Showing
Now, first you need something to take your Gerbils along to a show in... So, the best thing is to buy yourself an animal carrier. They are quite easy to get hold of and are usually sold as fish tanks or small vivariums. I had some already from when I was younger and had some stickinsects and a fish. So perhaps your kids or you too have some!
They are often made of clear plastic and have a coloured lid with small handles on (I wouldn't trust them myself and always carry it by holding the bottom) Here are some pictures:
See the difference in size between the two carriers? Well most breeders use the smaller version, that is the standard sized show pen. You should provide some toilet roll and food in the pen for the gerbils, Toilet roll is normally used as it will not dirty the Gerbil. You must use cheap unscented or coloured roll otherwise it could end up dying the Gerbil! Most also will give the gerbil a sandbath before showing, this will give the Gerbil a nice healthy look to their coat it will also get rid of any grease or dirt, allowing the full colour to come out and the judge to mark the gerbil to its full potential.
It is not advisable to have a water bottle in the pen as you could end up with a wet Gerbil and that's the last thing you want! Instead provide a slice of apple or some carrot, so should they really need it they will have some water in their food.
Judging
The judges will be looking out for certain things, below is a list of how the points are scored:
Type - 20
Condition - 20
Colour - 20
Size - 15
Fur - 10
Ears - 5
Eyes - 5
Tail and Tuft - 5
Total = 100
Penalty points are to be deducted as follows:
Disease or intractability - DISQUALIFICATION
Sores, scabs, or wounds - DISQUALIFICATION
Missing fur - 10 points max
Excess fat - 10 points max
Moulting - 10 points max
Dirty or stained fur - 10 points max
Dirty Show pen - 5 points max
All varieties will conform to the following:Type: The body shall be moderately firm and plump (not fat). The head shall be short and broad and well set into the body.
Condition: The Gerbil shall be very alert at all times and easily handled.
Colour: The colour shall match the standard for that variety as set out on the NGS site.
Fur: The fur shall have a healthy sheen and shall not be moulting.
Size: The gerbil shall be as large as possible with the tail the same length as the body when fully adult. The length of the tail shall be judged in relation to the age of the gerbil. The female size, which is smaller than that of the male will be taken into account in mixed classes.
Eyes: The eyes shall be bright, widely set, and large but not bulging.
Ears: The ears shall be fairly small, not too rounded and carried erect.
Tail: The tail shall be well set-on, free from kinks and ending with a brush like tuft.
Prizes
Prizes include rosettes, trophies and shields - Not quite crufts, but still very worth while!
