Some common pets are briefly profiled below with an eye to their suitability in a classroom. Wild habitat of Eastern United States and south into Mexico. 100,000 per year for pet store trade. Varied diet including earthworms, tubifex worms, meat, raw fish, shrimp, lettuce, spinach and other greens, reptile food. Though popular as pets because they are inexpensive, these creatures are best left in their native habitat.
Turtles can spread salmonellosis.
Hands should be washed after handling or gloves used. Habitat must be kept very clean. Larger than a mouse and smaller than a guinea pig. N. China, Siberia and Mongolia. Captive bred since 1930's.