Welcome to the family, Terry and Toby!

If you are looking for a GREAT science project with your kids, then grow some TRIOPS!
What in all the world ARE triops, you may wonder....

Well, here is what I have learned on this site:

Triops are crustaceans that look like miniature horseshoe crabs. Larger members of the crustacean family include crabs and lobsters. Smaller members are brine shrimp, fairy shrimp, and Daphnia. Triops have a relatively short lifespan of 20 to 90 days and grow quickly to their adult length of one to three inches. How large they grow depends on the amount of light and food they receive. After hatching, they often double in size daily!The bright colors of the Triops are due to hemoglobin in the blood and a dark blue-green pigment in the connective tissue. They are called branchiopods (gill foot) because they obtain oxygen from the water through their feet. The young quickly move through several larval stages, molting their exoskeletons each time. Adults can complete their life cycle in less than 30 days. Triops are usually in constant motion and have entertaining feeding and breathing patterns that include amazing acrobatics and upside-down swimming. While swimming on their backs, Triops are able to sweep food into their mouth by using their many legs.

We tried to "raise" triops before, and out of all the eggs, one hatched. He did fine until - well, I decided I was going to change his water MY way.

The next morning came - no more triop. Bad Mama!

I promised them another kit. We were able to buy them at the Hobby Lobby (LOOOOOVE that place!) for under $4. Well, today, the proud little Mom's and Dad's are happy to announce the arrival of Terry and Toby - we're hoping that there will be more by the morning, as we have some girl's names in store yet ;-))

Let me tell you - these little creatures are perfect little pets for several reasons:

1. They only live a few weeks.
2. You can literally watch them grow. Tonight they are tiny little specks (1/8 of an inch at the most), and they double in size for the first few days. Really cool!
3. The kit has all the food included. And VERY detailed instruction, that need to be followed *ha*.
4. All you need is Spring water and a lamp and a bowl. Very easy!

Of course I will keep you updated on Terry and Toby's progress :-))))