Well, I killed the threads instead of merging them. The first page was still in my cache, though, so here is what the conversation was:
Feel free to add more. Sorry
anna84 said:
Long long time lurker here. But I've always been impressed by the depth of animal knowledge on this forum and I could use some help.
Started working for an awesome charter school and have been encouraged to have a classroom pet. So I'm looking for any ideas you guys might have.
Criteria are active during the day, quiet, fairly non stinky (but I am more than willing to clean the cage daily), smallish, and a fairly easy keeper. Also needs to be okay with being left alone for a three day weekend. Any longer than that and I'll take them to a pet sitter.
Any suggestions or tips are more than welcome.
Also I love in California so that puts a damper on a few things. Kind of peeved because I think gerbils would be perfect.
Started working for an awesome charter school and have been encouraged to have a classroom pet. So I'm looking for any ideas you guys might have.
Criteria are active during the day, quiet, fairly non stinky (but I am more than willing to clean the cage daily), smallish, and a fairly easy keeper. Also needs to be okay with being left alone for a three day weekend. Any longer than that and I'll take them to a pet sitter.
Any suggestions or tips are more than welcome.
Also I love in California so that puts a damper on a few things. Kind of peeved because I think gerbils would be perfect.
Saeleofu said:
What about a rat? They tend to be pretty calm and less likely to bite than most other "pocket pets." I have seen some pretty nice guinea pigs, too. When I was in middle school we had a chinchilla in a classroom, but I DO NOT recommend them for classrooms or education programs. They're just not well suited to it. I also don't recommend hedgehogs - they tend to be skittish and nocturnal, plus the USDA just informed us we can no longer allow children to pet hedgehogs during education programs because of a salmonella risk (wash your hands, it's not that hard!)
Are you up for any reptiles? Bearded dragons are awesome, but they require a good deal of specialized equipment, such as heating pads and UV lights. A leopard gecko might be a good choice, or some sort of smaller snake. Hognose are easy to care for, and would be good as long as you find a docile one. We have on fantastic hognose at work, always perfectly well behaved, but the other one is a total asshat and would no hesitate to strike (we have to wear leather gloves with her, since they are mildly venomous). I never, ever fear our nicer hognose biting me, she's just so amazing. And very, very active all day long.
ETA: Well, in the time I typed all that up, you deleted your post. I'm not redoing it all.
Are you up for any reptiles? Bearded dragons are awesome, but they require a good deal of specialized equipment, such as heating pads and UV lights. A leopard gecko might be a good choice, or some sort of smaller snake. Hognose are easy to care for, and would be good as long as you find a docile one. We have on fantastic hognose at work, always perfectly well behaved, but the other one is a total asshat and would no hesitate to strike (we have to wear leather gloves with her, since they are mildly venomous). I never, ever fear our nicer hognose biting me, she's just so amazing. And very, very active all day long.
ETA: Well, in the time I typed all that up, you deleted your post. I'm not redoing it all.
GatorDog said:
Gerbils are fun!
Sparks19 said:
My first thought for a classroom pet is guinea pig . They can be very social and I just really have a soft spot for them . I really have no expert advice though lol
Greenmagick said:
I think rats (should have more than one) are a great option. They are very easy to tame, very inquisitive and interactive, and are just plain awesome
(three day weekends should be doable.....just make sure its not too hot or cold and plenty of food and water)
(three day weekends should be doable.....just make sure its not too hot or cold and plenty of food and water)