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Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Feeders- Got pix?

15 years ago

I'm googling, but seeing very little in the way of 'creativity' for a feeder. Too much "commercial." I have a resin birdbath that I could certainly repurpose, and wondering what-all everyone else uses?

Do BFs have a preference for materials- ceramic, cement, terra cotta, resin, etc?

And are there any fruits that will deter them completely that I would want to avoid putting in it?

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Comments (3)

susanlynne48
15 years ago
There are instructions for making a feeder on our FAQs that Mike Cronin did for us. Check it out.

My friend Sandy recommended using suet feeders (for birds) and I use that stuffed with rotten banana or other rotting fruit. They cost about $2 at Walmart and other places.

Susan

Here is a link that might be useful: Hanging Butterfly Feeders
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mmqchdygg
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi Susan-
Yes, I did see the FAQ instruction, as well as having searched here for some ideas (and came across your suet-feeder one, too.

Do you modify it at all? I've seen those...actually I have one, but have never used it, so I guess I'm concerned that the stuff will fall out the holes when it dries up?

I guess I was just looking to see pictures of some neat ones to run with an idea to make one of my own (there's no pictures in the FAQ one ;) )
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Shawn, lol..I know what thats like..I could have sworm on posted on here earlier, and obviously I didnt! Coral Pink still hasnt opened up yet! I am trying to be patient, but come on!! lol! When mine is bigger, I'd be happy to share some with you. I can save you some Esperanza seeds if you want. It's another one you have to bring in for the winter. As for the rocks, the whole right side in that pic and the waterfall need them. You can see the liner at the edges. Theresa, I said this before when I thought I posted, but its not here, so I'll say it again, lol. Do you know if your dahia is a dwarf? If so then it should be blooming soon. They are another one that blooms better when the weather is cooler. They bloom their fool heads off! Well, that explains that..lol the 4 yr old spilled OJ and I had to clean it up..forgot I was posting! Probably samt thing ahppened earlier, and someone went on the comp and so much for my post! Anyway..where was I, lol Thanks El! If I get MG tree seeds, I'll save you some. I wish I could sit out there and contemplate. Lord KNOWS I try. I can't go outside for more than 40 seconds without someone yelling "MOOOOOOOOM!!" I think another 2 years or so, and I'll be in the looney bin..I hope the one I go to has a GH and gardens I can tend!! Anyone know of a good one? I thought I'd be in there by 30..I've now made it 2 years past that expected date..but I wont last much longer. Kristy, I'm sorry but thats too funny! I know nothing about the dark seed looking thing lol. DD says you suck the dead ones up with the eyedropper. gross, lol. I dont think you can change the water, you just add more as needed. I'm glad your are still alive and doing so well!
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susanlynne48
15 years ago
The rotting fruit is kind of drippy, but where it falls on the ground, the butterflies also congregate there to partake. Actually as the fruit dries it adheres to the feeder and is easy to remove in a clump. I use a bent hangar to attach the short chain and I slather the chain with vaseline to keep the ants at bay. Lots of little knats and such also gather at the feeder. and it is hung in close proximity to my hummingbird feeder. The hummers love to consume the little knats, too, and chasing them down with a sip of sugar water, so the feeder provides a dual function. Rotting fruit does attract flies so don't hang too close to your house.

I don't know that I have ever actually surfed for images of a feeder, but another idea are those shallow dishes sold in garden centers (I had one I got at Walmart for cheap cheap). They are probably prettier if you are more into aesthetics than I am. It was a carved stone dish with 3 evenly spaced chains so it would hang straight.

Dollar stores and such usually have lots of things that, using one's imagination, can be used for a variety of functions that are not what they are specifically intended for. Keep an eye out for these and I'm sure you'll find something that will fit your needs.

I don't use a syrupy mixture like some do, so the suet feeder works well for just a couple of pieces of decomposing fruit. Otherwise. you would need a better container for a soup blend. I had dozens and dozens of HEs, TEs, QMs, RAs, etc, all over the suet feeders this summer.

Sus
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