What class to show in?

Gust0o · 03-02-2008, 01:26 PM

Chaps, in preparation for my first-ever showing at Topcliffe, I would like some advice.

I have three Syrians - the boys, Harry and Hobbs; and Bob, the lady.

Harry has only just got here, as a rescue - he's tame, but I'm loathe to stress him; he's got this fantastically wavy coat, very Rex-ish, and is a long-hair carrier.

He might be my favourite, but I wouldn't have a clue what to show him as - so I'll be sparing him

Which leaves Hobbs:

He's a red-eyed cream, born 30/12/07 - and is adorable!

And Bob:

She's a golden, white-banded, tort - 10 months old, and starting to fill out as a hamster.

Question is, what on earth do I show them as?!

Do they need to go as 'Pets'? Would Hobbs be better served as 'Young Stock'? Should Bob simply go in one the main Syrian categories?

So many questions!

I_am_plankton · 03-02-2008, 01:32 PM

The cream is she long or short hair? Because if she is short it is SH Cream and Long is LH cream... As a duplicate young stock seems ok I think with the age.

The golden is banded so therefore patterned

So SH Patterned for that one.

I don't know whether they are breeder born or not but pet shop hams don't tend to do well in show, but you might want to put them in just to see how it goes

Good luck

Gust0o · 03-02-2008, 02:07 PM

Well, Hobbs is a rescue - so I don't know much about his background, other than he was from a litter of creams (both LH and SH).

Bob was from our local pet-shop, which is breeder-sourced. A few people have commented on how good she looks - she has a satin-sheen to her coat.

I didn't get them as show hamsters; but, since I'm going I thought it would be nice to see how they get along

I_am_plankton · 03-02-2008, 02:08 PM

Well good luck, you never know how it will go!

Gust0o · 03-02-2008, 02:09 PM

Thanks Plankton - and many thanks for the advice! It's very much appreciated

souffle · 03-02-2008, 04:02 PM

I would put Hobbs in SH cream (class 2) with duplicate in young stock (class 17 less than 16wks) and Novice (class 15)
He looks like a black eyed cream to be honest as his ears are very dark for a red eye but both eye colours go in cream anyway.
Bob would go in SH Patterned (class 6) with duplicate in Novice (class 15 )
All hamsters have to be entered in a straight class (the colour/pattern/coat type) first then any duplicates you are eligable for.
When you enter main show you must have your hammies on the show bench by 10.45am and are commited to stay till end of judging at around 4pm usually. If you prefer to stay for a shorter time first show you can enter pets on the day and need only arrive aound half an hour before judging starts at 2pm I think. As you only have two in main show you would be allowed to enter pets as well with your other hamsters if you wanted.

Gust0o · 03-02-2008, 04:14 PM

Wow, I didn't realise it was quite so complex!

Do you need to be a club member prior, or can you join on the day?

Well, no problems with getting them there - nor waiting for the results, I guess. What's the form during the wait for results?

souffle · 03-02-2008, 04:22 PM

You do not need to be a member to enter Gus however if you are not a member and won say the Novice class you would not be able to take away any trophies or medals for that class. These are awarded at some shows depending on sponsorship etc. You can join on the day though no problem and it costs £8.50.
You need to e-mail the show secretary as detailed on the schedule and ask to hire two show pens if you are entering main show. You put in your entries and pay on arrival and collect your pens and stickers with the numbers on. You must place a piece of fruit or veg in each pen and both yours will be on normal wood shavings for the pen.
After judging everyone helps clear up, the hamsters are de-benched then the awards are announced and presented. Cards are given and presented for 1st places. For other placings you collect cards from the show secretary. Rosettes are usually given to certain classes - novice, intermed, junior, BIS and BOS.

Gust0o · 03-02-2008, 04:28 PM

That's super - I'd already taken the liberty of e-mailing Anita, to enquire about show pens.

Which reminds me - she did ask that I ring! Another job for the morning, I feel.

So - important question - what do you do for the five hours, or so, of judging?

souffle · 03-02-2008, 04:31 PM

eeeerrrr....eat, be bored, chat with other people, enter pets/hamster racing, buy tombola tickets, raffle tickets, go to the pub, shops, stroll around