Class pet? Weekends are an issue

[DovahDad]

Just wondering what people think of bearded dragons as class pets - particularly where they'll be left alone at school all weekend. My fiancee is thinking about getting another BD, this one for her class. I understand older BDs can be left alone for a couple days with a supply of food pellets, but I'm concerned about leaving a baby BD (2-3 months is pretty much all you can buy around here) alone all weekend.

We could also bring it home, but I expect being uprooted twice every single weekend would be too much stress for the poor thing - not to mention a hassle for my fiancee.

Anyone have any thoughts on the feasibility of a baby beardie as class pet?

 

[Taterbug]

I think insects might make better class pets.

Managing the weekends, possibly equitptment, and making sure the lizard isn't over stressed by over enthusiastic students (or worse abused by malicious ones) would be challenging.

An adult beardie might be a better choice than a baby but there are still logistical things to consider.

 

[DovahDad]

Good points, Taterbug. The class actually had an adult BD which had to go home with another teacher who left, and they were very good about not harassing him and respecting his space.

Still, the idea of leaving a baby BD over weekends makes me nervous. Is it doable? Doable but ill-advised? Actually okay if you leave the right foods?

 

[CooperDragon]

It's doable if you have the money and time to properly configure the setup and maintain it. A baby would need to be fed twice a day ideally. Including weekends. An adult can go without anything but salad over the weekend. I agree with Taterbug though, in that a dragon may not be the best choice for a classroom pet. They tend to thrive when they have plenty of attention and proper care and not do so well if they're left on their own or are a background item of sorts. I've seen so many horror stories about classroom dragons that I'd be hesitant to recommend it.

 

[DovahDad]

Thanks for the input, Coop. I tend to agree with you and Tater, and will give my advice accordingly.

 

[Esther19]

I have a special needs girl that I started taking to school with me a couple years ago, so I could be with her. She's home when I'm home and at school when I'm there. She has an identical set-up at school. She's my pet that I share with the kids. Cissy is a little over 4 years old now. I think she enjoys going. I just have to make sure she is warmed up and that the car is warm in the winter. We have a 40 minute commute. I use the hand warmers when necessary. It works for us.

 

[AcceptableGeek]

Gerbils lol. Kids will love it.