These kids are big animal nuts.  We were already owners of two cats, but the kids have used their own monies to purchase more pets and everything needed for their care. 

Chance now has a rabbit and a leopard gecko. 

Spencer and Lindsey now have hermit crabs, fish, a hamster, and countless salamanders, tadpoles and bugs.

They are each responsible for cleaning, feeding, healthcare, and maintenance on their new pets.  We have scheduled Fridays for habitat cleaning and they all take part.  They are also responsible to managing their money so they can buy what is needed for the pets' care.  Before purchasing their pets they had to make an informed and convincing case as to why they should have it and how they will take care of it along with estimated cost for care.  They each did their own research, and obviously presented a convincing argument for their cause.

They used a variety of research tools:  books, internet sites, magazines, handouts from the pet store, testimonies from other pet owners, information listed on pet food bags, and workers at the pet stores.

We also went on a guided tour of the WV Wildlife Center in French Creek.  The biologist was very informative and the kids really enjoyed everything she demonstrated and spoke of.  She told of the backgroud of every animal there, the care needed, any injuries that would keep it from returning from the wild, and the unique personalities they've come to show.

We also visited a friend for a talk about her exotic animals.  She also gave the children information sheets and coloring pages for each of her animals.  She has two tarantulas, a boa, two lovebirds, a quaker parrot, and a red wing macaw.  The children got to hold the snake, and parrot.  She told of all the upkeep it takes to raise these animals in a healthy environment, from how to clean the cages, how, what and when to feed them, how to handle, along with what it costs for purchase and upkeep of each.

Whenever the kids come across an animal that strikes and interest, they start having me research them on the internet or in some books we have in our home library.  If that hasn't fulfilled their interest then we research books on the topic, usually Amazon, and see if our local library carries any of them and reserve them.  My oldest son researches them on his own usually, but will tell me what he discovers.  Spencer and Lindsey still need my assistance in navigating all the information out there, but I usually have them type it in the search engine, then select the page to go to.  They are getting more comfortable doing this on their own and did most of the hermit crab research with very little help from me.