Is showing for me?
If you’re still looking into the showing scene, there are lots of things to consider before taking the plunge. Hopefully the following article will help answer some common questions about showing mice in the UK.
The mice
Most people looking into joining the NMC have already kept, and probably bred, their own pet or feeder mice. This may have been on a relatively small scale, or in the case of feeders sometimes hundreds or even thousands of mice a year. None of these mice, however, will be of show quality. If you’re wondering if you can show your pets, the honest answer is no. They will not be of the same standard required by the NMC, which looks at everything from the type and size of a mouse to the exact shade of colour, markings and more. Many years of selective breeding have been put into show mice (the club was founded in 1895) and this takes hard work and vigilance to maintain.
Don’t be discouraged though, as you have the perfect opportunity to make a start with stock from top breeders. You may also find that you fall for a variety you had never considered before after seeing it in the flesh. Be sure to talk to breeders of your preferred variety in depth and get as much advice as you can; learn from their experience. Top mice will not set you back a fortune and breeders are generous with the quality of animals they supply to newcomers. You may have to wait a month or two, but it really is worth it to get the best start possible.
Don’t be discouraged though, as you have the perfect opportunity to make a start with stock from top breeders. You may also find that you fall for a variety you had never considered before after seeing it in the flesh. Be sure to talk to breeders of your preferred variety in depth and get as much advice as you can; learn from their experience. Top mice will not set you back a fortune and breeders are generous with the quality of animals they supply to newcomers. You may have to wait a month or two, but it really is worth it to get the best start possible.
The people
The exhibition mouse community in the UK is fairly small, with a core of regular successful exhibitors (like most fancies). The people are friendly and welcome new members with open arms. The Secretary is always available to answer questions from prospective members and if you visit a show you’ll find lots of breeders to talk to as well. Active members range from their twenties to their eighties and there’s always someone willing to ‘talk mice’!
The shows
Shows are held across England all year round, mostly taking place on Saturdays and some Sundays. The show calendar can be found on the NMC website and schedules are printed in the NMC News (available to members on subscription). You don’t have to be a member to come to a show, so if you’re interested then have a look round, introduce yourself and watch the judging.
Most shows are held in church halls and community centres, although there are larger shows throughout the year in conjunction with other animal fancies such as the Bradford Championship and London Championship. The organisers of these larger shows may charge an entrance fee, but there is no entrance fee for the smaller ‘table’ shows organised by the NMC. In summer there are also several agricultural shows, held outside in marquees as part of a larger event with other animals, crafts and stands selling various goods.
If the Secretary is in attendance at a show he will be happy to arrange your membership there and then – in his absence you can contact him through the NMC website.
Most shows are held in church halls and community centres, although there are larger shows throughout the year in conjunction with other animal fancies such as the Bradford Championship and London Championship. The organisers of these larger shows may charge an entrance fee, but there is no entrance fee for the smaller ‘table’ shows organised by the NMC. In summer there are also several agricultural shows, held outside in marquees as part of a larger event with other animals, crafts and stands selling various goods.
If the Secretary is in attendance at a show he will be happy to arrange your membership there and then – in his absence you can contact him through the NMC website.