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ASK! On-line guide: Animal care for classroom pets

ASK! Animal Care Program Objectives

1. Introduce concepts of responsible and humane animal care to students beginning as early as kindergarten.
2. Identify specific needs of animals in the classroom.
3. Develop and maintain a centralized clearinghouse to provide community resources that will assist teachers and students responsible for animal care, including:
   • Structured workshop training for teachers
   • Speakers Bureau, featuring animal scientists, veterinarians, and individuals with fascinating animal-related hobbies and occupations
   • Technical expertise from veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other experts in the field of proper animal care.
4. Provide educational support materials for teachers and students, such as:
   • Sample guidelines, Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Pre-College Education
   • Sample interdisciplinary lessons and activities
   • Sample fact sheets about specific species
   • Internet resources
   • Basic animal science materials for school libraries.
   • Quarterly newsletters

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Animal Care

The knowledge of proper animal care that school children bring home has the potential for significantly improving the quality of life for millions of animals.

Animals in the classroom require proper humane care. Students can and should play an important role in the delivery of that care. In the process, they can learn a great deal about animals. Ideally, the knowledge gained and practical skills learned at school will carry over to the home. It is estimated that 53 million households - over half the households in the U.S. - have companion animals (cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and fish). The knowledge of proper animal care that school children bring home therefore has the potential for significantly improving the quality of life for millions of animals.

The ASK! Program gives teachers easy access to expert resources and information on all aspects of animal care: nutrition, habitat, handling, exercise, enrichment, behavior, and disease.

All they have to do is ask!

ASK! is a flexible program, designed to respond to a wide range of needs - from those of a single animal visiting one class for a day to those of a room full of different animals visited by different classes throughout the school year. Volunteers are available to assist teachers who have no experience with animals. They are qualified to survey a classroom to suggest the kind of animals that will flourish there. They can also recommend reliable sources for obtaining animals and advise student caretakers about setting up schedules for daily animal maintenance. Since many ASK! volunteers work in research taking care of animals, they are highly qualified role models, who know that animals need care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Their personal and professional commitment is reinforced by their love of animals. It is this love of animals, so natural in children, that ASK! seeks to nurture.

The general information provided here forms the foundation for the ASK! Program. It has been gathered from a wide variety of sources and reflects months of research and outreach by individuals who serve on the Animal Science Committee of the New Jersey Association for Biomedical Research. Motivated by a shared commitment to animal welfare, they have given generously of their time and expertise. Consequently, we are confident of the quality, utility, and educational validity of these resources.

Elementary Aspects of Animal Science

Many children have their first introduction to animals well before they begin school - they have a pet or have visited a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife reserve. Most likely, they have seen movies and television documentaries about animals. Perhaps most pervasive and persuasive of all, children watch cartoons starring animals with every conceivable human characteristic, and many have even "met" their cartoon animal friends at theme parks like Disney World. While some of these early exposures to animals prove to be positive and lifelong, most are simply transient experiences because the opportunities for future exploration through inquiry or linked experiences are never cultivated.

The ASK! program believes that you, as an elementary school educator, are in a unique position to rekindle or build on children's natural curiosity about animals. After surveying hundreds of teachers who have animals in their classrooms, the ASK! program was created to provide teachers with the necessary training and continued support of a flexible framework of assistance, guidance, and encouragement.

Obviously, animals brought into elementary school classrooms deserve and require more than our natural interest and affection, but what are their actual needs? ASK! proposes that animal science is elementary and that a successful animal program begins with an introduction to the science of understanding animals, their care, and their biology.

Learning about living species in the classroom by becoming genuinely knowledgeable about them through an animal science approach can make the difference between students simply enjoying an isolated experience with an animal and the interactive dynamic of studying animals in a living, learning environment.

Bringing an animal into your classroom deserves some of the same basic consideration that new parents face in bringing home a newborn. Instead of pediatricians, baby-care books, and the wisdom of other experienced parents, ASK! will help provide some of the essential professional how-to guidelines for having animals live and thrive in your classroom. Through this program, students will learn about nutrition, habitat, environment, enrichment and recreation, and much more. Animal care technicians, veterinarians, and others with unique animal expertise are all ready, willing, and available to help you through this exciting animal science partnership.

All you have to do is ASK!

Classroom Pets - Questions to Ask Yourself/General Considerations

This section includes many of the different factors you should consider before bringing an animal into your classroom. If you need assistance in assessing your classroom, please contact NJABR's ASK! Program Manager.

You might wish to include your students in a modified version of the selection process.

