The shows we hold are primarily to have some fun and raise funds for the rescue, we dont want them to become very serious although it is always nice to win a ribbon. In our eyes every ferret deserves a prize! Its a good opportunity to get together with other like minded people and enjoy a good natter and maybe pick up some tips and ask for advice. Dont worry if youve never been to a show before, its really not scarey and theres always plenty of people to help you along the way
The judges are primarily looking for the ferret in the best condition for its age, which are things that the owners have good control over. The judges have to mark each ferret for:-
Condition: The coat should be in good condition, sleek and glossy, with no parasites. Marks will not be deducted for recent neutering, although we dont want to see very newly neutered ferrets being shown, its not fair if they are not over the surgery yet. Likewise marks will not be deducted for unneutered animals
Eyes: Should be bright and alert
Proportion: Marks will be deducted for overweight ferrets, and those too skinny
Teeth: Should be in good condition for the age of the ferret. Dont worry about the odd chipped fang, we know this can happen with general ferret play.
Ears: Should be clean and free from excess wax. Gently clean the outside part of the ear with a baby wipe or cotton bud dipped in oil. DO NOT PUSH THE COTTON BUD INTO THE EAR CANAL.
Nails: Should be trimmed evenly, not too short and not done on the day of the show! They should have nicely rounded tips.
The X Factor: This can be the deciding factor. Its that little something that you cant really put your finger on, that makes the judge want to take the ferret home! It could be a lovely nature, beautiful long whiskers, just something that catches the judges eye.
Any ferret that is deemed unhandleable and bites the judge will be disqualified.
The steward will let you know if there are any concerns from the judges re the ferrets health but PLEASE DONT BRING ANY FERRET TO THE SHOW UNLESS ITS IN A1 HEALTH (disabilities for the 'Not Quite' class excepted)
Classes
Most of the classes are self explanatory but heres some further information which may help
Adult classes are for any ferret over 1 year old.
Kits are deemed to be any ferret younger than 1 year.
Veterans are ferrets aged 6 years old and older
Child handler is open to children aged 15 and under
Polecats are split into dark and pale. Generally dark polecats have an all black nose, all others are classed as pale. Any queries on this can be checked on the day.
Sandy and silver classes include classic mitts i.e with white bib and feet.
Silvers cover any shade of silver even if they only have a couple of dark hairs on a predominately white coat. If they have no visible dark hairs they are classed as Black eyed Whites and go in the coloured classes.
'Not Quite' is for any ferret with a minor disability that would prevent it going into the main class. For example, three legs, no tail, musculoskeletal defects, undershot jaw, one eye etc. These ferrets must be in good health despite their disabilities.
The winners of the main colour classes will go through to the Best in Show final. The final lineup doesnt include veterans, child handler, not quite, NEFR class, fun classes or kits. The best kit hob and best kit jill go through to line up for the Best Kit in Show
What to bring on the day
Ferrets (of course!)
Large carrier or portable cage to make them comfortable during their stay
Paper towels for cleaning little accidents, and baby or wet wipes in case they decide to roll in some poo!
Ferret food
Water
Bedding
Pen and paper
Alcohol hand gel if you will be handling other ferrets (there will be some available on the day)
Money for refreshments and merchandise!
