GUIDE TO SHOWING PETS
There are a few things to consider when showing your
pet-
Your pet has to be over 13 weeks old.
In good health, and free from disease.
They should be fit not fat, have a healthy shiny coat and bright eyes.
They should be friendly and easy to handle and calm on the table (allowances made for the younger ones).
There are three show age categories for your cavies at most shows - 13wks to 5 months (U/5), 5-8 months, Adult (8 months +), and Veteran (over 4 years). And then they are split into coat types, SMOOTH (short coat all one length), ROUGH (anything not fitting into other categories), LONGHAIRED, and CRESTED (smooth with crest on head which is like a circular rosette).
Preparation-
Bath your guinea pig in mild shampoo and clean the grease gland spot just above the bottom, if needed, especially on boars (good tip - washing up liquid neat and an old toothbrush), and clean inside the ear flaps (baby wipes are good for this). Dry thoroughly making sure cavy is completely dry before returning to any outdoor accommodation.
Trim nails if necessary, not too short as you will catch the quick and nails will bleed. If an accident occurs then put table pepper sraight onto site, it will slow down the flow of blood.
Brush or comb them only to remove loose hair, knots or tangles. (Advance grooming etc for pure breeds can be learned later).
Things like torn ears, missing toes, cateracts, fatty eye, missing eye (if healed) are acceptable, but things like wounds/sores, lice, mites, fungal infections, pregnancy, and obvious ill health are instant disqualifications.
What to bring to show -
Make sure you bring your guinea pigs to a show in suitable carriers.
You will need to bring something to put at the bottom of each cage, such as puppy pads, vet bed, towels, newspaper, shavings etc. The cages measure approximately 13" x 13". Each entry will have their own individual show cage.
Each cage must have a handful of hay in it plus veg or fruit. You can bring water bottles but these can easily be knocked off the cages so veg such as cucumber and celery or fruit such as watermelon would be better.
What to do when you get to show -
You can collect your entry penning in slip from the Secretary or they will be displayed on a table in the show hall. Find your show cages (numbers will be on the penning in slip) and place your bedding , hay and food in them. Finish preparing your guinea pigs and then stick the ear labels on each of them and place them in their corresponding show cage. Go to the Secretary table and pay for your entries. Please ask someone if you are unsure.
Please remember that once your guinea pigs are in their show cages they must not be removed during the day intil all judging is finished, unless it's by a nominated steward taking them to be judged. If you have to leave the show early please seek permission from the secretary. You can top up food etc if needed.
The majority of all fanciers started off with (and still show) pets, and if the bug gets you and you wish to move onto pure breeds as well, the society will help you with information and advice.