Some questions are straightforward. For example, What is your classroom environment like? Does the room get very cold from January to March? Could a crayon melt on the windowsill in the morning? Is the music room next door? Is space so limited that supplies are kept on the floor in the corner?

Other questions require some research and careful thought. What animal is best suited to your class? Can your students provide all, some, or none of the animal care? Do you need to involve parents in the ASK! program? If so, how will you do it? Where will you get your classroom animal(s)? How do you determine the proper housing, diet, etc.?

Once you have completed this planning process, you might wish to include your students in a modified version of the selection process. This activity will set the stage for the arrival of your animal visitor.

How to Begin?

Take a good look around. The environment in both your classroom and the school can affect the success of this activity and will influence which animal you select. Most small animals and reptiles do well in glass aquariums. The size or number of animals you can have will depend on the size of the aquarium or caging.

Spend some time researching and learning about each animal you are considering for your classroom. Once you have identified appropriate source material, develop fact sheets for each animal. This can be a wonderful classroom activity and involves youngsters in the selection process. It generates interest among your students while preparing them for taking an active and responsible role in the care of the animal.

You must match the specific needs of the animal with the physical conditions that characterize your classroom. You can find the necessary information about common animals in fact sheets available wherever animals are sold. Reference sheets are also available by calling the ASK! Program Manager. Your 4-H agent is another possible source for species-specific information: find your New Jersey 4-H county office here. You can also find information in the ASK! Animal Science Resource packet in your school library.

What Does the Animal Require?

Knowing the amount of care an animal requires and the kind of food it eats can help you decide on a low-maintenance or high-maintenance animal.

You must match the specific needs of the animal with the physical conditions that characterize your classroom.

What is Your Classroom Like?

How large an area do you have for a container/cage? Do not include windowsills or radiator covers in your calculations; they cannot be used due to temperature fluctuations.

• Tiny space (smaller than your computer monitor) - May be great for a goldfish bowl, worms, mice, pygmy hamsters, or ants.
• 1' x 2' space - all of the above, plus rodents up to rat size, hermit crabs, tropical fish, small reptiles, amphibians, or small-cage birds.
• 2' x 3' space - All of the above, plus guinea pigs, rabbits, snakes, or iguanas.

Consider these questions as well: Can you control the temperature? Where will food and fresh bedding be kept? Is there space to separate the animal area so that students and animals do not disrupt each other?

Some Starter Questions

• How much care is required? Are your students mature enough to handle the responsibility? Are suitable, escape-proof cages or containers available for your use? What happens on weekends? During extended vacations?
• Is anyone allergic to animals? If so, you may need to select an animal without fur or feathers, such as a fish or hermit crab.
• How expensive is your animal to maintain? What is the cost of food per week? Of bedding? Do you have a budget? If not, who will pay for the animal and supplies? Who will take responsibility for buying supplies?
• Where will you get the animal? Pet store? Donation? Breeder? What do you need to know about the source? How can you be sure the animal is healthy before bringing it into school?

Small Animals to Consider

Some small animals generally considered appropriate for the classroom are: guinea pig, hamster, mouse, rat, rabbit, gerbil, bird, insect(s), snake, iguana, anole, frog, toad, worms, ants, fish, hermit crab, turtle, tarantula or other spiders.

The following is a list of possible classroom animals, noting some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. (This is not a complete list and can be supplemented with some research on your part.)

• Fish - Very low maintenance and inexpensive to feed. Do not need to go home on weekends or during vacations if special long-lasting food pellets are used. Tropical fish tanks must be maintained at a constant temperature.
• Turtles - Legal to own in New Jersey, but cannot be purchased here. If you purchase a turtle out of state, remember to keep the receipt to prove legal purchase. Illegal to keep a wild turtle.
• Birds - Can be noisy and are sensitive to drafts. Also, many children are allergic to birds.
• Hamsters - Nocturnal: will be sleepy and quiet during the day. May be irritable when awakened. Some dwarf varieties of hamster require "exotic" animal permits.
• Gerbils - Intermediate in size between mice and rats. Active during the day. Basically desert animals, they have a relatively low urine output, keeping their cage free of odor longer.
• Rats - Important to purchase as young as possible. Very social and trainable. Need lots of handling. Recommended over mice for smaller children (not as fragile). Can be very active and can easily escape from little hands. Tend to sleep during the day and be active at night.
• Mice - More tendency for cage to smell than with other small rodents. Females like to build nests.
• Guinea pigs - Less worry for little hands than smaller rodents. Easy to hold and cuddle and are sweet-natured. Love to grunt and whistle. Will usually stay awake during the day. Like to play with their water and can be very messy. Have no depth perception, so cannot be left unattended near table edge since they will walk right off.
• Rabbits - Can make a considerable amount of noise, which might be distracting to students. Considerable amount of waste and potential for odor. It is critical that your rabbit does not bite. Potential for students to get scratched while handling. Cannot keep two rabbits in one cage unless you plan to breed them. Same-sex rabbits will fight.
• Worms - Very low maintenance. Eat vegetable scraps, and do not require regular feeding. Bedding should be changed every 2 to 5 months for best results.
• Iguanas and other lizards - Require a constant source of heat. Frequent handling is recommended.
• Frogs - A scientific permit is needed to keep a frog caught from the wild. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase frogs intended for classroom care from a reputable pet store or dealer.
• Reptiles - May not be appropriate for younger grades. Limit handling to teachers and older students however frequent handling is recommended. Also require a constant heat source. A great reference source is Melissa Kaplan's Herp and Green Iguana Information Collection.

