Pet Rats in the Classroom

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Home : 2004 : July : 28

Pet Rats in the Classroom
By Cindy

I have had pet rats in the classroom for years. In grade fourth grade and above. They are GREAT! It became part of my reward system for the students to use their reward points towards time holding the rats! Go figure!
Anyway here what is needed, in my opinion.
1. I only choose young, hand fed FEMALE rats.You will avoid a "biter" if they are young.
(whatever you do, they must be of same sex if
you want more than one in a cage...unless sex
ed is part of the curriculum...what could be
more natural!)
If you have one rat, NEVER introduce another rat to the same tank,

they are territorial and will fight until death!
2. Use a large fish tank with wood chips in the
bottom, thick forked branch for climbing, chew
blocks, water bottle, and ceramic food dish

3. STRONG latching lid, they are escape artists!

4. Small "Week End" Cage, for students to take
the rats home for weekend care. Do on rotation
and with permission, and a "how to take care of
me" note from your rat.
5. Clean cage once a week. Students can do. Using the travel cage for rats while fish tank is cleaned by emptying all bedding, wipe down with only water, fresh bedding, fresh water. etc.

6. When the rats are babies, like people babies, go to the bathroom A LOT! This sounds gross...but I keep boxes of tissue and antibactiral baby wipes handy so that when the students hold the rats, they clean up after the rat and can wash hands and whatever else when finished handling rats.

7. Many students do not have pets these days and this is a great experience for them. They get quite attached. Rats outgrow the bathroom thing after about 4-6 months.

Have fun!
Cindy