Pets in the Classroom would like to introduce you and your students to the “Gregarious Gerbil.”

Gerbils are adorable small rodents who seldom bite and are active during the day, unlike some other small mammals. Gerbils are energetic, social creatures, and can be kept in pairs. Please be sure that you have two gerbils of the same sex though, so that they do not breed!  If gerbils are introduced to each other at a young age (like two littermates of the same sex) they are usually very compatible.

Gerbils can thrive in a 10-gallon aquarium with a secure wire-mesh cover. They require plenty of bedding such as timothy, corncob or aspen. They create fewer odors than some other small mammals, and their cage will need cleaning about once a week. They love to tunnel and dig, which can be fun for students to experience. Check with your pet supply retailer for exercise wheels, toys and bedding recommended for gerbils. Commercial gerbil foods are nutritionally sound diets for gerbils, and can be supplemented with a small amount of fresh vegetables every day. Gerbils need fresh water every day, and their water bottle should be cleaned daily.

Gerbils can be trained with treats, and can enjoy gentle handling and interaction in a secure spot. They are lively and entertaining, and fairly easy to maintain. Gerbils generally live for four to five years.

For your grant for a classroom pet visit www.petsintheclassroom.org and apply today!

Taking care of pets helps children build self-esteem. Children feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, and can enjoy the pet’s affection in return. The more a child takes part in caring for a pet, the more confidence they develop. Studies conducted by the Waltham Centre have shown that children with pets have higher levels of self-esteem than those without pets.

Pets in the Classroom allows children to benefit from the social support of pets and learn to bond with and care for pets responsibly. The Pet Care Trust understands that many teachers have limited financial resources to include pet care as part of the classroom experience, so this program provides easy to apply for, direct grants that allow teachers to purchase new pets, pet environments or pet food and supplies for existing classroom pets.

Our goal is to establish healthy child-pet relationships at an early age by supporting responsible pet care in grammar and middle school classrooms across the country. ThePet Care Trust is offering teachers $50 – $150 in grant money, to have or support pets in their classroom.  Go to www.petsintheclassroom.org for additional information, or to fill in the online form.

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