Help Getting Started

If you would be more comfortable assessing your classroom environment and learning about the needs of a specific species with the assistance of an animal care professional, email or call the ASK! program, headquartered at NJABR at (908) 355-4456. We will have an animal care coach call you.

Care Guidelines for Animals in the Classroom

The following sections should be read as a general introduction to having a classroom animal BEFORE acquiring your first animal. In depth and species-specific information can be obtained by contacting the ASK! Program Manager, at your local library, or pet shop. It would be a good idea to contact your local 4-H office. The 4-H organization is just one of many partners in this innovative animal welfare program committed to your success with animals in your classroom.

So please, do not hesitate to ASK questions!

Species Choice

Different species may prove challenging to provide the appropriate housing conditions and diet. Some species may be more appropriate for different situations. If you have not yet decided on a species, or even if you have, please refer to the information on points to consider when determining the species best suited to your classroom setting and your students.

Regardless of species, proper animal care is a responsibility 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Animals require care on weekends and holidays, a key factor that must be taken into account when deciding on a species. For example, does your school turn off the heat on weekends? What are the costs to house, feed, and provide veterinary care for the type of animal you propose to keep? Is the species easily transported for home care? NOTE: If the animal must be moved during weekends and holidays, guidelines for home care should be drafted and sent home with the student or other home care provider.

Take reasonable care to purchase or adopt only those animals that are apparently free of disease, injuries, or abnormalities.

Animal Acquisition

Animals can be obtained from a variety of sources, including pet shops or breeders. Sometimes animals may be donated. Take reasonable care to purchase or adopt only those animals that are apparently free of disease, injuries, or abnormalities. Before purchasing an animal, make a careful observation of the store for sanitary housing conditions. Cages should be clean and dry with food and water containers apparently clean to the eye. There should not be an overwhelming odor associated with the housing area, and cages should not be over-crowded. At a minimum, examine the animal for signs of excessive scratching, wounds, or discharges from the nose and eyes. A healthy animal will be well groomed. In general, animals housed in clean and sanitary conditions may have less chance of being unhealthy, although this is not always true. While animals purchased from a reputable pet shop or dealer may cost a few dollars more, you may experience fewer health problems with these animals. Any animal that you suspect of having an infection, disease, or illness should not be purchased or accepted.

If you are going to have your classroom animal examined by a veterinarian, remember to discuss the return or exchange policy with the store owner before you purchase it. This will protect your investment if the animal is found to be unacceptable for any reason.

Although examining a potential classroom animal and its housing is a good idea in theory, it may not always be possible if the animal is donated or finds its way to you through some other source. In this case, carefully check each animal when it is received. A complete physical examination by your local veterinarian is also advised.

If you are offered a wild or endangered species, consult local, state and federal guidelines. In general, it is best to avoid having wild animals and endangered species as classroom visitors.

Care Guidelines for Animals in the Classroom

Isolation

A new animal should be kept separate from other animals for at least 7 to 10 days or longer to allow it to acclimate to the new housing conditions and recover from the stress associated with moving to a new environment. Observe the animal and its feed and water use closely during this time for any signs of illness. After acclimation, the animal should gradually and under supervision be introduced to other animals, as appropriate for its species. A sick animal must be isolated from healthy ones and be given adequate treatment until completely recovered. If at all possible, a sick animal should be under the care of a veterinarian.

Acclimating an Animal to Its New Home

Do not handle a newly acquired animal excessively during transport and for one week after arrival at its new home. After this period of time, the animal should be handled sparingly in order to gradually introduce it to people, especially if it was not handled frequently before. Begin by petting the animal gently while it is still in its cage, and gradually progress to holding it. Supervise small children during their first handling of the animal, which should be allowed only after a lesson in proper handling techniques. Also, advise children to move slowly. Remember that a frightened animal may bite or scratch.

