CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
- Classes with few entries may be combined into one “companion animal” class.
- Entries are judged on the overall health and appearance of the animal and the 4-H member’s presentation and knowledge of the animal; not judged according to breed standards. Mixed breed animals can be entered, and identification is not required.
- Rabbits shown in the Pet Rabbit Class cannot be shown in the Rabbit Show.
- Poster Division can include entries covering any companion animal (including reptiles, companion birds, or others). Exhibitors should make a poster with information on the proper care of a companion animal that they are not showing in another class of the Companion Animal Show. Poster should be the size of one full standard poster (should not exceed 22" x 28") board. Exhibitors must be present at time of judging and will be judged on quality of the poster, accuracy of information provided, and ability of the exhibitor to explain the information and answer judge’s questions.
ARRIVAL TIME - The companion animals need to check in 15 minutes or more before the time of showing on Sunday, August 10 at 8:00 am. The companion animals can be taken home after the show.
SHOW PROCEDURE: Exhibitors must be present at time of showing. Animals must be housed in a cage at all times of the show unless asked to remove them by the judge. If being shown in a travel cage, exhibitors should bring photographs of the animal’s normal habitat.
- Each exhibitor will be asked to give a short “showmanship” presentation on their animal. The characteristics, health, and care of the animal should be provided in this presentation. Following the presentation, exhibitors will be interviewed on knowledge of their animal and its care.
- The judge will evaluate the participant on the following basis: animal health and well-being - 35 points; cage evaluation (appropriateness of travel housing as well as description of everyday housing) - 25 points; and overall knowledge and presentation skills - 40 points.
- See 4-H Companion Animal Judging Sheet for more complete breakdown of points available.
- Participant should bring animal, adequate cage and accessories, completed health certificate for ferrets, and pictures of normal habitat if appropriate.
HOUSING:
- All animals should be brought in appropriate housing either their normal cage or a durable plastic or wire travel cage (not cardboard). Cages must be secure. Exhibitors should provide water and food for all animals as appropriate. If a cage/enclosure is deemed inappropriate by the show superintendent, the exhibitor will not be allowed to show.
HEALTH & VACCINATIONS:
- All animals should be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ringworm, any internal and external parasite and infectious disease. If any signs of these external parasites or other contagious health conditions are presented, exhibitors will be asked to leave without being allowed to show. If an animal shows the possibility of being contagious, it will be considered a danger to the other animals in the show and will not be allowed to show. Animals that pose a danger to others will not be allowed to show.
- Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and have a completed health form signed by the administering veterinarian.
NUMBER OF ENTRIES PER EXHIBITOR - An exhibitor can have one entry per class with a maximum of four entries total.
AGE OF ANIMALS - All animals must be weaned prior to show. Minimum age of animals to be shown:
Ferrets: 4 months
Chinchillas: 7 weeks
Guinea pigs: 4 weeks
Hedgehogs: 5 weeks
Pet Rabbits: 9 weeks
Gerbils/Hamsters/Mice/Rats: 4 weeks
DRESS CODE -See Livestock/Animal General Rules.
CLEAN UP - Exhibitors must clean up their own exhibit area.
COMPANION ANIMAL CLASSES
PREMIUMS: Purple, $4.00; Blue, $3.00; Red, $2.00; White, $1.00
- Pet Rabbit
- Ferret
- Chinchilla
- Guinea Pig
- Poster
- Gerbil
- Hamster
- Mouse
- Rat
- Hedgehog
- Lizard