u/Dlbroox

This might sound like a strange question because I know a lot of what you look at doesn’t necessarily have brains and nervous systems, but I read tardigrades can be taught to curl up in a ball. So being vegan and an animal lover, I don’t want to start this journey unless I know I can do it being respectful and compassionate to the creatures.

Is there a way to maintain an environment, in say a jar, where these things can live happily? And can you look at something and then put it back?

My plan is to start with an inverted microscope so I can view things in a Petri dish, but if I use slides with cover slips does that squish the creatures?

Realistically I understand that if there are organisms in a puddle and the puddle dries up they die, but I do have a philosophical problem of causing a death of a sentient being. So maybe the questions comes down to sentience and that what you mostly look at does not have the ability to feel pain or make decisions.

This might just not be the hobby for me. Or I might be overthinking in a haze of ADHD!

Edit: I want to thank everyone for the absolutely great answers. So much good information and really respectful of my concerns. I’m going to give this hobby a try for sure.

I’ve stumbled onto this sub and it looks fascinating. I had a microscope when I was a kid and loved it. But I don’t want to throw big money at yet another hobby that might not last.

I’m one of those ADHD type people who buzzsaws their way through hobbies looking for one that will stick. I have a huge need to research and stimulate my brain and now that I’m a retired teacher it’s an enormous challenge.

The Foldscope set is 44 dollars so a good entry price but I know if I start with inferior products and get an inferior result it might kill the interest before it even has a chance. I’ve searched this sub for reviews but all are about two years old or older. And outside of this, the l reviews are pretty positive with some caveats about blurred edges in pictures and focusing. Although again, most reviews are old.

I am open to any advice on how to start and whether this might be yes go for it it’s cheap and small or heck no get a real microscope!