Last Updated on November 18, 2021.
Introduction
- A hedgehog can make a wonderful classroom pet,ONLY under certain conditions.
- Some teachers do an outstanding job with their hedgehog in the classroom.
- If the hedgehog is well socialized and easy to handle, it can interact well with the children in the classroom.
- In some cases, the hedgehog is merely a novelty animal in a cage, rather than a pet that is loved and cared for by the class.
- Unfortunately, there are times when a classroom hedgehog suffers greatly. The hedgehog becomes nervous and agitated, and can even be intentionally or unintentionally abused.
- A hedgehog that is not happy is not only unfortunate not only for the hedgehog, but also for the students who may be missing out on valuable learning opportunities.
 Figure 1 – Hedgehog Hank on his 1st birthday |
 Figure 2 – Hedgehog Hank on his 1st birthday |
Necessary Criteria
- The primary caregiver must understand all of the requirements and guidelines of having a hedgehog as a pet.
- The hedgehog will need a period of adjustment after leaving its birthplace and before entering the classroom.
- Care must be taken to ensure that it is legal to keep an exotic animal in a classroom setting.
- Not every hedgehog is a good candidate for classroom living. The primary caregiver should be willing and excited to have a hedgehog as a pet even if it doesn’t work out in the classroom.
- The primary caregiver should be comfortable and skilled at handling the hedgehog before teaching others to properly care for and handle this unique creature.
- Teachers should be able to monitor all the children’s interactions with the hedgehog, thus making sure it is treated with respect and care.
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We do NOT recommend that the hedgehog be left in the classroom over the weekends. Hedgehogs need daily food, water, and careful temperature monitoring.
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We recommend that the hedgehog go home with the primary caregiver and NOT with various students over the weekend or summer. Rotating a classroom hedgehog through multiple homes can increases the risk of problems such as stress from: changing environments, differences in temperature, differences in feeding times, and the risk of coming in contact with fleas and mites.
- Please take into consideration the possibility that your hedgehog may need veterinary care, which can be quite costly.
Conclusion
Under the right conditions a hedgehog can become a great tool to stimulate learning among the students, and can provide exceptional animal therapy as well.
VIDEO.: Hedgehog as a classroom pet
Primary Author: Gail Dick, Millermeade Farms
Contributor: Mary Lynn K McDermott
http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/blog/
