Guinea pigs kick off small animal judging

MOSES LAKE — Guinea pigs were some of the first small animals to be judged at the Grant County Fairgrounds Tuesday morning.

Seven guinea pigs were being shown at the fairgrounds.

Sarah Hohn, 15, Moses Lake and Becky Joans, 18, Moses Lake, went head-to-head competing at the senior level of 4-H for showing guinea pigs. They were the only two competing at the level.

Hohn and her American Broken Dilute Agouti guinea pig A.J. took home the first place award and the Reserve Grand Champion Award.

She said the judging portion of the competition can make her nervous.

"You have to know about all kinds of guinea pigs," she said. "It's scary if you haven't done that before. It's very fun though."

Hohn has participated in 4-H for four years.

She described A.J. as shy and most likely to be hiding in a box at home. Every now and then he enjoys attention and tomatoes, she added.

Her past 4-H experience includes showing French Lop rabbits.

Hohn said 4-H is a good program because it is a way to meet people and to learn about animals.

She might consider showing chickens and ducks next year.

Joans and her guinea pig Squeakers, also known as a cavy, won first place and the Grand Champion Award.

Squeakers is the third guinea pig she has shown.

She has experience showing rabbits, poultry and pigs through 4-H.

She has been in 4-H for nine years, Joans said.

She recalls the judging experience as nerve-racking and fun at the same time.

"I think 4-H is a good way for kids to spend their time," Joans said.

Hohn and Joans were tested on various areas of their guinea pig knowledge and tested on how to keep track of their cavies' health.

The guinea pigs were judged on their size, coat, feet, noses, eyes and teeth.