Harrogate small animal show 2012

ekimsivad said:

I'm intrigued by the thread relating to animal liberation fanatics/tree huggers/fluffies, call them what you will.

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there isn't a problem with mice.I think there are a few issues with some rabbit varieties like mini lops attracting more pet orientated people and probably caveys and rats.People in the mouse fancy don't accomodate for pet animals generally so these people don't really fit the in same as it's always been.The internet provides a medium for birds of a feather I suppose as well.

Sarah,

I suspect you have hit the nail on the head there. The mouse fancy tends to be a lot more "low key" and therefore thankfully remains below the radar of such groups and individuals.

I have always felt that the topic of culling is one that the mouse fancy sensibly does not make a great deal about. I think it is probably fair to say that considerably more young mice are culled when compared to any of the other popular small livestock such as rabbits, cavies, hamsters, gerbils etc. We all understand why it happens but try explaining it to sandal wearers.

Ohhh yes, in the Cavy fancy its terrible. Even most of the 'serious fanciers' are fluffy honestly. Well compared to the mouse fancy they are! haha

Yes I can second that in the cavy fancy. Im afraid while I have some favourite guinea pigs I regard them more as stock but that doesnt mean that they dont have anything but the highest standard of care which they do. Say that to some of the fluffs and they would go off their rockers. It is something that recently has made me question my dedication to it, even as a show secretary.

I find the mice fancy a real breath of fresh air so many aspects of it are straight to the point which I like.

In the rabbit fancy many old fashioned long term breeders do cull their rabbits many of them eat them as well but it is something that darent be mentioned.

Sorry off topic!

Don't get me wrong, I have many friends who are 'pet people' I respect them and thier right to be 'pet people'... then there is a step up to 'anti-show, anti-breeding, anti-buying, rescue only people'

But getting back to 'pet people'... they are the reason why the rat fancy is scary :shock: They are the reason why the hamster fancy has gone waaaay down hill, they are the reason why sub standard stock is bought and sold as 'showable' in the cavy fancy, and every other small animal fancy too. Let them keep and love thier weedy looking runts. lol The core of the mouse fancy needs protecting from this happening. I guess we are lucky that mice are not everyones cuppa tea!

I do love my pigs... especially my pe creams, they are so gorgeous. But my husbandry with them will be no different than with my mice! I will use rigarous selection, substandard stock will not stay in my stud, and culling of sickly animals will happen. end of. (Dont be repeating that Kelly! lol)

No problem with me Katie you know I agree with you there.

I can think of at least 3 people who would crucify me for saying that at the next Kent show! haha

WillowDragon said:

Don't get me wrong, I have many friends who are 'pet people' I respect them and thier right to be 'pet people'... then there is a step up to 'anti-show, anti-breeding, anti-buying, rescue only people'

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I agree with this completely.I have my own pets and love them as much as the humans I know/love,no more or less.I don't expect to be dictated to by fluffy extremists though.

*swoon*

Too much! I love seeing all the colors in really good photos like these. And seeing people really enjoying handling the lovelies.

I especially love the champagne; that is a really nice shade, but it seems a bit darker than some I've seen in this forum. How old is that pic?

It's probably about 4 years old. The picture, not the mouse - that would be very good going!

Ay-yup.

Who are these wonderful older men judging? I wish we had that "grandfatherly" influence over here! It would lend much needed stability to the fancy here.

Who are these wonderful older men judging? I wish we had that "grandfatherly" influence over here! It would lend much needed stability to the fancy here.

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I don't want to put names to faces publicly on the internet, but these men have all been in the mouse fancy for decades. The older members are highly respected by all in the club and the NMC traditions we all hold so dear have been kept alive through their dedication to their hobby over such a long time. We have much to thank them for, and yes, I feel the American mouse fancy is the way it is (at least in part) through the complete lack of older, experienced members' stabilising influence.

I completely, totally, love it. How wonderful!!!!

My passes came today for the show. Katie the press pass is a little card on a ribbon with a safety pin......

I do hope they are available at the door, otherwise I will be taking pictures outside with the smokers! Lol

Can you not borrow my pin lol!

we took pictures and videos last year,no one said anything.I've still got the video ,have to try and get it uploaded and linked to here.I'm hoping for a nice day,lunch at the pub,I'm joining the British Rabbit Council and getting my first ever rabbits and judging best in show.Can't wait

I will probably forget to take my camera knowing me!

Oooh what rabbits are you getting Sarah?