Class pets

[hooligan]

Here's an article the whole class should look at and decide together on:

http://www.organization.org/pets/pet_care/classroom_critters_to_be_or_not_to_be.html

 

[patandchickens]

to add to hooligan's post (which I think is a really important point, or set of points)...

...the best classroom pet would be one that is adopted from someone who can no longer keep it themselves. You may well not be able to adopt something from your local shelter for a classroom (that is, they may well not let you) but if you ask around and check Craigslist and that sort of thing you will find that in most areas there are various people tryin' to get rid of guinea pigs, rats, mice, whatever. Give one a home.

I heartily recommend this as a thoughtful and responsible method for acquiring an animal... even "just" a small pet.

Pat

 

[glowworm]

rats or guinea pigs. rats only live 2, max 3 years so it doesn't feel like a huge commitment

rabbits would need a bigger enclosure than you probably can provide. They have to be handled carefully or you can throw out their back. Many people are also allergic to them.

If you want a reptile a bearded dragon would be a good choice. They make good pets.

I wouldn't pick any of the other animals on your list.

 

[hooligan]

Quote:
Rats can live 5 yrs or more, and I have had 2 that did.
Rabbits 10+ years and they need LOTS of room.

 

[NewHopePoultry]

Rabbits dont usually make the best classroom pets, most dont like to be held and they can kick hard.Rabbits do require more room then the other animals listed.

Rats usually only live 2-3 years,but some have been known to live longer.

 

[sred98]

I have to weigh in on this one...I was basically raised in a petshop (Grandfather owned one) and worked in Vet's offices growing up, blah blah blah!

LOL!

If y'all are wanting an animal to get out and play with, a rat is the way to go. I agree, the males are more of the "lap dog" style, that are really laid back and just want to hang out on your shoulder or in your lap. The females are higher energy, and smaller, but love to be entertained. They are great for games (mine played fetch) and mazes, etc. They are really clean and are practically odorless. Not to be crude, but the males are "obviously males" so you might want to take that into consideration. Some people don't like their "parts" hanging down when they are holding them. Just wanted you to be aware.

Snakes are always cool, BUT, there are a lot of people that wouldn't like them being fed mice, etc. Even frozen ones, so that might not work out.

Rabbits, mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, etc, can all be smelly and messy, and can bite. It's hard to get one that enjoys being held. Guinea pigs can also be extremely loud, and that might be distracting in a classroom.

Ferrets are cool, but expensive and need a lot of socialization when they are little.

Tarantulas are really cool, but feeding them can be difficult. I'm not sure where you are, but crickets and mealworms (for lizards, etc) can be hard to find, or hard to find a good source.

I had a hedgehog once. Emphasis on the HAD. That thing hated us! LOL! Would go out of its way to get out and attack our toes to the point of bleeding! Never bit our hands, but I was terrified of it! LOL! Didn't want it around the kids, either. Plus, while they are "cool" they aren't over cuddly.

I would definitely go for the RAT. Just decide what you want to do with the rat.

Do you want to do races? Mazes? Obstacle courses? Get a female.

Do you want to have someone that will wander around visiting, hanging out, and curling up on your shoulder? Get a male.

They are both super friendly and smart. Females just seem to be a little more motivated. LOL!

Good Luck!

Shelly

 

[priszilla]

triops- sort of like sea monkeys big enough to see- and have a short life cycle- by Christmas break- they are "done"

 

[Kanchii]

Rats, for sure.

 

[hooligan]

Quote:
With vet care and a proper (usually non commercial diet) it is not unusual for them to live past the 3 year mark. I used to do rat and small animal rescue and I only ever had one rat (out of 17) that did not make it to 3.

If you decide to get a rat as a classroom pet check out http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/ Lots of ratty people on there that can give you good advice for your class room

 

[silkiechicken]

I agree with the rat. It's not going to be skittish, take highly specialized care as reptiles can have, and don't take up much room/cost terribly much.

However about those fish. Please do read up on how to keep them right. A aww how cute 1 inch long 25 cent gold fish needs to live in a 30+ gallon tank with HIGH filtration. They are dirty. No one gallon bowl. They can grow to a foot long and live 20 or more years when properly cared for. Sure they can live in a 10 gallon for life, as many do, but it's like keeping chickens in battery cages. They also don't follow that one inch per gallon thing due to their mass. If you do go tropical, try not to overstock either.

Good luck!

Adoption would be a good idea too if you could get one from such a situation.