Our Class Pets

One of our class pets is a boa constrictor.

Boa Constrictors are one of the largest snakes in the world, along with the Reticulated Python and Anaconda.  Boas are non-poisonous but just as deadly. They ambush their prey, which means that they will hide and wait for something yummy to go by and then do a surprise attack. They use their flicking tongue to pick up the scent.  Just as their name suggests, they will coil their bodies around the prey and with each breath of the prey they will constrict, or squeeze, their coils just a little tighter until the animal can no longer breath. Their prey consists of birds, lizards, frogs and small mammals. Larger Boas will even eat monkeys, pigs or deer.   Although they are not considered Pit Vipers, some Boas have heat-sensitive scales around their mouths that help them find prey in the dark.   These snakes live in hot, tropical places and can be found both on the ground and in trees. Boas give birth to live young, which means that they develop completely inside their mother. Once they are born they are on their own and know pretty much all they have to know about finding food and hiding.   Boas are said to be the most beautifully colored of all snakes.

Retrieved from http://www.kidzone.ws/lw/snakes/facts-boa.htm

 

Another class pet-our hermit crabs

 Did you know that a hermit crab can live anywhere from 20-80 years if taken care of correctly?

 This is Ricky-Lucy is hiding.

Our class has two Chinese Dwarf Hamsters.

Some interesting facts about Chinese Dwarf Hamsters taken from http://www.chinesedwarfhamster.net/chinese-dwarf-hamsters-facts-and-information/:

• The scientific name for Chinese Dwarf Hamsters is Cricetus Griseus, and it is not uncommon for this hamster to be mistaken for a mouse!
• As adults, Chinese Dwarf  Hamsters will grow no larger than four inches.
• Chinese Dwarf Hamsters have a hairless tail which is about one inch long.
• Chinese Dwarf Hamsters are nocturnal, but will often be up during the day.
• Chinese Dwarf Hamsters are quick and agile, so might not make the best pets for small children
• Female Chinese Dwarf Hamsters are larger and often more aggressive than male Chinese Dwarf Hamsters.
• Chinese Dwarf Hamsters live an average of two years.
• Chinese Dwarf Hamsters breed in total darkness!
• Chinese hamsters were originally captured in the early 1900s for use in laboratories. They arrived in America in 1948.

Our Last Class Pet - Miss Piggy



Guinea pigs can make noises when they're happy, when they're scared, when they're hungry and when they're possibly introduced to other guinea pigs. It's important that you can recognize it especially if you're introducing a new guinea pig to your existing one. When you're mixing guinea pigs, you may often find that they make a various low rumbling sound or they may even chatter their teeth and this could be indicating that they're stressed or they are not enjoying the companionship of that guinea pig.

High-pitch squeaks and lots and lots of different types of noises all mixed together is often a really excited sound especially when they hear the noise of food. So, as you are the owner walking towards them, possibly rustling their food bag or picking some food, they'll hear it and they'll let you know that they are ready to be fed. Other sounds could also be to indicate that they are possibly in pain so it's also important that you can recognize these.

One sharp high-pitched squeak could often mean they're in discomfort so do make sure you listen out for these. If you do hear it, take them on to your vet. Noises that you'd be able to hear behind me will be rumbling, high-pitched squeaks and different types of squeals as well.

Retrieved from http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-recognize-guinea-pigs-sounds