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Butterfly Garden

Butterfly feeders -- do they work?

11 years ago

Does anyone have any experience with the glass butterfly feeders that have a sponge you soak in nectar (from commercial nectar mix)? I haven't been able to find more than a couple of reviews about them, and am wondering if they really attract butterflies.

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Comments (2)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
There's some good information in the FAQ section in this very forum!
texaspuddyprint
11 years ago
I have never purchased a butterfly feeder but have had a few species on my hummingbird feeders. I guess they work well in an enclosed area like those used in conservatories. Butterflies out in the wild have a large variety of plants to nectar from so the only time I see them on the hummingbird feeders is when nothing is in bloom and it is terribly hot.

Now if you want to attract the brush foots you can mix up a batch of butterfly brew and dab that on an old fence post or tree branch or make your own hanging feeders using a section of log with some grooves cut in it so the brew has a place to pool.

~Cat
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Bright, the scrubby is like the net ones, but made of plastic. The whole idea is so the butterfly doesn't have to get his feet wet (they don't like that). Bamagirl, here are two recipes for you. I share these with those who attend my butterfly program at garden shows. Recipe 2 is really better for the butterflies although it takes a little longer to make and may be a little messier. Recipe 1 Solution Â 4 parts water to 1 part granulated sugar Boil for several minutes, then let cool Serve in shallow container with absorbent material such as paper towels, bright yellow and orange kitchen scouring pad. Place among your nectar flowers on post 4-6 inches higher than tallest bloom. Recipe 2 I use a pail with a tight lid to hold the butterfly food. I cut up a dozen over-ripe bananas into chunks, add two cans of cheap beer, one or two bottles of molasses, and a pound of brown sugar. I mix it up in the pail and let it ferment for about a week; then fill the plates. You can use other fruits such as mangos, watermelon, etc. Experiment with what you can get ( sometimes for free if your grocery store is discarding spoiled fruit) and what works best for the butterflies that you want to attract. Again, thanks to all who have given me such lovely feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed looking and I will post more as I get them made (and I am making them) Ms. Faith
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Materials Needed: Decorative Saucer (found at local thrift shop etc.) Copper Tubing (1/2" about 2-3 long) Copper End Cap (to fit 1/2" or whatever size your tubing is) Strong Silicone Glue (GE II outdoor use, clear) Piece of rebar or other strong pipe to pound into the ground Assembly Steps: Glue the copper end cap onto the bottom of your saucer and let dry throughly. Pound your piece of rebar or pipe into the ground. Slip your copper tubing over the piece of rebar. Attach the copper tubing into the copper end cap of your saucer. Put assorted fruits on the saucer to attack butterflys. *If giving as a gift: It is a nice touch to include the Butterfly Feeder Poem to best describe your creation. Butterfly Feeder Poem (By:MrsPackRat-GW) Oh butterfly do stop and rest I made this perch for you to test. I've put out some fruit for you to eat in hopes that you and I might meet. I love to watch your graceful glide and see your colors in the sky. So have yourself a little retreat while I admire you as you eat.
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Materials Needed: Decorative Saucer (found at local thrift shop etc.) Copper Tubing (1/2" about 2-3 long) Copper End Cap (to fit 1/2" or whatever size your tubing is) Strong Silicone Glue (GE II outdoor use, clear) Piece of rebar or other strong pipe to pound into the ground Assembly Steps: Glue the copper end cap onto the bottom of your saucer and let dry throughly. Pound your piece of rebar or pipe into the ground. Slip your copper tubing over the piece of rebar. Attach the copper tubing into the copper end cap of your saucer. Put assorted fruits on the saucer to attack butterflys. *If giving as a gift: It is a nice touch to include the Butterfly Feeder Poem to best describe your creation. Butterfly Feeder Poem (By:MrsPackRat-GW) Oh butterfly do stop and rest I made this perch for you to test. I've put out some fruit for you to eat in hopes that you and I might meet. I love to watch your graceful glide and see your colors in the sky. So have yourself a little retreat while I admire you as you eat.
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Materials Needed: Decorative Saucer (found at local thrift shop etc.) Copper Tubing (1/2" about 2-3 long) Copper End Cap (to fit 1/2" or whatever size your tubing is) Strong Silicone Glue (GE II outdoor use, clear) Piece of rebar or other strong pipe to pound into the ground Assembly Steps: Glue the copper end cap onto the bottom of your saucer and let dry throughly. Pound your piece of rebar or pipe into the ground. Slip your copper tubing over the piece of rebar. Attach the copper tubing into the copper end cap of your saucer. Put assorted fruits on the saucer to attack butterflys. *If giving as a gift: It is a nice touch to include the Butterfly Feeder Poem to best describe your creation. Butterfly Feeder Poem (By:MrsPackRat-GW) Oh butterfly do stop and rest I made this perch for you to test. I've put out some fruit for you to eat in hopes that you and I might meet. I love to watch your graceful glide and see your colors in the sky. So have yourself a little retreat while I admire you as you eat.
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