Class pet help?

[wilomn]

There's a Pyro guy up your way who also breeds mice. A Mountain King would be perfect. He's expensive but has quality. I don't know if he still does shows but I know he's still around. chris baubel or bauble or something like that. I don't think he has a site.

[Lolo76]

Rearfanged. Since she wants it in public, in a Sue prone city full of lawyers, I'd stay away from them. Even though the chances are about a million to one you'd ever have a problem.

They are fantastic little creatures though.

I had thought about a hognose, so thanks for pointing out the possible issues... as much as I love this area, you're unfortunately right about the sue-happy and anti-live-feeder things.

[Lolo76]

Feeding may be an issue. I hear you have some folks up that way that don't really like the idea of mouses and ratses being food items, especially while still living. Definitely stay with frozen thawed.

My corn snake eats f/t pinkies like they're candy, unlike my picky BPs... so hopefully that will be the case with any colubrid I get for the library.

[Lolo76]

I was just thinking... what about turning this into a breeding project? I have a baby male corn, so if I got an adult female, they could mate whenever he's ready. I was planning to breed him anyway, so this would kill two birds with one stone.

Whoops - after posting the above, I noticed my signature has Scout listed as a girl! I'll go fix that now, LOL.

[MarkieJ]

3. Has anyone here done something like this, and if so, could you offer any more tips? For example, what's the best way to make this an educational program? And should I have them assist with everything, including the feedings? TIA!

I teach Biology and Chemistry at the high school level and congratulate you on introducing students to the world of reptiles. In this day and age, kids rarely get the opportunity to experience the world of herps. I teach at my former high school and grew up in the area prior to much of it being developed. As a kid I remember searching under logs and around ponds for a variety of amphibs and reptiles, which helped develop my enjoyment of the natural world.

Here are some ideas you can use! Seek out a biology teacher at your school and acquire the standards being taught for the subject (or a quick search on the internet will yield them). Genetics is one of the standards and a large focus in Biology. You can have a display of color morphs and have students research and create a project on the genetics behind them. A poster board display with pictures, punnett squares, etc. would make a wonderful and interesting project. Certainly more captivating than the usual Mendel pea plant examples used in the text... Acquire some books on the snake you plan on displaying and have them available for the students to read and enjoy.

Definitely recruit some students to help in the upkeep of your snakes. I wouldn't make feeding a public display however if you feed live. I've had many a teenage student in tears when witnessing a feeding. If you feed thawed, then you should be okay.

[Lolo76]

Thanks Markie! Very good suggestions!

To be perfectly honest, I have always been a complete moron at all science subjects... but with my passion for animals I do try, and hopefully one (or more) of the science teachers will be willing to assist.

[MarkieJ]

I was just thinking... what about turning this into a breeding project? I have a baby male corn, so if I got an adult female, they could mate whenever he's ready. I was planning to breed him anyway, so this would kill two birds with one stone.

Whoops - after posting the above, I noticed my signature has Scout listed as a girl! I'll go fix that now, LOL.

Yes!!! If they're different color morphs, you can have students predict the outcomes of the crossing, and directly relate it to the Biology Standards.

[blackcrystal22]

I recommend a nice Milk-Snake, Arizona Mountain Kingsnake, or Albino Kingsnake. Any brightly colored corn snake would also do.

I think for the children a brightly colored snake would be the key to having them be less afraid. Especially some of the Albino Milk or Kingsnakes that have traces of pink and yellow. It's hard to be afraid of something that looks like candy!

[Lolo76]

One more question... if I do end up paying for everything myself, will that count as a tax write-off? Hate to ask, but it's not like the public school system pays well - so I have to think about that. I know teachers/librarians can write off around $250 for annual "supplies," but not sure snakes would be considered a school supply.

[AaronP]

I agree with Judy.