I teach resource in Texas. I am trying to think of a good classroom pet. I have had a rabbit before, but I had to constantly clean her cage so it wouldn't smell. I have had rats and ferrets at home, but they can also get smelly. If anyone can think of a good pet for a 5th and 6th resource class that doesn't stink, let me know!
Gerbils are desert animals and so urinate very little. Downside is I think they are nocturnal and so will sleep all day. Maybe that's a plus? Also, IMO female rats and mice smell less. Rats are surprisingly good pets. I'd much rather than a rat than one of those ill-tempered, bitey hamsters. Will the ISD pony up for a capybara? I hear they make a lovely bleating sound like sheep. On the large size, though.
The teacher across the hall has had a snake, fish, and hamsters. Her room always smells like a barn. The only animal I have is a stuffed bear who goes home with a kid on the weekend-along with is journal.
My bunny was the perfect classroom pet-potty trained, well behaved, friendly with the kids, etc. But he did/does stink. I cannot argue with that.
I have had guinea pigs (too much work), hamsters (cute but sleep all day) and gerbils (my definite fav). The gerbils are up and active during the day and love to chew on paper towel rolls, etc.
I know you don't want a 'smelly' pet, but I have a guinea pig in my preschool classroom. The kids absolutely love him, and they are super gentle pets so you don't have to worry about them biting and the kids can handle him without any problems. As long as I clean his cage every few days, he doesn't get smelly. I'd like to get some hermit crabs, but I've owned a couple in the past and didn't have much luck with them. They are super easy to care for, but I would look into things like proper temperature, etc. because I think that might be where I had my problems with taking care of them. But as for cleaning their cages, feeding, etc. they are really low maintenance.
We have hermit crabs at home. We see them once every couple of weeks. The rest of the time, they burrow into the substrate. We could dig around to find them and take them out, but my kids aren't too keen on the idea. Last year, a teaching buddy had a ghecko. It seemed like a good pet.
Well these hermit crabs have been alive and kicking for a year now. My current first graders had them in their kindergarten classrooms and then they became mine. Too be honest, I do not do much for the crabs. My students are responsible for spraying them to keep them moist. I give them new food every few days and along with fresh water.
I agree with the Webkinz. No mess, no smell, no disease, no biting. You don't have to take it home with you. Or a ZhuZhu pet. (It's a fake hamster. Kids love them!)
Rats and Snakes are great, just not in the same cage. My last rat got cancer and the vet wanted close to a grand to try, yes try to treat it. It WAS a good pet.
