If you don't want to bring them in off the plants, you may want to collect them when they are big and fat and keep them in a pupating container so that you can see them eclose as butterflies. Otherwise, they will leave the plant and head for the hills to pupate! Not really, but it will seem like it as it's hard to find their chrysalides after they leave the host plant.

There is a lot of information in the FAQs on raising Monarchs. That would be a good place to start.

BTW, welcome to the BF forum. We're always glad to get new "Moms." Raising butterflies is both addictive and rewarding. Good luck with your brood. Oh, FWIW, birds won't touch the Monarch cats. They taste bad because of the milkweed they eat.

Sandy

hey, that's good news, butterflymomok! Thanks for the tips. I have been browsing for instructions on container raising them, but am afraid to get committed. the last thing I want is for them to perish because of my neglect.

I already have permission form the local prairie preserve to release them in their milkweed patch, whichwould cut me out of the loop but ensure they would all get enough food.

I'm thinking about it.

Here are a couple pics I snapped this morning: (sorry the first is so big...I keep downsizing it at Photobucket but it keeps posting large! Grr!)

{{gwi:499183}}

{{gwi:499184}}

{{gwi:499185}}

{{gwi:499186}}

I like the big photos! Have you named them yet? LOL That's when you know you are smitten. I am currently raising some in paper bags--a new method to me. It's pretty simple. You put the cats and some food in the bag and fold it down and fasten it with clothes pins. Cut a tiny hole out of one corner of the bag so you can remove the frass. Throw some fresh food in several times a day. They will pupate on the inside of the bag and then you can cut out the chrysalides and tape them somewhere to eclose. I tape my BFs to the insides of a mesh hamper.

I just put a bunch of cats in a bag yesterday to try out the method. One thing I noticed immediately is how dry the insides of the bag stay. This morning, I removed the old dried up food--not much left and shook out the frass. I put new leaves in and resealed the bag. The cats looked great.

When you are a first timer, it can be a little daunting thinking about having those caterpillars' lives in your hands. But, even if they perish, and we've all experienced losses of caterpillars, remember that only 5% of the eggs laid in natural habitat hatch and survive to adulthood.

You are right that it does take commitment to raising BFs and Moths. Right now I spend at least 3 hours a day taking care of the different species of cats that I have. Collecting food and cleaning raising containers takes a lot of my time. But every time I release a new BF, I get a thrill--still! Today I released a male and a female Monarch. They were healthy and beautiful. When I had them perched on my finger, I felt a surge of joy. Then they soared. I read a quote today written by Helen Keller, that pretty much described it. It went like this, "Why settle for creeping when you can soar!"

Sandy

Wow, Sandy, you've about gotten me sold! I think I will take the two big ones and try to observe them doing their thing.

The little ones I think I have found them a place with abundant food, so will do a removal tomorrow.

Already I have found one dying. looked like he was beaten up pretty badly. My guess is a wasp, but I suppose I will never know. :o(

Incidentally, that top pic is small, now! I wonder why it was showing so large on the other computer, even after I resized it and pasted in the new code???