There are two classes at a rat show - Varieties and Pet. The varieties section is broken down in to the various colours and markings which have a standard set by the NFRS. The pet section can be any colour and markings and is mainly judged on temperament.

If you wish to enter your rat in to varieties, then you need to check the NFRS websites for recognised varieties and see if your rats fit in to any of the sections. If you got your rats from a breeder they should be able to tell you if the rats are showable and what standard they fit in to.

Entering
The details of how to enter shows are usually found on the organising club's website. Entries are usually taken by email and/or phone, and generally close 3-4 days before the show. I use a simply form when e-mail the show sec with my details. At the top of the form is my name, rattery name, e-mail and mobile number. I then have two sections, the top section for my varieties entries and the bottom for my pet entries.

For each of my varieties entries I e-mail the following: Adult/Kitten, Male/Female, Class/Variety.

For each of my pet entries I e-mail the following: Adult/Kitten, Buck/Doe

A few Examples:

This is RCT Pardrai who is British Blue Agouti who I enter into Varieties.
To enter him I would e-mail: Adult, Buck, British Blue Agouti

This is Scoffer who is a British Blue Berkshire dumbo who I enter into varieties.
To enter him I would e-mail: Adult, Buck, British Blue Berkshire Dumbo

This is then clear for the show sec to read and transfer to the paperwork that they prepare for the show. Make sure to state if they are Dumbo and/or Rex as these have their own classes

You will need to let the show sec know if you require hire tanks to show your rats in. For the first few shows, I would suggest doing this and if you enjoy showing, consider buying some of your own. If you are unsure of the variety then enter into pet for your first show and ask the show sec - they can then find out for you so you know for your next show.

Show Preparation
The evening before the show and try and get my rats ready. I don't bath my rats, as the last time I tried; I ended up with very sore arms! All I do now is take a old toothbrush and a little warm water and brush their tails to try and remove most of the dirt. I then use sensitive baby wipes on the fur to remove any stains or marks that might have appeared.
I also use this time to check them over for any injuries and scabs and check that they are healthy enough to attend the show. I also clip their nails - if this is something that you aren't confident about doing yourself, mention it to the show sec and they should be able to help you find someone who can help you.

On the Day
On the morning of the show check your rats over carefully before you put them in their travelling box, as there is no point in taking a rat to a show that has gained a scratch or a snuffle overnight.

When I first started showing I use either a cat carrier or hamster cage to transport my rats to shows. Now, I use the show tanks, so they are all ready to go when we get there. I make sure I take with me a small bag with a few essentials - baby wipes, nail clippers, small amount of substrate (for the hire tank or just incase), bin bag, some dry mix for after the show and some food for moisture whilst in their tanks (Cucumber, apple or carrot).

You will also need to take with you some bedding for the show tanks - the permitted substrates vary between the clubs, so check what is acceptable well in advance. Most shows run a raffle to help cover the hall hire costs, so do try to remember to take a small prize.

At the Show
I try to be at a show 30 minutes before judging starts to allow myself time to sort out my rats. Once you arrive, find somewhere where you can put your rats down so you can go and find the show sec. They are normally located by the door of the hall under mountains of paperwork. If you let them know that it is your first time showing, they will explain/show you what to do. The show sec will give your hire tanks (if you have hired some) and some labels for your tanks.

I place around 3" of substrate in the bottom of my tanks along with 1 piece of cucumber (around 1" thick). I give my rats another wipe over with a baby wipe and double check their nails. Once the rats are in the tanks, make sure you put the right labels on the tanks. The show sec should have given you a piece of paper with the rats that you entered and the tanks numbers so you can find them again easily. Once you are happy that your rats are ready you can then take them to the judging tables. There will one area for pets and one for varieties. If you are unsure, ask the stewards who will be arranging the tanks into order.

Now you are free to shop, volunteer for kitchen duty, sell or buy some raffle tickets, and talk to lots of people about rats.

If you have rats with you that are not entered in the show make sure you are familiar with the rules for shoulder rats at that venue - some shows do not allow shoulder rats in certain areas, and occasionally they are not allowed at all.

After Judging has finished
Once the judging has taken place, you will be told that you take your rats from the tables so the cleatring up can begin. I find it much easier to put all my rats in to groups of 3 in to the show tanks and stack the others away in the boot of my car. It gives them some company to cuddle up with on their journey home. I give them some dry mix and offer them a water bottle for a short while. Once all the rats & stuff is put away in the car the hall then needs tidying up - tables & chairs need to be put away and the floor swept.

Presentations
At the very end is the presentations. The show sec will announce when this will be as the hall needs to be spotless before they are given out. The judges will then give the rossettes to all the winners of each of the classes plus the Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show and Best Opposite age awards. Anyone who didn't win a rossette will be able to collect their critques from the show secs table at the end of the presentations.

Thats it - show over until next time and you get to do it all again!