday!

[jemmalg]

Ooh which of her babies are you getting Flames?

[Flamestriker]

A male...I cannot remember the colour she said he was, but he is as cute as anything andas jumpy as popcorn...but he was only 4 weeks old when I picked him up.

Are you going to the show Jemmalg?

[jemmalg]

Oh lovely, I met them a couple of weeks ago, they are gorgeous, and yes, haha, jumpy little things!

I am going yes, I will be showing at least one ham and trying not to come home with any more..!