my daughters monarch butterfly hatched and i dont want to let him go yet as it's raining. what do i feed him?

Answer 1

I have raised monarch butterflies for 7 years as a hobby. I have gotten most of my information (and tags) from Monarch Watch at University of Kansas. The butterfly will need to rest the first day with it's wings hanging down to let them dry and extend fully. They like to cling to the empty chrysalis or netting or soft screen. They don't need any nectar until the next day. You can use Juicy Juice on a sponge or I have even let them perch on my finger and drink out of a medicine cup. Here is a link on my source line to very good info on rearing monarchs...scroll to the bottom for the butterfly stage. Good luck! You may become addicted! It's important to take time to see the little things in life we often miss. FYI...It's best to release a butterfly near a garden (nectar source) when the sun is shining...rain and cold prevent them from flying and they tend to just find a tree limb or shrub to wait it out!

Answer 2

When we visited the butterfly garden, the caretakers used a red colored Koolaid loaded with sugar. The more sugar that was used, the crazier the butterflies acted. The caretakers said that if they used large amounts of sugar, the butterflies really loved it, but acted drunk.

Answer 3

Mix half a teaspoon of sugar with a teaspoon of water and offer it in a bottle cap or from a spoon. If he's hungry he'll drink it.

Answer 4

Elaine's answer is good, but he ain't gonna drink it like that. Soak a piece of sponge in the sugar/water solution and place it in his enclosure. He'll find it.

Answer 5

They like nectar from the flowers petunias and flowers they can suck from. it will be fine they know how to find shelter. better let him go. he will do better on his own

Answer 6

a green leaf, but let it go soon. They don't die in the rain.