We’ve all heard of dog and horse shows, but did you know you can also show pet rats? That’s right, these friendly, adorable rodents partake in competitions based on their appearance and personality. Showing pet rats is a fantastic way to meet fellow enthusiasts and allows you to see different rat varieties. If you want to enter the world of rodent exhibitions, look at these five tips for preparing to show your pet rat.
1. Choose a Local Show
Rats are among the best rodents to keep as pets, and if you want to start showing your pet rat, you need to find a rodent show. People show their rats in many countries, so you should be able to locate one. Start by finding a local rat club or association. The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association holds nationwide shows; its British counterpart is the National Fancy Rat Society. Rat shows are social events, and entering allows you to meet other devoted rat owners. You can also share hints and tips and see many different rat breeds.
You need a show tank to show a rat, and you can sometimes rent tanks at the show; you must bring your own bedding or substrate. You must enter your details beforehand and ensure you choose the correct class; entering the wrong class can result in disqualification. Each association has different categories based on rats’ variety or temperament.
2. Understand Rat Show Standards
Before entering a show, you must understand rat show standards. These guidelines cover things such as conformation, colors, and markings. Interestingly, there are no rat breeds in the same way there are dog breeds. Instead, there are many variations of the standard rat.
Rats are popular pets to own, and each variety has unique standards regarding their characteristics. The Dumbo rat, for example, must have the same features as standard rats, but their ears must be large and set on the side of their head. Before entering a show, check the association’s standards to ensure your rat meets them.
Rats must be the picture of health when they enter a show, with a shiny coat and bright eyes. They must be in good physical condition and shouldn’t be under or overweight. Rats must also be free from deformities and have all their body parts. Temperament is also a crucial factor in showing, and judges must be able to handle your rat. Hairless sphynx rats and tailless manx rats usually aren’t welcome at shows. They are genetic abnormalities, and associations usually avoid promoting them.
3. Prioritize Your Rat’s Well-being
One of the best tips when preparing to show your pet rat is prioritizing its well-being. Showing is a fantastic way to bond with rats, but you must only do it if you can prioritize their welfare. Your rat must be confident, tame, and in good health before showing. Choose a local show so your rats don’t have to stay in the car for hours and go directly home afterward. Remember to take lots of treats for your rat to reward them for positive behavior.
Use a rodent travel cage or rat carrier to transport rats and let them familiarize themselves with it beforehand. Make sure they have access to food, water, and a hiding place. You can give them a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable as a water source. Put plenty of bedding in the cage and cover it with a towel or blanket but ensure the cover allows enough ventilation. Never take rats on public transport or expose them to loud noise, vibrations, extreme temperatures, or drafts.
4. Prepare Your Rat for the Show
If you plan on showing your rats, you must buy them from a reputable breeder. Tell the breeder you intend to show, and they can help you select a suitable rodent. You should also familiarize yourself with the breed standards to help you choose the best one. Regularly handle and interact with your rat at home to make it tame and friendly.
If you want your rats to shine in the show ring, feed them a premium balanced diet for optimum condition. Keep the cage exceptionally clean the week before the show to prevent stains on the coat. You should only bathe your rats if they are dirty or stained. If you bathe them, do it a week before the show to allow the natural oils to redevelop in their coat. You can spot-clean them instead of a bath and use a soft brush to groom your pets at home.
5. Don’t Show a Sick Rat
The last tip on our list of preparing to show your pet rat is never to take a sick creature to a show. Traveling and showing can be stressful, which can make sick rats worse. More importantly, if your rat has a contagious disease, it can spread to all the rats at the show. Infected rats will then infect their cage mates when they return home.
If your rat has any of the following symptoms, don’t take them to a show and seek advice from a veterinary professional:
- Bald patches
- No whiskers
- Physical abnormalities
- Lice or mites
- Lumps or bumps
- Sniffles
- Eye or nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
You shouldn’t take baby or elderly rats to shows. They won’t do well in competitions, and the stress may overwhelm them. Rats are one of the pets with the shortest lifespan, so the best age to show them is between 10 weeks and six months old. You should also leave aggressive or pregnant rats at home or ones that have been to a show recently where there was an illness outbreak.
