I have read all the posts and I'm ready to try to make some kind of enclosure. I do have one question that I haven't been able to answer after reading all the other posts. Where do you put your cage? Inside or outside? I'm sure temperature must play a role in all this. Open to all advice.
Melanie
Where do you have your cat enclosure sitting?
Mine is outside on the screened in patio, but then again, I live in FL. That side of our house is heavily shaded by trees (Dad never could get grass to grow there) so I don't worry about them being too hot. One of the positive things about them being outside is that I never have to worry about the humidity being too low.
Melanie (the other one!)
Thanks Melanie:
Now that I have located some monarch cats, and before I make a cage I figured I needed to find out where to put the cage. I'm assuming good air flow, total shade, not too much heat. Can you bring them inside? or will the A/C affect their pulpating? (is that the right word?) I want to put them where I can keep an eye on them. Any advice?
I have mine inside the house in a spare bedroom. They get air conditioning just like the rest of the house. I had one eclose today, I was so excited. I have GF's by the way. I have not really noticed the air conditioning per se affecting them. Someone did tell me on here that if it is dry in your house you might mist the chrysalids a little bit. Funny thing, I did just that last night, misted them, and today one eclosed. I doubt the misting had anything to do with it but just thought that was funny. I don't really have anywhere outside to keep them, no screen porch or anything like that and I have dogs and I just don't think they would do well for me outside. Also the garage is a no-no because it gets as hot as outside. So I have them inside with me and we are happily cohabitating.
Leslie
I'm glad you asked this question, Melanie, and I'm glad I saw this! Right now, because we were so excited about finding the cats in the first place, my container is sitting on the kitchen table. But, it will be moved into my plant/guest bedroom today. Does lighting affect how the cats act? Do they need light for 12 hours a day, and darkness for 12 hours?
I'm with Mellie. Mine are on my screened back porch, too. I have them on metal bookcases on the east side of the porch. They get a little early morning sun. It seems to be a good spot for them.
Terrie
Yours is a good question also Felicia. As mine are in the "guest/junk" bedroom, I do not regulate the amount of light they get. They are by a window and get some sun through that but other than that just get filtered light all day until I turn the light on and probably scar the bejeezus out of them. They seem to like it okay. Every morning when I go check on them the chrysalids are hanging straight down like they had a peaceful night. Then as the day wears on they are always moved pointing one side or the other. I had read on here about misting the chrysalids if it is dry around here. I tried that and the next day one eclosed. Pure coincidence I am sure. So last night I went and misted again, especially the one that is due for eclosure next and boy did he move sideways. Don't think he liked it at all but at least I know he is still alive in there. LOL.
Leslie