PICKERSLEIGH CAVIES

We have been exhibiting cavies since 1994, concentrating now on Rex and just starting with Swiss. Our Cavies/Bloodlines are to be found in many countries, including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Russia and Finland. Linda and Rob are Rex Cavy Club Panel Judges. Selected stock is some times available - see our Sale Page.

Below is an article which was taken from the Birmingham Cavy Club Newsletter.

The popular and well regarded Rob and Linda Monk fall under the 'meet a member' spotlight for this edition of our newsletter. Rob and Linda will be known to everyone who has been coming along to our shows during the past year as they have enjoyed best in show success on at least 2 occasions during that time with some excellent self blacks.

The duo have been keeping cavies since 1994 having previously been involved in dog showing. Having become a little disillusioned at the judging in the canine show world, Rob and Linda went in search of an alternative interest, and initially chose rabbits. This of course meant that a visit to a pet shop was inevitable, and Linda returned not with rabbits, but with a couple of cavies. As luck would have it, one of the newly acquired pets turned out to be pregnant, and the arrival of somewhat cute babies generated Rob and Linda's interest. A visit to a show followed, with later purchase of a trio of Rex cavies from an auction at a National Cavy Club event (obtained from Lexey Hollindrake). These pigs were the start of the now famous stud of Rex cavies. The cavy bug was well and truly caught, and a first Best in Show soon followed at Bristol in 1994.

Rob and Linda's chosen stud name of Pickersleigh Stud has an unusual origin and is based upon a love of the Morgan motor cars (you don't get to see many of those around), which were made in Pickersleigh Rd in Malvern.


With a current collection in the region of 100 cavies Rob and Linda take most enjoyment from the social element of cavy showing. The fun part is in meeting people and being involved in the 'cavy family'.

Looking at the current cavy world, Rob and Linda would hope that it doesn't become too competitive, and are unhappy to see any sign of a 'win at all costs' mentality. The hobby should be enjoyed rather than taken too seriously. Both are genuinely pleased to see others do well.

Rob's enjoyment of a show can be tainted a little when he sees pigs that are penned without something to eat or at least access to a drink. Attention is drawn to the new Animal Welfare Act, and the point is well made that anyone failing to provide sustenance for cavies could put the future of the club at risk.

On the subject of tips for the newcomer to the cavy show scene, Rob and Linda emphasise the need to prepare pigs well, make sure they are well groomed and that nails are cleaned! As a rule of thumb, it should take at least half an hour to prepare a cavy (including a quick bath), or a little longer if it hasn't been groomed for a while.

The final question to which our duo were subjected was 'who's in charge?' We thought that our members would like to know this. It seems that Rob and Linda's approach is very much a team effort. Whilst Rob (the quiet one) takes on more of a thinking role the big decisions around breeding are always made jointly. This is useful to know, but we really wanted to know, who is in charge. The answer, when found, was simple enough...................... 'Rob carries the boxes and Linda collects the prize money!! Enough said!

 
This article was kindly written by Steve Tench of the Birmingham Cavy Club

Birmingham Cavy Club Secretary – Margaret Thorpe  01676 541407