News Release Date: Nov. 12, 2004
Jennifer Reynolds, Media Specialist ~ (909) 307-2669 ext. 278 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462. ~ reynolds@sbcm.sbcounty.gov
Chad Lynde, Exploration Station Coordinator ~ (909) 307-2669 ext. 275 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.

Event date: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Event place: REDLANDS

Fancy Rats, Mice Coming to County Museum

The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association will host its fall show at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands on Saturday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show is open to the public and is free with museum admission.

A fancy rat or mouse is a rodent that has been bred to conform to a written standard, much like breeds of dogs or cats. Coat, color, conformation, size, and even personality are considered during judging of winning rodents. Fancy rats have been exhibited for more than a century, and in the past decades their popularity as pets has increased as owners discover that they are intelligent, affectionate, gentle, quiet, and easy to care for.

Fancy rats and mice coming to the museum will be judged in several categories: pet rats; pet mice; best costume and tricks; and “kooky kontainers.” The latter two categories will include hamsters, chinchillas, cavies (guinea pigs), and rabbits along with rats and mice.

Thirty-two colors are recognized by official AFRMA standards for rats, from blue and lilac to cinnamon, amber, and lynx. The colors are represented by ten different types of markings, including hooded, Dalmatian, variegated, and masked. Coat types - straight, curly, or satin - are also considered when judging the standards. Even tailless rats, hairless rats, and odd-eyed rats are bred for show and as pets.

“Members of AFRMA will be on hand during the museum show to answer questions about keeping rats and mice as pets,” said Chad Lynde, coordinator of the museum’s Exploration Station live animal gallery. “But please do not bring your pets to the museum unless you are officially registered for the show. You can go to www.afrma.org for more information.”

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free, and everyone will be admitted free on Sunday, September 5. Parking is free, and the facility is handicapped-accessible. The museum’s Garden Café will be open for lunch and snacks between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.