Classroom Reptile Suggestions

atavuss

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
1,031
snakes will not require a special basking light (although I do provide basking lights for my ball python). snakes will not require any special UV lighting (have you priced a UV bulb lately? ouch!). leapord, fat tail, or crested geckos will not require UV or basking lights (but they will not be out that much during daylight hours). bearded dragons, uros, etc. will require more specialized lights and care, how are you planning on running the lights on the weekends? I use digital timers myself on all lights, undertank heaters are on 24/7. how about security? we recently had a local school classroom that got broken into and several snakes and lizards were stolen and the enclosures damaged beyond use. the community offered to replace the reptiles and enclosures.
IMHO, go with a corn snake (inexpensive, readily available, lots of different morphs available), or rosy boa (more expensive, not as readily available). hog nosed snakes are a bit more skittish IME than the two listed above.
 

becca81

Arachnoemperor
Old Timer
Joined
Sep 17, 2004
Messages
3,783
atavuss said:
snakes will not require a special basking light (although I do provide basking lights for my ball python). snakes will not require any special UV lighting (have you priced a UV bulb lately? ouch!). leapord, fat tail, or crested geckos will not require UV or basking lights (but they will not be out that much during daylight hours). bearded dragons, uros, etc. will require more specialized lights and care, how are you planning on running the lights on the weekends? I use digital timers myself on all lights, undertank heaters are on 24/7. how about security? we recently had a local school classroom that got broken into and several snakes and lizards were stolen and the enclosures damaged beyond use. the community offered to replace the reptiles and enclosures.
IMHO, go with a corn snake (inexpensive, readily available, lots of different morphs available), or rosy boa (more expensive, not as readily available). hog nosed snakes are a bit more skittish IME than the two listed above.
I'm not incredibly concerned about security. Although it's possible that someone could break into the school when we're not there, the alarm would go off, etc. before they could do too much.
 

tarantulakeeper

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Jul 19, 2002
Messages
173
Ball pythons are wonderful snakes. I have two, an adult male and a younger female. The adult male is in my classroom. IMO I would not have a ball python as my ONLY classroom reptile. They are shy snakes and mine stay in their hides only venturing out when the lights are out. My female is extra shy and quickly retreats into her hide when she senses movement. She is at home. Having taught 6th grade myself I know that some of them will not be comfortble seeing a "cute little mouse" get constricted and eaten. Most are okay with it but not all. I fed live in front of my kids and won't do it again. I fed live at home as the ETBs and the female BP haven't been weaned to f/t. Feeding live has its place but not every child is emotionally ready for it. Just my experiences. John
 

WolfMemnoch

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 24, 2003
Messages
16
MilkmanWes said:
Hognose do have a mild venom. Takes a bit of chewing to get enough into your system to notice, and even then it is mild. But it only takes one allergic reaction or parental over reaction to make a mess of things.
Not to mention, the hognose can also release a discharge of foul-smelling fecal material from its vent, mixed with strong-scented musk from glands at the base of its tail when it feels thretened.

Had this happen with a striped chain king....nasty, nasty, stuff...
 

Lasiodora

Arachnoangel
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 11, 2002
Messages
852
atavuss said:
snakes will not require a special basking light
Some snakes actually need a basking spot with heat coming from above. This can be provided through the use of heat panels or heat bulbs. The bulbs don't have to be made specifically for reptiles. I buy flood light bulbs and regular lights at places like kmart. These provide the heat I need and are cheaper. You just have to know what wattage is appropriate. Many arboreals I have kept bask regularly. Terrestrial snakes would be fine with just heat pads. Although some species will do fine with no basking spot at all. This all depends on the species. I don't think uv lighting is expensive at all. An 18" full spectrum Lumichrome bulb is $20 and the fixture is the same cost. You only need to replace the bulb once a year. Some find may find this pricey but I don't. Just my opinion.
Mike
 
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