Animals Getting Loose

For more detailed suggestions for escape prevention and recapture, please read our guidelines on the subject.

It's a good idea to create a special handling area that is enclosed to prevent smaller animals from escaping into the classroom, where there are sure to be numerous hiding spaces. If your classroom animal does escape its cage or get loose, immediately close off as much of the area as possible. Quietly coax it into a corner away from small nooks and crevices that can serve as hiding places. If you are not present when the animal gets loose, do not despair. Since most small animals that are popular classroom visitors are nocturnal, it may be possible to catch the animal by turning on the lights after they have been off for a period of time. Also, depending on the species, some animals may be lured out with food. Snakes may seek out warm areas such as radiators. Try to imagine what environment the animal in question might seek if able to find its own housing area.

Daily Health Observations

Animals should be observed daily, even on weekends and holidays, if possible. General signs of a sick animal include - but are not limited to - listlessness, weight loss, failure to eat or drink, decreased appetite, diarrhea, eye or nasal discharge, labored or distressed breathing, skin lesions, or alopecia. It is important to be aware of what the normal behavior and eating habits of your species are so that problems can be identified and treated early.

It is a good idea to keep a daily record or log of these observations for they can be referred to later if needed. Any animal suspected of being ill or injured must be provided with immediate veterinary care. IMPORTANT: Some diseases are zoonotic, that is, they may be transferable to humans. Care should always be taken to wash hands with soap and water after handling even healthy animals since these diseases may not always show clinical, or apparent, signs in the animal. It is especially important to have small children wash up after handling or petting the animals. For a complete list of potential diseases, please check resources about the specific species of interest or ask your veterinarian.

For answers to questions about animal health, care or maintenance you may visit our volunteer ASK! veterinarian Dr. Bob Harris (rlharris@rci.rutgers.edu).

Species/Gender Compatibility

Only compatible animals should be housed in the same cage or enclosure. In general, animals of different species should not be housed together. Animals of certain species should not be housed with others of the same sex or opposite sex. For example, male mice are often incompatible if housed together. The pet shop or dealer where you acquire your animal should be able to give you guidelines for your classroom animals. If not, check species-specific resources or ask your veterinarian for this information.

In general, it is not recommended that animals of the opposite sex be housed together unless you are planning to breed them. If so, give consideration to what will happen to the offspring, as well as the need for appropriate cage sizing.

IMPORTANT: Irritable or vicious animals should always be isolated from other animals and kept away from children.

Housing Conditions

The housing enclosure or cage should accommodate the animals comfortably, without overcrowding. Minimum space guidelines are available in most species-specific references. Each cage should be constructed so that it can be cleaned and sanitized easily. Housing units should be made of a material (such as metal, plastic, or glass) that is impervious to water or fecal penetration. Housing must be cleaned often enough so that the animal is kept clean and ammonia fumes, which can cause respiratory ailments, do not build up.

The floor of the cage should be constructed to protect the animal's feet and legs from injury. Wire or grid flooring must be of a gauge size that can easily support the animal's weight to prevent sagging. Also, the mesh openings must be small enough so that the feet of the animal will not pass through or get caught.

Housing conditions should not attract feral mice, roaches, or other vermin because of the availability of feed or moisture.

Heating, Temperature, and Lighting

Sufficient heat must be provided for the health and comfort of the animal. Make sure the temperature of the room in which the animal is housed is consistent with the generally accepted requirements of the species. Generally, a minimum temperature of 65 degrees F and a maximum temperature of 75 degrees F is acceptable, but you should check to see if your species requires a higher or lower temperature. There are also species-specific lighting recommendations that should be followed.

Ventilation

At all times, housing must be ventilated adequately for the health and comfort of the animal. Although the animal should have fresh air in an open area of the classroom, care should be taken to minimize drafts, noxious odors, and moisture condensation. Do NOT house your animal near the discharge of any exhaust system.

Once you have observed your animal's behavior, you should develop an environmental enrichment plan for it.

Environmental Enrichment

Environmental enrichment means providing your animal with an interesting, safe place in which to live. Animals can become bored or depressed in an environment where there is nothing to do. Those housed singly can become lonely. Many studies have been conducted to determine just what the various species like to do; this information is available from the experts at ASK! or a veterinarian.

