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Need advise for a teachers pet

J

jjstwuk

New member
What snake should we get? My wife is a Kindergarden teacher. She is really considering getting a snake as a classroom pet as well as for our family. She is wondering about what type and size. This will be our first snake. We have only looked into this for a few days so your knowledge is very helpful.

Thank you,
Jonathan
 
I'm a high school teacher and I would say that it is probably in your wife's best interest to consult with the principal of the school before she makes this move. I had snakes in my classroom and they were unceremoniously evicted because of issues with my principal.

Just a good plan.

Otherwise I would say that a snake is a GREAT idea. They don't have to be fed daily, they're beautiful, and they shift away the fear to all those who are exposed to them young.

Good luck
 
A corn would be good choice if you do decide to go for it.

They don't get too big, around 4'-5' for most adults. They are too demanding on tank conditions and are easy to look after. 99% of them are docile and easy to handle.

If you're going to get one for young kids, I'd go for maybe a yearling at least so you have some idea of how it's long term temprament is likely to be. As hatchlings, they are pretty much all a bit twitchy, plus they're fragile when really young. Going for a slightly older one means you can make sure you're getting one that has a good temprament, is hardier, and if you're lucky, if well used to being handled.

Plus, with corns, there are loads of good colour morphs to choose from.

Good luck with the choice. :)
 
That reminds me of when I was 5th grade My teacher had a few snakes in the class as class pets. They were garter snakes then. Which is actually what made me interested in snakes my whole life. I learned about them then. and have never been afraid of them. So I agree if kids are introduced to snakes as pets when they are young then they will have no fear of them. But I think a kindergarden class might be a little to young for a pet snake unless they were taught how to handle it. and take care of it before the snake arrives. I also think an older snake would be better and one that is used to being handled and assure that it will be docile, and it definately would have to be a corn.
 
I don't think Kindergarden is the best time to introduce snake.
Actually I doubt there is any pet, that could be safely put in kindergarden.
I mean safety of animal.
Just my 0,02.
 
Thank you for your replies. She was wanting to hear what others had to say besides me. :) The idea we have is to get an adult or sub adult male corn with some size to him. One that is eating f/t and used to being handled regularly.
She is planning on having the kids do a study on what snake would be a good classroom pet. What it takes to have and care for a snake. This way the kids learn about them before it's introduced. Then as the learn, she will bring the housing and everything. I want to get one now before school begins to get her used to handling and feeding. Also to get our new pet used to us and the new surroundings.We also have tow boys 5 and 1. They will help us learn how much kid attention a snake would tolerate.

Today we find out if the principle allows it.

Again thanks for everyones help.
 
Just remember corns do get stressed with moving and change to their enviroment so dont be suprised if the snake is a bit off for a week or 2 after you take it to the classroom
 
I personally think that kindergarten is a perfect time to bring in a snake. 5 year olds are like sponges, and are very receptive to new information and handling cues.
As long as they are taught how to behave around the snake, there shouldn't be a problem. Besides, there will be a lid on the tank, and teachers are the only people who should be able to open them :)
Good luck!
 
From personal experience, I'd say kindergarten age kids can do well with handling corns if brought along slowly and well surpervised/taught early on. My daughter just finished kindergarten, and she handles my corns (adults and 04s) pretty well at this point. I rarely need to help her anymore (but I do still keep a close eye, just in case they decide to try and dart or jump). I would agree getting an adult would be best from the snakes standpoint as well as the kids, as you can make sure that you're not going to end up with a feisty one. I'd hate to see the trouble you, and the snake, might get from parents if one of the kids got tagged and went home with any marks from it. Good luck with your search, and hope the prinicipal is open-minded enough.
 
Thats A Great Age. My Daughters In Pre K And They Constantly Bring In New Animals Of All Different Types To Show Thm And Let Them Touch And Learn About And Its Great For Them. Of Course They Must Be Supervised But Its All Good.
 
Got the go ahead form the principle! Her only thing was that she feed it f/t not live. We planned on that anyway. Now to find a corn.

Thanks for everything!! :cheers:
 
AS to finding a cornsnake, I'm sure you can find someone with an unwanted cornsnake adult that they would give to the classroom environment. Heck, if you were here in AZ I have one that would be perfect.

Anyway, good luck with the critters in the classroom, and remember that there are a lot of folks here who can help you out if you have any questions!
 
I teach preschool and thought I should mention that a lot of parents I know don't want their children handling herps because of the salmonella risk. My boss vetoed cool pets in my classroom, but I am allowed to occasionally bring in Jasper, my corn and we have occasionally run into that with nervous parents.

You should send out a permission form at the beginning of the year for parents to sign stating whether or not their child is allowed to touch the snake, and you should really push the hand-washing issue.

As for the risk of biting, when Jasper comes in, I am the only one to actually hold him, but my kids are given the chance to 'pet' him while he is in my hands. They are taught to stay away from his head and to not crowd around while he is out. Since he is not being passed around from person to person, he feels much more comfortable and is less apt to bite.
 
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