How many in the same cage?

I bought one of those fold down laundry containers___ about a foot square and 2' tall.

How many cats can I put in there at once? This morning I found another about full grown to put in with another large one I had, and then two more about__well less than 1/2" long. All same___potential monarchs.

Will several eat on one leaf? Or should they each have their own leaf? And will large ones harm little ones? Right now it's 2 large and 2 very small in captivity together.

Edited to say I was gone yesterday and the big one I had then ran out of leaf and went to the top. Didn't go into a j or anything. Today he's just sitting about half way up. Jean

This message was edited Aug 11, 2007 8:05 AM

Hey Jean. I have not had any experience with Monarchs (yet) but am raising gulf frits right now. I have all different sizes in mine. I have tiny ones, middle ones, one big one, one that has formed a chrysalid. So far none have bothered the others at all. They are just doing their thing which of course right now is eating and pooping. I have read on here I think that some BF's will canabalize the others while the one is in his chrysalid but not sure which type of BF that was. I think you are okay for now and I think they will just peacefully live and eat and poop together as long as there is plenty of food for everyone. I would not know what would happen if the food supply ran out and would not want to know. I think you are fine though but please wait for someone else to answer because I am far from an expert. This is my first attempt and so far have been lucky but I really do not have enough experience in me to be giving answers for people to rely on too heavily right now. The cage looks great though.

Leslie

Jean, the Monarchs can be crowded, they don't like it but they tolerate each other. They will head butt each other to move on. I would separate the little 1st instar ones from the bigger ones, only because when they are eating I don't think they have very good eyesight.

Often they feed on the same leaf....I think it's 'safety in numbers' mentality. And they seem to like to go for the top, to me, that means there are a lot of predators that crawl up the plant from the ground.

I would think it's that way with all the cats.

Just observe them and you'll see what's working and what isn't.

Keep up the good work Jean!