How is this system for raising monarchs?

Outside, I have about eight to ten milkweed plants in pots. Two of them are extremely full and bushy, and the others are pretty nice, as well.

I brought one of the bushier plants inside after I saw a couple of caterpillars on it. More eggs have hatched, of course. Today, I moved five of the largest caterpillars to a glass aquarium with leaves and branches. So far, so good.

Meanwhile, I've got plenty of milkweed growing in pots outside. Soon, I'll switch pots - I'll put this "current" pot of milkweed outside, and bring another one inside.

Question 1) How many caterpillars do you think I should put in a ten gallon aquarium?

On a side note, I almost "swept" a little caterpillar that had escaped the plant this morning! I figure we will have some casualties, but overall, the survival rate is much, much higher this way than outside with the wasps. :(

Question 2) What do you think of my system? Any suggested improvements?

Question 3) Is there anything I can do to keep the cats from forming their crysalises on the top screen top of the aquarium? I see the value of a side door, but that's out of the question right now. :(

Thanks!

Jo

Have you seen any of those mesh hampers that fold up? If you're going to bring plants in that have cats, they really do have to be contained in something! I sometimes stick a plant into those mesh hamper cages and let a few cats stay on it for a while. Or you could take all the cats off and put them in an aquarium or other container. Cats sometimes wander around, as you've already seen...believe me, you don't want to find one by stepping on it! And if they can't find their way back to the plant and you don't find them, you may later find dead cats, unless maybe they're big enough to pupate somewhere...and that's a whole 'nother story, BTW.

I've looked for the mesh hampers, but the only one I found has pretty large mesh.

I suppose I should keep looking. :) Anyway, what do you use for a top on the hamper?

I really appreciate your response. Thanks!

Those hampers have a zipper-closed top. They do seem to be harder to find now in my area. A few of the H.E.B.'s still have them. Does anyone know where to get them online?

This message was edited Apr 24, 2008 1:08 PM