My class has two pet rats (sisters). One of the kids took them home and now we only have one rat :(?

Question

His grandparents left him unattended and when they came back inside he was holding a dead rat. What do I do about the other one? Should I get him a new cagemate? If so, a baby or an adult? And what to say to the kids about poor Dipsy?

Answer 1

Say to the kids that he ran away so you are going to get a middle aged rat so that they won't kill each other.

Answer 2

i would get a new one an adult though and tell the children that he sadly passed away.

Answer 3

Well for one you should definitely get him a new cage-mate! I suggest making him about the same age as the other one and a female. And don't tell the kids it was the kid that killed it was his fault don't even mention his name, or he will be the most hated kid in class! tell them that she died over night and you don't know why but you got a new one and show it to the class and make the situation fun! Try having the kids name it. Have the kids give you some ideas on the name and then have a vote on what to name it, just make it fun so maybe it wont be so bad!

Answer 4

just tell them the rat died and leave it up to school if they want it replaced or not,cos if you go get another one,it could be a male(incase its not sexed right) and then you will end up with babys.just tell the truth and they will let you know.

Answer 5

Yeah, get another one. I have 2 pet rats and they are best of mates. Its good to keep them in pairs.

Tell the kids what happened, and which kid took home Dipsy.

OR

Replace with another rat which looks very similar if you think the news will upset them.

Answer 6

well tell tthem the truth..but dont make the little kid feel bad...just say that it was an accident...and yes get a cage mate...the same age as your other one!

Answer 7

Tell the kids that Dipsy* got out the cage and ran away.

It depends how old the other rat is because if it is too old then they might not be able to put a new one in with it because it might attack.

(:

Answer 8

Well tell them the truth. Dipsy died, but Dipsy was also a rat, so you guys probably shouldn't care too much. Whether you want to fork over the extra cash for another rat, well thats entirely up to you. Personally I think there are too many rats, so I would recommend buying another on the off-chance that one of your students kills another.

Answer 9

You should not allow children to handle small animals such as rats, and never allow them to take one home.

Yes, it is very important you get the left over rat a companion.

I just feel so sorry for the other rat.. how is must have suffered in the hands of a child who doesnt understand.

I think you should explain what happened gently to the class.

'Ok, there was an accident, and Dipsy died. It is why you must be very very careful when you touch little animals. You dont want to hurt them.' then smile. and ask them what to name the new rat.

Answer 10

yeah i think you should get another one to replace the dead one. on the account that you have to tell the kids about dipsy, i reckon you got 2 options. be frank and just tell them the truth or you could sugar coat the truth and replace the dead one with a new one and just tell the kids that dipsy has gone away ;) kids are pretty sensitive when it comes to pets, so its really up to you. good luck!

Answer 11

i was like that kid i took home a class pet rat and it bit me so the teacher took the rat away i was hated so don't replace the rat and don't tell them who it was that killed it coz u will ruin the kids life but tell the kids shes dead

Answer 12

Well, this is a hard thing to deal with BUT

You should tell your class the truth, but dont tell them WHO it was this will embarasse them. Say something like" Im sorry Children but Dipsy passed away, but he is a better place." Something like that.

Getting a new cagemate is really up to you, you dont have to, but your class might like a new pet rat. You could ask them to vote and see. but if you dont get him a cagemate, he might get lonely. But its up to you

Good- Luck

Answer 13

when my nans cat died, she told us she got a job at a farm catching mice.. but that won't work for a rat.. maybe say she had to go live with someone else who didn't have any pets.

Answer 14

Tell them he ran away, and buy an adult I would think so the other one does not eat the baby.. BUT I am not sure, ask the pet store clerk.