The rat and mice event at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, run by the NSW Fancy Rodent Society, showcases ‘happy, healthy, functional and friendly’ animals in a bid to find the grand champion. Rachel Sydenham, the judge of rat entries, explains what the judges are looking for in their decisions. Meanwhile, Sandra McLean, exhibitor of the rat which took home the major prize, discusses her introduction to the world of rodents. McLean first started the hobby after she found three baby rats in a draw and ‘just fell in love with rats,’ she says, competing in the show since 2013
Rat race: inside Sydney’s Royal Easter Show rodent judging – where the winners are decided by a whisker
