This article is from the WSSF 2010 AFRMA Rat & Mouse Tales news-magazine.

Jessica Horstman, facebook
Q Does AFRMA host online shows ever? If so, is there an entrance fee? Thanks!

A We don’t host online shows, mostly because photos can be very deceptive and can be altered. The only way to REALLY judge a rat or mouse is to see it in person. Carol Lawton

Susana Esquivel, facebook
Q How do I register for a show? This is my first time wanting to show a rat as a beautiful Blue Point Siamese popped up in one of my litters. I am a new small hobby breeder. Do I need to become a registered AFRMA member first? (Well, I want to register either way but just want to know if I need to beforehand.) And if so, after I register how do I sign up for the show? Do I just show up that day with my rats? Or do I need to do something online and get a check in time? I live in Pasadena, CA. Thanks!

A AFRMA holds shows every other month at the Woodcrest Community Center in Riverside, so check our Show Dates page for the schedule of upcoming shows. You can also send an e-mail to afrma at afrma dot org and request to be on our e-mail list and we will make sure you receive show information for future shows. Or you can watch for show information on our facebook page. You don’t have to be a member to show at AFRMA shows but the entry fees are higher for non-members.

The information for a show is posted online about 3 weeks prior to a show that has all the details on entering a show. Entries must be made and paid for prior to the show and are done with our online entry system. Our deadline is always 6 p.m. the Wednesday [now Monday, 12-7-19] prior to the show and we don’t accept entries after this time. We have several articles on showing on our Show Information pages on the web site that also gives all the details. Make sure you read all of the Show Schedule and if there’s anything you don’t understand, please ask—we are here to help!

Just remember, Siamese cannot have any white on them to be shown in the regular classes and if they do, they may be entered in any of the pet classes; rats must be at least 6 weeks to be shown.

We look forward to seeing you and your rats there!

Note: For those that are near another club that holds shows, you need to check your local club’s rules as they all have different criteria for showing—some require membership in the club to show, some allow day-of-show entries in addition to pre-entries, some require the animals to be critiqued and registered in the club ahead of time which is different from making the actual entries for the show, etc., plus you would need to find out if there is anything you need to provide to show your rat in that club (show box, bedding for show box). Karen Robbins

Mackenzie Parks, facebook
Q I have a Hooded Dumbo male that I would like to show, but I read that you need a special cage and bedding. What cage should I use and what type of bedding?

A If you are showing in AFRMA shows, we have special show boxes that you can rent. Here is what they look like: www.afrma.org/pp_ratboxes.htm. We also have a page on mouse show boxes. We put Aspen bedding in them [provided by AFRMA the day of the show]. Amy, Camarattery

A For many clubs, they use the Kritter Keeper carriers as their show boxes, so check what show boxes and sizes are required by your local club. Some clubs have a limited number available for rent, others require you provide the show cages. Also, some clubs will provide the bedding, others will give a list of appropriate bedding each exhibitor is required to supply. Karen Robbins

P. Shoshanamarie O’Hare, facebook
Q I just read something, about rats and mice getting sick at shows. I am a new parent of a Fancy Rat. I don’t want him to get sick, but would like to show him. Any advice?

A Congratulations on your new pet! First of all, both male and female rats NEED a same sex cage mate. This is essential for their physical and psychological well being.

About shows: with good education, careful screening, and extremely cautious health checkers, AFRMA has managed to maintain an excellent health record for the past 6–7 years. We simply do not allow questionable animals in the building. Clubs used to be worried about offending people by turning their animals away at the door, especially if they had driven long distances—we are more concerned about the health of the animals, but that’s just AFRMA.

The situation is different with each club and I would advise you to go to a couple shows without your rat and see if you’re comfortable with the people and environment. If you’re not comfortable with it, then do the safe thing and leave your rattie kids at home. If you do decide to show, just make sure you follow the club’s quarantine guidelines to make sure all of your ratties stay safe.

Best wishes to you and let us know if you have any questions about your new friend. Carol Lawton

Back to top