Scales and Tails- What Makes a Good Reptile or Bird Pet?
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Scales and Tails- What Makes a Good Reptile or Bird Pet?
The intention of this program is to give children insight into what is truly involved with getting a pet snake, lizard, bird etc. This class is NOT intended to persuade children to get a pet. Getting a pet is a HUGE commitment. Finding out more about what they would need, helps them (and their parents) learn if getting a pet like this is a good idea for them. During this course we will break down some of the basic categories of pet-type reptiles, amphibians and birds and learn what each of them needs as far as their habitat, health, diet, temperatures, socialization, and more.
1. Do Lizards make good pets? – Always do your research before you ever get a pet. Some lizards make great first-time pets, while others may not. Come learn about a variety of lizards in this fun class! (Animal handling opportunity: Small and Medium sized lizards)
2. Do Turtles or Tortoises make good Pets? – In this class we will discuss which of these animals live on land, on water or on both! Turtles are often found in pet stores, but do they actually make good pets? Many end up in rescues. Find out why! (Animal handling opportunity: turtles & tortoises)
3. Do Snakes make good pets? – Did you know Egyptian royalty used to wear snakes like jewelry? Does that mean they are good pets? Come learn about colubrids, small python and small boa species while we handle our smaller snakes and find out if a snake is really a good pet for you! (Animal handling opportunity: Milksnakes, sand boas, ball pythons, etc)
4. Do Amphibians make good pets? – Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders, Oh My! These slimy creatures can make great pets for some but terrible pets for others. Learn all about these incredible creatures, what they eat, their habitat and what it takes to keep a pet like this. (Animal observations: toads, frogs, salamanders)
5. Do Birds make good Pets – Birds can make incredible companions but can also be terribly destructive and messy. We’ll learn about several birds in this class, where they live, what they eat and what it takes to be a bird owner. (Animal observation: several exotic birds)
6. Should YOU get a pet reptile or bird? – Getting a pet is a BIG commitment. What things do you need to think about before getting a pet reptile or bird? What kind of research should you do? Where can you find information about that animal? Who can you talk to about what it’s like? What kind of things will you need to buy before you get a pet? Where will you obtain the specific food for your pet’s needs? Is your mom or dad willing to help you? These are the questions you’ll need to answer before ever thinking about taking on a pet. (Animal handling: variety of good handling animals that could make good pets for some folks)