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.

Pets in the Classroom is all about teachers and students having a classroom pet. What about a cockatiel for your classroom? Cockatiels are cheerful birds that originated in Australia.  They are social creatures and thrive on regular contact with other birds or people.  Cockatiels are easily recognized by their bright orange cheeks and showy crest on the top of their head.  They measure about 10-14 inches and come in a variety of color mutations such as cinnamon, gray, white and yellow.  With proper care and nutrition, cockatiels can live for 15 to 20 years.

If you want a cockatiel that might learn to talk, choose a male bird.  Cockatiels make an entertaining variety of whistles, chirps and are great imitators.  Their talking might not be as clear as an African Grey or Amazon parrot’s, but you will recognize their talents as mimics.  Cockatiels enjoy interaction with people once they have been socialized and accustomed to handling.  They will want to be where the action is, and enjoy “flock” activities like eating at the same time you eat.

Cockatiels should have a roomy cage with perches and perhaps a natural branch and some appropriate toys.  Cockatiels are intelligent and inquisitive, and require stimulation to stay active and bright. They also like to chew, so providing safe toys and supervision when out of the cage is essential. Your pet professional can advise you on outfitting your classroom cockatiel’s cage with safe and entertaining features.  Cockatiels thrive on a diet of seed or pellets along with daily fresh fruit and vegetables.

Cockatiels like routine and consistent conditions, so it will be important to create a secure environment and regular schedule for your bird, as well as consistent supervision of student/pet interactions.  These  animated birds will provide many learning opportunities for students in any number of subjects. A pet store professional can assist you in finding out more about these lively birds to see if a cockatiel is the perfect pet for your classroom.

Would you like a cockatiel as a classroom pet? Pets in the Classroom has an online grant application that is easy and fast to fill in! Visit www.petsintheclassroom.org and get started today!

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!

When it comes to choosing a pet for your classroom, the possibilities are endless, but not all pets will be the right choice for you.  Maybe you don’t want to take on a rabbit or a guinea pig just yet, or you don’t have a solid enthusiasm for lizards or hermit crabs.  That doesn’t mean you can’t still have a fun and fascinating classroom pet.

Goldfish make great pets and have a lot more “oomph” than they get credit for.  The large variety of species available gives you the option of different features, like veil tails or bubble eyes, and the option of different sizes too.  Some goldfish stay relatively small, while others can reach more than 12 inches!

Many people are also surprised to know that goldfish have extremely good senses of smell, sight, and touch.  They’ll quickly pick up on your movements, react differently to a variety of environments, and learn to recognize feeding time.  They only need to eat once a day, but there are treats, like live brine shrimp, that you can give them on occasion.

Housing your new goldfish might make a great creative project for your class.  Check out some of the different aquariums and accessories at your local pet shop. While goldfish can live for quite some time in a regular glass bowl, having a tank with a pump and filter will keep your new pet a lot happier and healthier.

Your goldfish might seem drab when compared to other pets, but there are many learning opportunities that come with it.  Your class will learn a wide variety of interesting new facts to take home and share with their families, such as goldfish actually have two types of fins – one to help stabilize it, the other to steer and guide it through the water.

With a little help from Pets in the Classroom, your new goldfish will bring some color to your room and a smile to your students’ faces.  Give the kids something to talk about, and start the process to a cooler classroom today.  Visit www.petsintheclassroom for more information and to apply for your educational grant today!