I Made me a butterfly box and saved a bunch of Monarch cats from the red wasps. My problem is they are coming out of their chrysalis tonight. We are going to have 39* temps tonight with high winds. Should I keep them in the house tonight and release them in the morning or let them go now? This is my first time and I really didn't plan on them coming to visit so soon. Thanks for any help!
Caren
Ok, what do I do now?
I would keep them in the house tonight. Let them go after it warms up tomorrow. How big is your Butterfly box? They need alittle room to dry their wings, and flutter around alittle. Just my opinion, tho.
~Lucy
Its a 2ft X 21/2ft box. It should be enough to flutter about. Thanks!
you can put some juice soaked on a cotton ball for them too.
I find that Gatorade works the best because it has electrolites and other minerals in it that help keep them healthy. It is always best to release butterflies in the morning or early afternoon so that they have time to exercise their wings and find a place to roost for the night. :-) If released at night, they become easy target for bats and owls. :-(
Thank you all for your help! I do have some Gatorade and thanks for the tip on when to release! I really need to check out the resource threads!
Caren
Caren I have kept them for a week when it was really cold. They all eclosed Christmas day last year in my plant room so they had some blooming flowers too. You can also put some very ripe bananas in the cage for them