Classroom Pets Chatboard

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Carrie /blockquote>

I would love to take her, just not sure about how to ship
her. I teach kindergarten and have 12 tanks in my classroom
from tarantulas to sugar gliders. Please let me know if
there is a good way to ship her. Thanks- Carrie

On 11/12/07, Jessica wrote:
> Hello
> I am college student at Rhode ...See More

Nov 13, 2007

Sam /blockquote>

On 11/13/07, Carrie wrote:
> On 11/12/07, Jessica wrote:
>> Hello
>> I am college student at Rhode Island College training to
>> become a middle school science teacher. I have already
>> recieved a job offer for after graduation but here's the
>> catch NO classroom pe...See More

Nov 29, 2007

Re: FREE TO GOOD CLASS: Red Eared Slider

by KK

Nov 25, 2007

/blockquote>

How could you even consider shipping a live animal? It's
winter. Do you think cargo holds are heated or that the
shipping container will not remain upright or get lost or
become damaged ect..??? Would you ship one of your
students? You need to live up to your responsibility.
Having a pet requires a commi...See More

(2)

J. /blockquote>

On 11/25/07, KK wrote:
> How could you even consider shipping a live animal? It's
> winter. Do you think cargo holds are heated or that the
> shipping container will not remain upright or get lost or
> become damaged ect..??? Would you ship one of your
> students? You need to live up to yo...See More

Dec 2, 2007

Melinda Wells /blockquote>

Hello, I live in Oklawaha, Florida and would love to give your
turtle a loving and forever home. I have a pond that is fenced
and would be a perfect home for her. I have experience with
turtles and can promise you she would have a great home.
Shipping will not harm her, if she is not too long in the cold ...See More

Dec 23, 2007

Dwarf Hamster Debacle

by c east

Dec 4, 2007

/blockquote>

I had a dwarf hamster as a class pet, but it died
recently. Evidently, it is necessary for them to have
their teeth trimmed. He had a problem with his teeth they
may have contributed to his demise.
Any suggestions about other class pets?

Yellow Rose /blockquote>

We had both a Siberian dwarf hamster and a Chinese dwarf
hamster and neither of them needed their teeth trimmed. We
just gave them wood to chew on. Did yours have the wood?
We've had many other regular sized hamsters. The only time
ones teeth over grew was when it were sick and near death,
though at the ...See More

Dec 8, 2007

Sick Guppy?

by Sarah

Dec 11, 2007

/blockquote>

I have a fancy guppy that appears to be sick. It just
started swimming at the top of the tank and hardly moves.
It does eat. And when I tried to remove him he swam all
over the place. I left for awhile and he was back on the
top of the tank again. What could ne wrong? I'm worried.

Aimee /blockquote>

Sarah,

I know it has been a long while since you posted, but I just read your posting. I
believe your guppy has eaten too much. His swim bladder is what controls his
flotation and usually, if he is constipated, he cannot control the swim bladder.
Try to feed very little and if possible, buy some baby fo...See More

Feb 5, 2008

Need classroom pet suggestions

by Steph

Jan 16, 2008

/blockquote>

I need help on a finding a low maintance education pet for
an 8th grade classroom. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Steph

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Charlotte B. Hi I plan on bringing my rats to the classroom as the classroom pets. They are very well socialized, sweet, affectionate, and all-around wonderful little girls. I am concerned, though, about parents' reactions. What have you done to address parent fears? Also, have you had any problems with allergies? Thank you! Charlotte 2nd grade, Matthew Whaley ...See More

Aug 12, 2008

Carolyn Steph, for very low maintenance and 8th graders, you might be surprised that you and the class will get a kick out of a snake. I know, I can't believe I'm suggesting this either but there are good reasons. You don't have to worry about them before long holidays as you normally feed them only about every 14 days anyway. It's amazing how easy they ar...See More

Aug 12, 2008

Are Rabbits bad?

by Theresa

Jan 21, 2008

/blockquote>

Are rabbits a poor choice for a classroom pet?
The rabbit I have is small and will only get about
2lbs...still is it a bad pet?

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linda M. I would like to bring a rabbit into my classroom and would like to know how you potty trained your rabbit. Thanks

On 11/19/09, Aimee Cornelius wrote: > I have a Lionhead rabbit. She is the sweetest thing ever :) > I would bring her into my class room a couple days a week (got to > the point where she KNEW her schedual of when i'd ...See More

Aug 21, 2010

Jan2010 Classroom pets are an important way to forge healthy child-pet relationships, and it’s important for teachers to educate themselves on which type of pet is best for their classroom. One popular choice of classroom pet is the domestic rabbit, which can make a wonderful pet, but also has some special requirements.

What many people don’t...See MoreClassroom pets are an important way to forge healthy child-pet relationships, and it’s important for teachers to educate themselves on which type of pet is best for their classroom. One popular choice of classroom pet is the domestic rabbit, which can make a wonderful pet, but also has some special requirements.

What many people don’t realize is that rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are primarily active during dawn and dusk hours. This means that your classroom rabbit will probably be at its most active before and after school hours. It’s important that students recognize the rabbit’s need for sleep during the day, and this should be taken into account when planning for a classroom rabbit’s weekend and vacation care as well.

Rabbits can be sensitive to diet changes, so it’s important to keep your classroom rabbit on a consistent diet, and provide the proper food for out-of-classroom stays. According to the House Rabbit Society ([link removed].”

Rabbits can also be litter-box trained. This is more easily accomplished with older, spayed or neutered bunnies, and a variety of fillings can be used in the box. Absorbent newspaper covered with hay can be used, or you can look for organic litters made from alfalfa, oat, citrus or paper. Litter-box training your classroom rabbit can allow for more freedom and exercise for the pet.

You should also create a play area for the rabbit. Rabbits need an exercise area – they need as much as 2-3 hours to stretch and play. Building an exercise area makes for a great classroom project. The area should be completely “rabbit-proofed” and contain the litter-box and a variety of bunny-safe toys. Use positive reinforcement like small bits of healthy foods to train your rabbit to return to his or her cage after play time.

According to the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society ([link removed].

There are many rabbit education and rescue organizations throughout the U.S. that can provide teachers with valuable resources on this popular pet. Educating the entire classroom on rabbits before making the decision on a classroom pet can be a great way for children to learn more about the responsibilities of proper animal care, and the potential rewards of interacting with pets through consistent care and training.

Pets in the Classroom allows children to benefit from the social support of pets and learn to bond with and care for pets responsibly. The Pet Care Trust understands that many teachers have limited financial resources to include pet care as part of the classroom experience, so this program provides easy to apply for, direct grants that allow teachers to purchase new pets, pet environments or pet food and supplies for existing classroom pets.

Aug 23, 2010

/blockquote>

I've had a betta about a month now. and has been doing
very well but in the past severl days he has seemed to
develop two orange spots on one of his fins and tiny black
spots on his tail. He seems okay he swims in circles
around the heater I dont know if its velvit and he is
trying to scratch himself but...See More

Betta Sick?

by Liz

Feb 13, 2008

Aimee /blockquote>

I bought a couple bettas with velvet. You will definitely be able to tell it's velvet;
it appears as though their whole body is dusted with gold powder. I think your
betta is fine. Coppersafe really takes longer than the methelyn blue or Maracide
med. The dyes seem to work more quickly. Keep watching for any mor...See More

Feb 19, 2008

Sick Betta

by Jen

Feb 22, 2008

/blockquote>

I have a 2 year old betta that had fungus about two months
ago. Now that I have gotten rid of the fungus the poor
little guy can't swim to the top of the tank, has a
distended stomach and is turning grey. I need help!!

Thanks!