If you have a snake in your classroom, here are some facts about shedding of the skin, or ecdysis.  All reptiles shed their skin, and snakes can shed their skin as much as once per month.  Snakes shed in one big piece from nose to tail over the course of 7 to 14 days.  Shedding is necessary for growth in reptiles and snakes and can be affected by your care of the snake and its nutrition.

If you notice your classroom snake’s skin becoming dull, eyes turning cloudy or “bluish” and an increase in nervous behavior, your snake is about to shed.  After 3-4 days the eyes should become clear again and you’ll want to make sure your snake has various surfaces like rocks or branches to rub against.  During the shedding period the snake should not be handled and probably will not want to eat.  Once the skin is completely shed, remove it from the enclosure and check to be sure it was a complete shed, including eye caps!

There are many causes for an incomplete shed, which can be diagnosed by a reptile veterinarian.  One common cause of an improper shed is humidity levels in the enclosure.  Of course, optimal humidity levels vary depending on different types of snakes, but most require 50 to 70% in their environment.  Improper nutrition can also be a culprit in an incomplete shed, as can skin conditions, trauma or too much handling.  A reptile veterinarian or pet professional can help you determine the best conditions in which to keep your snake so that it can shed properly.

This is an amazing process to observe in the classroom, and a great learning experience for your students.

 Are you thinking of applying for a Pets in the Classroom grant to set up a classroom aquarium?  Not sure where to start?  Here are some things to consider when choosing fish for your first aquarium.

One of the most important components of your aquarium is the water.  You will want to select fish that will stay healthy in your type of tap water.  When you go to purchase your equipment, you can take a sample of tap water with you to be tested.  Based on the pH and hardness or softness of the water, your aquarium professional will be able to recommend the correct water conditioners and fish that will tend to do well in your water.

You’ll want to choose fish that do well on prepared fish foods that are available from your pet supplier.  You can always supplement fish food with foods like freeze-dried brine shrimp or bloodworms as recommended, but for the most part you want fish that don’t need specialized feeding.

Choose hardy fish for your aquarium.  Some fish are better than others at adapting to conditions that might vary from day to day – possible over or under feeding, imperfect water changes, temperature fluctuations.  As you become more experienced and the students perfect the aquarium care routine, hardy fish will be able to handle the possible effects on their living conditions.

There are a wide variety of commercially raised fish available from pet and aquarium supply retailers that will do well in a beginner’s aquarium.  Get advice on which fish can live peacefully together and share similar environmental conditions, as well as which fish can best adapt to your classroom with success.

Now do you feel a little more prepared to bring fish into your classroom?  Apply for the Pets in the Classroom Grant today!