It’s been a while but Illawarra “cavies” are going to strut their stuff in a beauty pageant at Russell Vale Community Hall.
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Fastest eater, craziest hairstyle, best presented, fancy dress and the heaviest contestant will be applauded and awarded in a family friendly atmosphere on Sunday March 11.
Greater Sydney Cavy Club spokeswoman Alissa Clegg explained the term “cavy” comes from the latin name for one of the most low-maintenance pets one can gave, the guinea pig (cavia porcellus).
“They don’t take up much room and their personalities really, you’d be surprised at their personalities,” she said.
“You open the fridge door and they start squeaking, they’ll stick their head out of the cage for a chin rub.”
Ms Clegg is helping bring guinea pig shows back to the Illawarra after an absence of several years, and expects dozens of furry friends to visit from Sydney, the Central Coast, the Southern Highlands, Canberra and possibly Victoria.
Unlike cat and dog shows, she said, the competition is not fierce and competitive but more of a “friendly” nature.
The current owner of 20 cavies, Ms Clegg first fell in love with the small animal around the age of 11 when the family cat brought one home to play with.
“I tried to hide it from my parents but the squeaking kind of gave it away,” she laughed. Since then she has never been without one.
Guinea pigs starting at $30 will be available at the show, with breeders on hand to offer advice on cavy care. Ms Clegg said it can cost around $100-$150 to set up an enclosure, but care requirements are generally low cost from there – making them good pets for rentals or apartments.
Guine Pig Show, Russell Vale Community Hall on Keerong Avenue. Spectators FREE. Entry is $5 per cavy, $2 per class. Registrations on the day before 11:30am. Show starts at 12pm.