| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Charles |
Posted - 16/09/2012 : 21:00:24
I am a teacher and was wondering about keeping my new snake in school during term time. I was wondering if people had views on the stress this might cause her. I have only just got her at 2 months old and would not consider taking her in until she was completely used to being handled.
Also, although i do trust my students I would want to be able to lock the viv to ensure that it was always properly closed. Has anyone experience with these?
http://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/image/975/1216
Being wooden I thought I could easily add a latch with a padlock.
Thank you |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| NaomiR |
Posted - 24/09/2012 : 18:19:39
quote:
Originally posted by Moppet
quote:
Originally posted by smart bunny
I can't see the difference legally-speaking between a snake bite and a guinea pig bite - my daughter's reception class has guinea pigs. A snake bite would hurt a lot less lol!
To be fair though I don't think either are likely to happen. I've only ever been bitten once by a guinea pig and that was because she was ill and it was totally my fault. It's very very unusual for a guinea pig to bite. Just as it is really quite unusual for a well handled adult corn snake to bite anybody.
I don't think smart bunny was saying a guinea pig WOULD bite just that they have lots of those in class rooms, and bunnies so why not a snake?
And I agree 100% |
| Moppet |
Posted - 22/09/2012 : 17:36:51
quote:
Originally posted by smart bunny
I can't see the difference legally-speaking between a snake bite and a guinea pig bite - my daughter's reception class has guinea pigs. A snake bite would hurt a lot less lol!
To be fair though I don't think either are likely to happen. I've only ever been bitten once by a guinea pig and that was because she was ill and it was totally my fault. It's very very unusual for a guinea pig to bite. Just as it is really quite unusual for a well handled adult corn snake to bite anybody. |
| Charles |
Posted - 22/09/2012 : 15:52:19
Thanks for all the ideas. I have decided that I am not going to take Rosie into school until she is a lot more robust than she is now (1 foot and 12g)
I had considered the idea of some sort of screen, particularly as I will not be the only person teaching in that room. |
| Batfink |
Posted - 19/09/2012 : 22:39:32
I'm a primary school teacher and my snake lives in my classroom along with Tony the tortoise. As somebody has already said, I do spend more (much more) time at school than at home.
My class absolutely love Amelia and Tony. It both focusses them, and keeps them quiet – as they are all really concerned for ‘their’ pets and don’t want to disturb them (it really does work). They can also earn ‘Tony time’ through good behaviour.
My class are not allowed to handle the snake yet (until half term). I’ve already got a letter sorted to send out to parents – no permission slip; no holding – will be the rule.
At the moment Amelia is in a RUB box within a viv, she will then progress into a larger RUB box still within the viv, and then eventually just in the viv (which remains locked to stop sneaky little hands.
I’ll take a photo of my setup at some point.
I really recommend having one in your class – the kids love it, but more importantly the snake seems to too. She has loads of quiet time, from 3pm until 9am the next day, and the class are really respectful when in and around her viv anyway.
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| TOM_BEASTY |
Posted - 18/09/2012 : 20:05:38
Wow I would love to have had a snake as a class pet. I think its a brilliant ideea, and helps get more peopple used to the fact that these types of animals/reptiles are not dangerous and can be kept as pets safely. I guess the only thing you'd have to worry about is parent permission and that of the schools before if all is good then I'd go for it :D |
| Thorne Walker |
Posted - 18/09/2012 : 01:05:24
The coolest science class I ever had was in a room full of critters!
We had 2x rat snakes, a giant tarantula, a 4' green iguana and rats , mice, hamsters, fish etc...
There will be challenge for sure keeping it that kind of environment but it's not impossible and you put yourself in the position to give a bunch of kids a positive snake experience..
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| smart bunny |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 22:27:56
I can't see the difference legally-speaking between a snake bite and a guinea pig bite - my daughter's reception class has guinea pigs. A snake bite would hurt a lot less lol! |
| spikeynikki |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 21:34:08
With the way H&S is nowadays, the Risk Assessment alone would be a nightmare lol I, however, love the idea and would love to be a student of yours, in fact, I am kind of hoping you teach at my daughter's school :o) |
| Isoldael |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 20:43:01
If you want to cover that eventuality, you might want to make a form students have to sign if they want to handle the snake, stating that they are aware of the risks of handling wild animals etc etc |
| rockroyal |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 18:45:25
Not to throw a spanner in the works but what about insurance in the HIGHLY unlikely event
Your corn bite's a student and they tell mum/dad and they want to sue. Silly I know but it needs to be thought about. |
| Moppet |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 17:25:59
Sounds like a nice idea to me.
I also like the curtains idea  As herriotfan said, I think there is a possibility of problem with people who are phobic of snakes. However in my experience (working at an animal park with a reptile section) it is usually the parents who are scared of the snakes, not the kids! |
| Isoldael |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 16:01:55
If you keep her at school, I'd suggest adding a little system with curtains around the viv, so you can give her some "alone" time when your students are supposed to focus anyway :) |
| Hissyfit |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 12:01:30
I think it would be a great idea and most students would think having a snake in the classroom was so cool. I have that viv for Falco, it's great and really secure. I'm sure you could easily remove the clip at the sides and replace with a latch & padlock |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 11:00:07
I would love to have had a snake in school. Mind you I'm not sure how the other school pets would have felt, gerbils and mice! 
On a more serious note..you might have some children who would find it hard to concentrate with a snake in the classroom, especially those of a sensitive, delicate nature who might be frightened of snakes.
It would be great if their phobia's could be helped but they would find the initial time difficult to cope with.
You may have some parents that feel a snake in school is wrong and that could cause issues.
You could test the waters by suggesting a lesson based on snakes with time to look at and handle your snake.
It would give you chance to see the reactions of the children, parents and other staff.
I'm not trying to be off putting here but simply pointing out a few minor details for those who are not snake lovers.
Like I said to start with I'd have loved having a snake to look after, in my role as 'school animal welfare monitor', but not all children are quite as besotted by all creatures as me!!
Whatever path you choose I hope it all works out well. |
| Ell |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 09:30:32
I personally see no problem with it, as a teacher your probly at work more than at home anyway so you will get to see snakey more ^^
The advantages of a class pet to children are also very good.
As long as the viv is secured and you rota play sessions and who gets to change the water/clean etc I can't see it stessing the snake.
I would probly take her when shes a managable size to handle and less likely to escape though, just in case. |
| paulie78 |
Posted - 16/09/2012 : 22:31:31
Probably easier to just keep her at home to be honest and take her to school for "show and tell" sessions otherwise when she becomes big she could become quite the distraction not to mention the chances of equipment going wrong or failing whilst your not there or risk of escape and where to store the food etc |
| coxymk2 |
Posted - 16/09/2012 : 21:11:42
Hello and welcome |
