Advice!

Last year, We had so much fun with our BTS that I requested a new home for them this year and DDad built this for me . Here are a few of my questions. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/756052/

1. Can I keep them outside or do they have to be inside?
2. Can I place more than 1 variety of Cats in it?
3. Any helpful tips would be wonderful.

I have followed along with most of the threads and I have copied most of the recpies, That everyone has posted.

Thank you. Pheadra


This message was edited Mar 27, 2008 3:22 PM

I'll be watching this really close, cuz I want one of those..I think I saw someone had wheels on one of them, but I don't remember where I saw it, maybe on the sticky.

Pheadra,
I have a butterfly house, too! My Dad actually built mine for me, too. I keep mine on the patio where it's warm (duh, it's FL) but they're out of the direct sun so they don't cook. The Selby Gardens in Sarasota also has one they keep outside. In theirs, they had about four or five kinds of caterpillars. I think they were all either swallowtails or milkweed cats so they were about the same size. I think the only reason not to mix is that the big ones might eat the smaller ones. But if they're all the same size the risk wouldn't be as bad. Also, if you keep their host plants in pots so that the cats would primarily stay on their own plant it should be okay. Worst case scenario you could probably devise some kind of divider to keep them separate (like beta fish). If I think of more I'll post, or if you think of more questions let me know and I'll try to answer!

Melanie

Nice cat house! You can keep it outside so long as it is protected from harsh weather. You don't want to leave cats out in the bright sunlight all day long or freezing temps and rain etc.

You can mix cats but it is better if you don't. Some species will cannibalize smaller caterpillars. You also run a bigger risk of parasites and bacteria between caterpillars as well as between larval host plants.

You might try using smaller cat cages until they go into the chrysalis stage them move them into a bigger cage that they will be able to flit around and spread their wings in once they eclose.

Don't forget to post photos of what you are raising :o)


~ Cat

Phaedra-

That cage is drop dead gorgeous. Would your Dad share the plans? We are starting a butterfly garden at my Hospice and would like to have a box to raise cats in. Although the ones my hubby has made are quite useful, because Hospice is a health care facility, we do need to bump it up a notch or two on the design. That is a lovely piece of furniture.

Maggie

I love the look of the cage he has made, such a sweetie for doing that. I would suggest you keep the cats in individual cages until they form chrysalis then those can be put in the large cage to emerge. One reason is parasite problems can wipe out a whole cage of cats, also cleaning is difficult with cats in various instars. I use the Gladware plastic containers (two large cats max with plenty of host leaves), then move the chrysalis in a larger cage. The containers are very easy to clean.
There has been a lot of wind here this last week and I just noticed that the cage also looks very top heavy, so if you put it outside, I would say attach it with hooks to a fence, or the side of a building so the wind won't topple it.

Thanks everybody!

Maggie, I ask DD about the Plans and he gave me a very funny look. He said he built a box.
Sorry I can't be more helpful. He tends to make it up as he goes along.

Sheila, Right now it is sitting in the middle of the floor in the greenhouse. So I hadn't noticed if it will be top heavy. I do know that I can't move it. LoL I will have it anchored just incase. Thank you.

Cat, thank you for the advice, I keep checking the dill and fennel for the cats but so far none, But it is kinda early for us to see any.

GG3-

I understand how that goes. Can you take a few closeups so I can show DH the level of polish we're looking for at the facility?

Thanks,

Maggie

Very nice cage, Pheadra. I keep mine outside unless it's gonna be bad weather. It is alittle heavy, but I can still move it, when I have to. It's made with tight window screen, and the door is pretty snug. I didn't have any problem with ants or other bugs last year.

I keep it off the ground also, and I put it in the shade right where I walk out the door, so it gets checked all the time.

Tell you dad, he did a very good job. : )
~Lucy

I'm just drooling over that cage!

We're still waiting for more photos of that awesome cat house :o) Where's the door? Come on...show and tell :o)

~ Cat

I love that cage! You dad could sell the plans for that....I would buy them!

Sorry I haven't had the chance to add more photos, the weather just won't play nice enough for me to get good photos. The door is on the side it raises up so that I have complete access to every inch.

1.

2.

Wow, that looks like it is all ready for it's first occupants. : ) Your dad did a very good job.
Did you give him a big hug? : )
~Lucy

Double WOW!!! That is truly awesome! Your Dad did an outstanding job!!! Care to rent him out? :o)

Am sure he'll be making more for you as the each year progresses. Sounds like youre hooked on raising butterflies and perhaps you'll venture into the bigger moths too. You're sure to be needing more cages before you know it!!! :o)

~ Cat

Pheadra, very nice cage! Ask your dad what gage of screening he used, please. I gotta try building a box for mine.

Thanks Cat, The next time he is in Texas I will send him in your direction.

Deb, When I asked about the gage he said he went to Home Depot and told the man that he needed the smallest set screen they had, Thats all he remembers. sorry He couldn't be more helpful.LOL

Lucy, Dad did get a very big HUG, and a great big smack on the cheek.

I can't wait to have its first occupants. I keep searching the dill and fennel plants but so far nothing
But I have been seeing more and more butterflies flittering around on it should be any day.

FYI- Edith of Butterflies ETC uses thrip screen to keep out tachynids and something else I recall was bad for the BFs. She did say it cuts air flow a bit..

Maggie

Well I have finaly found something to complain about with dads build.
My ARMS aren't long enough!!!
My first enclosed today (yippee), But I had to chase that critter all around the cage trying to release him., And then he was so mad he took off without saying bye!

get a loooong handled fish net and gently scoop them up?

My first eclosed today too. Not a bad Idea about the long handled net. Just make sure the wings are fully dry. Depending on which the corner the butterfly is my castle can be hard to reach them. I have let them walk onto a branch. Just takes patience. They will if they want to and won't if they don't.

Maggie, do you have a link to that butterfly place where Edith is? I'd like to read more about thrip screen. - Deborah

What about a dish with smashed bananas in it?

Edith's site is http://www.butterfliesetc.com/aaindex.php but I don't think the info is there. It was something she told us in the 2 day seminar. Edith is a DG member also http://davesgarden.com/members/buyabutterfly/

Information on screening
http://insect-screen.usgr.com/insect-screen.html read about how to buy/question thrip screen
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=1477828
www.ngia.com.au/publication_resources/NP_Pdf/NP_1999-01.pdf

Here are sources for thrip screen.
http://www.greenfire.net/hot/G115.html
http://www.cloudtops.com/greenhouse_insect_screens.htm

Hope this helps.

Maggie

Is it legal to keep the BF's as pets after you purchase them? I got's an idear in me's head. ^_^

Wonderful links thank you so much, Maggie!

They don't live long. You'd have to keep it caged up- not a good life for a BF. Although they are pretty, they are still insects and they're not real cuddly.

Maggie

What out monarchs? They live a while don't they? I was thinking a very large aviary of sorts, fully planted and landscaped.