If you are a teacher, you may be thinking about getting a classroom pet for your children. A classroom pet can be enjoyable for the children and teach them to be responsible and care for a small animal. Classroom pets also give kids an incentive to come to class early to play with or watch the animal. While it may seem like any small animal would be a suitable classroom pet, there are some significant considerations you should take into account. As a teacher, you shouldn't choose just any animal to be a classroom presence.
Experts agree that guinea pigs are one of the best pets for a classroom. These small mammals have minimal care requirements, and they are easy to handle. The American Veterinary Medical Association says that since these mammals are larger than hamsters or gerbils, they are easier to hold and less likely to be dropped. Also, they are not as jumpy as some other small rodents. Guinea pigs do need some space to run and often prefer the companionship of another guinea pig of the same gender.
They are social animals and require daily interaction, which is excellent when they are surrounded by a classroom full of eager children. Guinea pigs need fresh food to stay healthy, because they thrive off of the vitamin C.
Another popular and professionally approved pet for the classroom is a rabbit. Rabbits are typically able to tolerate handling by younger children, and they have minimal care requirements. They are intelligent and very affectionate and social. Like guinea pigs, they need an enclosure with enough room for them to run around and rabbits like to interact with other rabbits of the same defer in their enclosure. Rabbits require hay or grass in their fed as well as fresh greens, vegetables and high grade feed. A rabbit's cage needs to be cleaned out frequently in order to minimize odors in the classroom.
Rats can be a kid-friendly addition to any classroom. This may not seek like a natural choice, but children may be surprised to learn that domestic rats are loving and affectionate. Rats are actually quite intelligent, and are very easy to care for. They do not smell as bad as other small rodents and are less likely to bite than hamsters, mice, and other small rodents. Rats required a glass, plastic or metal enclosure with a solid bottom and secure doors. If you choose a rat as your classroom pet, make sure to give the animal a chewing stick so that he or she can grind his or her teeth down.
Fish are a very low maintenance classroom pet. Unlike the rodents mentioned above, fish cannot be handled. This can be a good lesson in self-control for young children. Scientific evidence proves that fish are great for relieving stress and can be incorporated into class curriculum. This is because fish provide an opportunity to talk about conservation, basic chemistry and biology, environmental protection, and water quality. Also, children can take turns feeding the fish or changing the water.
Some teachers may want to purchase a bird for the classroom. Small birds can be great classroom pets that demonstrate science and environmental lessons. Birds are easy to maintain and will often interact with children in a playful and enjoyable way. Teachers will want to make sure to buy a bird that is friendly with children, such as a cockatiel.
Don't purchase a bird that is talkative, as this could lead to distraction in class. If you choose to purchase a bird, then you will want to make sure that the children in class only hold the bird in close quarters and close to the ground. If you need more advice about classroom pets or if your classroom pet falls ill and you want to seek medical attention then locate a nearby veterinarian using this directory today!