Are Hedgehogs Good Classroom Pets?
I’m often asked whether hedgehogs make good classroom pets. I would say it depends on many variables including student age, school climate, and most importantly the teacher. My first hedgehog, Huey, I purchased as a classroom pet, and I was quite surprised at just what a wonderful class pet he turned out to be.
In the right classroom a hedgehog makes a great pet. I have found the teacher's approach to be the key. If the hedgehog is just put in a cage in the corner and ignored, the students will usually follow suit. After the fascination of an unusual pet wears off, the students will quickly forget about the little critter in the corner. On the other hand, if the teacher shows genuine care and concern over the hedgehog, he will become a member of the class. In addition most students enjoy animals and will become more involved with the class pet if they share in his care. Just remember for the overall health and well being of the animal, the teacher should still remain the primary caregiver and check on the hedgehog regularly.
For those teachers considering a classroom hedgehog, I have listed a few of the pros and cons I have found from my own personal experiences.
In the right classroom a hedgehog makes a great pet. I have found the teacher's approach to be the key. If the hedgehog is just put in a cage in the corner and ignored, the students will usually follow suit. After the fascination of an unusual pet wears off, the students will quickly forget about the little critter in the corner. On the other hand, if the teacher shows genuine care and concern over the hedgehog, he will become a member of the class. In addition most students enjoy animals and will become more involved with the class pet if they share in his care. Just remember for the overall health and well being of the animal, the teacher should still remain the primary caregiver and check on the hedgehog regularly.
For those teachers considering a classroom hedgehog, I have listed a few of the pros and cons I have found from my own personal experiences.
|
PROS:
Easy Care No Odor Quiet/Nondisruptive Inexpensive Maintenance Unusual Intriguing Pet Very few people are allergic |
CONS:
Nocturnal-must be woken up during the day Larger cage than small rodents such as hamsters Small children's hands may be more sensitive to quills Climate Control-hedgehogs must be kept warm: *Warning: some schools turn down the heat at night Weekend/Holiday Care: Hedgehogs need to be taken home over breaks |
Koko/Norbert Litter Visits the Classroom
