Andover (SHC) 17th June 2017

[Fluffagrams]

The Southern Hamster Club is hosting their fourth show of the year at Andover, Hampshire on Saturday 17th June.

Link to show schedule: https://hamsters-uk.org/media/Schedu...%20Andover.pdf

Is anyone from HC planning to attend?

[chesca_27]

I might be going. I need to confirm with my parents though.

[Fluffagrams]

I will be there (although I'm not sure which hamsters are coming with me yet) and I'm Pen Stewarding for the Dwarf Section.

[GhostsInSnow]

I will be there for this one, not volunteering again this time (two shows with no job, shocking!) but it is quite a long drive so I'm kinda glad lol
Will be bringing a few hams along although who comes depends on how well my planned pairings go tomorrow/the rest of the week

[AprilPearl]

I am planning on attending this show. I lost my poor little Mushu too early and I want to make sure my next hamster is from a breeder, so he/she doesn't have any genetic defects which might result in another tragic premature death. I know it might seem soon, but I do feel that I have unfinished business which I didn't get to see through with Mushu, because he left me so soon. Of course, they would never replace him, but they would give me somebody else to care for and love.

I thought I might go to this show and see if any baby hamsters pull at my heart strings. Maybe I will decide I am not ready, but in that case I will at least have a nice time seeing some lovely hamsters.

Is there anything I should know in particular? I have already been given some very good advice, by Souffle, who tells me that a breeder would be able to provide me with a container to take him/her home with. Is this the case at this show too? And if I do take my own carry case, how big should it be and what should I use?

My mum has to work in the morning, so I will have to wait for her to come and pick me up so I don't have to take the hamster home on public transport. So, I wouldn't be able to take away any hamster until the afternoon. Souffle says I can leave him/her in wellfair, is that also true at this show?

Finally, what time do breeders usually turn up with any hamsters they are interested in selling? Will they be there from 9am when the show starts? Thanks and sorry for all of the questions.

[Fluffagrams]

Originally Posted by AprilPearl

I am planning on attending this show. I lost my poor little Mushu too early and I want to make sure my next hamster is from a breeder, so he/she doesn't have any genetic defects which might result in another tragic premature death. I know it might seem soon, but I do feel that I have unfinished business which I didn't get to see through with Mushu, because he left me so soon. Of course, they would never replace him, but they would give me somebody else to care for and love.

I often feel that when our hamsters cross the bridge, they are happy to see that another hamster gets to experience the same loving home that they were lucky enough to enjoy. However, I think you'll know when the time is right... that may be when you see another hamster that catches your eye, it may be a conscious decision that you are ready for another hamster but I don't believe that there's ever such a thing as 'too soon' if you feel that it's right for you.

Originally Posted by AprilPearl

Is there anything I should know in particular? I have already been given some very good advice, by Souffle, who tells me that a breeder would be able to provide me with a container to take him/her home with. Is this the case at this show too? And if I do take my own carry case, how big should it be and what should I use?

It's up to you as to whether you take your own carrier but the breeder is obliged to provide you with a container to take your hamster home in. Often these will be ice cream type tubs with holes drilled in the lid so if you want something a little nicer, you might prefer to bring your own. The size is up to you but a popular carrier is the Ferplast Medium Aladino: https://www.petscorner.co.uk/ferplas...carrier-medium

If you're coming to buy a hamster, it's usually better to leave it until about 10am to give the Sales Manager enough time to book in the hamsters. If you find one you like you'll be asked to sign a rehoming declaration. Youl'll be given a copy of your hamster's pedigree which will have the breeder's contact details on it.

Originally Posted by AprilPearl

My mum has to work in the morning, so I will have to wait for her to come and pick me up so I don't have to take the hamster home on public transport. So, I wouldn't be able to take away any hamster until the afternoon. Souffle says I can leave him/her in wellfair, is that also true at this show?

That's absolutely fine, once you've purchased your hamster you can ask the Sales Manager if she'd mind if you picked the hamster up a bit later in the day. They're taken off the sales bench and kept with the Sales Manager for safekeeping. I've known them to do that before if someone wants to have a look around the show and the Sales Manager is such a lovely lady, she'll try and help out if she can.

It'll be lovely to see you at the show.

[AprilPearl]

Fluffagrams thank you, this is all really helpful stuff, and I appreciate your help very much. Since this will be my first show, I didn't want to inadvertently do something wrong.

I'm going to go and have a look. I may come home with a new furry friend, or I may not, but I think it will be a nice thing to do regardless. I love hamsters and seeing them does help me remember the happy times, both with Mushu and previous hammies.

I will have to watch out for you and your hams

[flowerfairy]

Just realised that this show is less than two hours away from me by train. I am tempted if I can get someone to care for Mother/animals for the day ... we will see.

I would love another agouti roborovski.

[Fluffagrams]

Originally Posted by AprilPearl

Fluffagrams thank you, this is all really helpful stuff, and I appreciate your help very much. Since this will be my first show, I didn't want to inadvertently do something wrong.

I'm going to go and have a look. I may come home with a new furry friend, or I may not, but I think it will be a nice thing to do regardless. I love hamsters and seeing them does help me remember the happy times, both with Mushu and previous hammies.

I will have to watch out for you and your hams

Glad to have been a help. I had so many questions when I first started going to shows so don't worry, we've all been there.

The other thing that might be worth knowing is that we don't have the facilities to accept card payments so you'll need to make sure you've got some cash on you. There'll also be a tombola, a kitchen selling refreshments and there's usually hamster accessories for sale too.

I'll be Pen Stewarding for the dwarf section so do come and say hello. I won't be able to point out my own hamsters but I can point out the various dwarf species and colours to you.

[Vectis Hamstery]

I'll be at Andover. I've got a duprasi and some hammies going to new homes, plus a new doop arrival. I hope the weather's nice so Rogue and I can sit outside.