Hamster and Gerbil Help

Small animal care is easier than you think

In general, keeping a small animal pet in the classroom is quite simple. The basics apply: fresh water, the right food, a clean and safe habitat, proper temperature, and lots of affection.

For the most part, small animals do not require expensive food or special care. Check if any of your students have pet allergies. That could influence which small animal you choose for your class.

Read the descriptions below and click on any animal to download an info sheet containing more in-depth details on each species.

Gerbils

Gerbils are cute, tame, and great first pets. They are active and entertaining during the day. Gerbils love to explore and build, so supply digging material in the cage, such as paper-based items or cardboard. They will enjoy an occasional sand bath—they roll around in sand, and their fur gets shiny and smooth. Chew toys are also necessary for gerbils, as all rodents have continually growing teeth.

Click to download the care sheet

Hamsters

Hamsters love attention and are quite friendly. They spend an ample amount of day time resting. Their simple needs and small size make them perfect for kids and school classrooms. You need to satisfy their urge to gnaw by giving them a chew toy. Besides chewing, these animals love to exercise on an exercise wheel or in a run-about ball. Most hamsters are solitary animals and need to live without a room mate.