Once you have observed your animal's behavior, you should develop an environmental enrichment plan for it. Supplement daily observations by reading about the animal's behavior in the wild. Most wild animals, when not sleeping, spend their time gathering food, exploring their surroundings, picking up objects, chewing, and making a nest or bed. Animals in a cage need to express some version of these behaviors. Experiment by introducing new objects, one at a time, to see if the animal likes them. Always make sure, however, that any change you make in the animal's environment is a safe one.

Here are some examples:

• Mice and rats have a natural urge to constantly gnaw and chew. When you give them a cardboard tube or a nylon bone, you are helping to satisfy this natural inclination. Such enrichment devices are also safe.
• Mice build nests, so giving them tissues, gauze, or a cotton pad is a safe way to satisfy this behavior.
• Hamsters, which like to run on treadmills and climb for many hours at a time, should be provided with a treadmill, habit trail, ladder, hiding place, or shelf.
• Fish spend hours swimming among rocks and plants. By adding these items to an aquarium, you are creating a more natural environment.

Here are some other simple, yet effective, enrichment ideas:

• A ball to roll around
• Branches to climb
• Food puzzles to forage
• Plastic piping to climb, run through, and hide in
• Nutritious food treats

One of the best ways to prevent loneliness is to keep two or three animals of the same species together. Unless you are prepared to handle babies, only animals of the same sex should be housed together. CAUTION: Some animals, like male rats, fight and should not be kept together. If you cannot keep more than one animal, try adding a mirror to the cage.

Waste Removal

Provisions must be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food wastes and bedding in order to minimize vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards. In most cases, small amounts of these items may be bagged and disposed of in normal trash systems. School and local guidelines should be checked before disposal.

Feeding and Watering

Food must be wholesome, palatable, free from contamination, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain the animal in good health. Check diet recommendations for your animal's age, species, condition, and size. Warm-blooded animals require daily feeding, including weekends and holidays, except as dictated by hibernation or veterinary treatment; certain animals must be fed more frequently. Ad libitum feeding and watering is acceptable (for weekends) for many species.

Store food and bedding supplies in facilities that adequately protect against deterioration, molding, or contamination by vermin. Refrigerate perishable food. Open feeding and watering pans should be durable and should be cleaned daily.

Water vessels or bowls should provide and/or dispense adequate quantities of water for the particular species and should be placed in such a way to prevent spillage. These containers and sipper-tube type water bottles should be sanitized regularly and kept free of dirt, debris, and algae.

A log sheet should be used for tracking daily care.

Euthanasia and Death

Euthanasia is the act of terminating life by painless and humane methods. If an animal is suspected of being sick, a veterinarian should examine it immediately. If diagnosed as being permanently disabled, unable to lead a painless, productive life, or is incurably ill, the animal should be euthanized and disposed of by the veterinarian.

If an animal is found dead in the classroom, it should be disposed of in a manner appropriate for the species. Other animals housed with the dead animal should be examined for signs of illness and, if warranted, examined by a veterinarian.

Develop a plan for addressing the questions and emotions generated by an animal's death.

Safety Concerns

Pay strict attention to personal hygiene when handling animals. Due to the potential spread of bacteria or other organisms, individuals should always wash hands after handling animals. This is especially important for small children who may have a tendency to put their fingers in their mouth.

Disinfect ANY scratches or bites with soap and water. Consult the school nurse or a physician if necessary. For more general guidelines about bites or scratches, please read our animal bite guidelines.

Survey the class before bringing any animals into the classroom. Some individuals may be allergic to rodents or rabbits, making these animals inappropriate choices. NOTE: Allergies can develop at any time, so watch students for signs of any unusual reaction to the classroom animal(s).

Record or Journal Keeping

Maintain an individual history and health record for each animal. At a minimum, the record should contain the following:

• The name or identification of the animal
• A description of the animal
• The name and address of the person or store from whom the animal was obtained
• The date of the animal's entry into the school
• The animal's date of birth, if known
• A record of all vaccines (vaccinations), if applicable
• The normal diet and quantity of feed provided
• A record of any disease observed while in your possession (including, but not limited to, date, signs of illness, diagnosed illness, treatment, medication, and prognosis, if known)
• The date and reason the animal leaves your care

Summary

Keeping a classroom animal requires a good understanding of the responsibilities associated with animal care, so that the experience is both enjoyable and educational.

The following provisions are indispensable for appropriate animal care:

• Sanitary conditions on the premises and in the cage or holding container
• Humane care
• Wholesome and palatable food
• Appropriate quantities of potable water
• Effective daily health observation
• Appropriate shelter and environmental conditions
• Adequate containment
• Programs of disease prevention and control, veterinary care, and euthanasia.