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.

Despite whatever rumors you’ve heard about these furry creatures, rats are a great candidate to consider for your new classroom pet.  Unlike their wild ancestors, pet rats are clean, social, and a ton of fun to observe. Pets in the Classroom has awarded many grants to teachers to have a rat as a classroom pet!

These rats don’t need a lot of space, but they do like their cage to be filled with fun.  Because they’re such intelligent creatures, rats need toys and cage furniture to keep them constantly stimulated.  Let your students help out with making and installing cage accessories.  Whether they’re strategically placing climbing ropes throughout the cage or coming up with new homemade toys, they’ll have lots of fun creating an active environment for their classroom pet.

Cleaning the cage once a week is important to your rat’s health, but as long as they’ve got food, exercise, and stimulation your pet rat is likely to live a long and happy life.  Putting students in charge of feeding their pet is great way to promote responsibility.  They’ll learn their rat’s personal likes and dislikes and have the opportunity to use fresh fruits and vegetables to help train their new friend. (Nutritional learning opportunities!)

Domesticated rats have been around since the late nineteenth century, and continue to be selectively bred for looks and temperament.  They love to spend time with their owners playing, being handled, and learning new tricks.  Your class will be able to teach their rat how to come when called, sit or stand on command, and any other fun tricks that they can think of.

Incorporating your pet rat into the curriculum will be a cinch.  These furry companions are extremely active for creative classroom learning.  It’s the perfect pet for the classroom, as rats enjoy learning new tricks and exploring new things.  Consider a rat as your classroom pet and let the fun, action, and learning begin.

For more information on Pets in the Classroom visit www.petsintheclassroom.org, or apply for your grant here!

Did you know that you can train your classroom ferret to do simple tricks?  By using a routine of simple positive reinforcement, you can train your ferret to come when called, ride on your shoulder, sit up or lie on his back for treats.  Food treats are a great motivator for training many animals.  Ferrets have short attention spans and are avid explorers, so Pets in the Classroom suggests you try to do your training work in an area already familiar to your ferret so you can keep his attention.

To teach your ferret to come when called, you can use a squeaky toy to get his attention, call his name and offer the treat.  Keep repeating until the ferret begins to associate getting a treat with hearing his name.  Ferrets have very sensitive hearing, and if you use different sounds for different tricks, they will begin to associate unique sounds with certain tricks. This makes for more creative classroom learning!

Your ferret can learn to sit up for treats by luring him up to a “begging” position with a treat.  Use your finger to point up as you get the ferret to sit up – eventually he will associate the hand signal with sitting up.  Work with your ferret to roll on his back for a belly rub and give him treats.  Ferrets will work for food!

Training your ferret can be a great classroom activity, teaching kids patience, persistence and the power of positive reinforcement.  Just remember to keep the training routine on a schedule and don’t overdo the amount of treats given! Ferrets make a wonderful and entertaining classroom pet.

For more information on this educational grants program, visit our website at www.petsintheclassroom.org!

Here is what Miss Gregory has to say about Pets in the Classroom!

“I can’t tell you enough how much my 4th grade class loves our class pet
Sammy (bearded dragon).  He is a reward for on-task students to hold and
play with as well as a job that rotates throughout our class (pooper
scooper, feeder, sprayer, handler).  They all can’t wait for their day
to get involved (even the pooper scooper)!  It is amazing how much one
little pet can make such a difference in a classroom.  I wish I would
have known this years ago.

Again, thank you so very much.”

Kim Gregory, M.Ed.

4th Grade Teacher
Bell’s Crossing Elementary School

Pets in the Classroom is an educational grants program, providing resources for teachers and opportunities for learning for children.

Are you a teacher who would love to have a classroom pet, but needs a little financial help? Pets in the Classroom awards grants up to $150.00 to purchase (or adopt) a classroom pet, or purchase food and supplies. Visit www.petsintheclassroom.org, click on “grants” button, and apply for your grant today!

One way to use your Pets in the Classroom grant is to adopt a pet.  There are many local rescue groups that serve small mammals, reptiles and birds, and find them stable, new homes for the pet’s lifetime.  Pets in the Classroom encourages all teachers to commit to their new classroom pet for its lifetime, and you may find a local rescue group that will agree to place a pet with you.

Petfinder.com is a great place to start your search for an adoptable pet.  You can search by type of animal or by zip code, and refine your search by size, gender, and specific breeds.  Did you know there are rescue groups for everything from snakes to rabbits to guinea pigs to rats?  Searching Petfinder.com’s database will give you access to listings of available pets and requirements of various local rescue groups.  You can then contact individual rescue groups to start a dialogue.

Most rescue groups have an adoption application and process you will need to go through.  If you are approved to adopt, most groups have an adoption contract and fee.  Most rescue groups provide valuable ongoing resources for their adopters regarding care of your new pet, so you’ll have someone to turn to with questions about feeding, behavior and care of the animal.  Many rescue animals are kept in foster homes, which is a benefit because the foster “parent” has interacted with the pet and has information on temperament, preferences of the pet and behavior that is very helpful.  They’ll know which pet will be best suited to life in a classroom and can help you make the most appropriate choice.

When looking for your new classroom pet, take a look at Petfinder.com and consider adopting. With your guidance and commitment, an unwanted pet can have a great new home in your classroom!

To apply for your grant just visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.