Opinion needed, please, for butterfly enclosure

8 years ago

These used units are offered locally and I would like to ask if you think one would make a good butterfly enclosure to use on my deck to raise butterfly cats?

My thought was to cut out windows in each side and place proper netting over the openings and door for good air flow and protection from predators, then place something on top for a weatherproof roof that would extend out for rain protection and shade. These have been painted with a safe paint sealant that can be disinfected easily as they were built for and used in a veterinary clinic. I thought to set it on a base and use it on my deck, set back under the eave. The area gets very early morning sun, then dappled shade and finally, shade from the house wall as the sun moves to the west.

Do you think, with proper air flow, that it would work well for the cats? They seem to do better when they have the natural humidity and warmth of the outdoors, rather than inside in my net rearing cages. If I try to use the net rearing cages outdoors, I don't have weather protection as my deck is open.

I value everyone's experience so thought I'd ask for opinions before deciding. What do you guys think? ... Mary

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Comments (4)

MissSherry
8 years ago
With the adjustments you mentioned, those look wonderful to me, Mary! And the situation you describe on your deck sounds good, too. As long as they don't get direct, hot sun, they'll be fine. I've noticed that, especially in summer, cats stay underneath the leaves they're eating, unless they're the type that build a shelter.

How big are these enclosures?

Sherry
Mary Leek thanked MissSherry
Mary Leek
Original Author
8 years ago
Sherry, thank you so much for your input. The measurements in the ad are 24 inches wide and 36 inches high. He didn't provide the depth but I'd guess, by looking at the photos, they are approx 26-28 inches deep. Placing it on a waist high base, it would make it easy for me to tend.

I haven't gone down to see them, yet, as I wanted to run my idea by the forum members first. I suspect they are very well built, with good quality hinges and latches as they had to be frequently cleaned and disinfected. With that little side shelf, there would be two places to set potted plants. I could probably come up with some type of light weight frame to attach to the inside of the ceiling, with a disposable netting attached. The netting could be thrown away after each raising. A removable frame would be easy to disinfect. You know how the little cats love to have something textured to cling to when they make their j.

Mary
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Tom
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Mary, they look to me like they would be excellent enclosures with the additions that you mention. With hinges like they have it will be easy to gain access to the inside. I assume you would probably put some paper on the bottom to absorb any rain that might get in and to "collect" the droppings.

Let us know what you do.

Tom
Mary Leek
Original Author
8 years ago
Good morning, Tom. Yes, I place and remove the 'diapers' :-) (paper on bottom of cages) once or twice a day when I'm raising the little cats. I wish I could leave them on the plants but they quickly perish.

I'm going to try the large bags over the big milkweed leaves and see if I can protect the cats while still on the plants. This would be ideal. I just don't know how well it will work here as we have so many different types of wasps, spiders and bugs that feed on the little cats. I've thought of putting a bag in a bag, then slipping this over a leaf to see if the double layer might help add another level of protection. Those bugs that have the long spike they use to spear the little cats are already out in force. I was trimming a butterfly bush and they were already sitting on leaves, waiting for prey. Wasps are flying around, checking the plants for prey. Then we also have the little Carolina Wrens who are so delightful. They nest here every year and are always all over the garden area all year long. They will even go into the greenhouse and nest in the flower pots, if allowed. I adore them but I suspect they feed on the little cats, too. I understand it is the circle of life but it is sometimes hard to witness.

My thanks for taking the time to give me your opinion, Tom. It is deeply appreciated.

Mary

Opinion needed, please, for butterfly enclosure

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MissSherry

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Opinion needed, please, for butterfly enclosure

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MissSherry

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