Raising Butterflies Blog
So you want to Start Raising Monarch Butterflies? Your Journey Begins here…
Welcome to Raising Monarchs 101
If you’re new to the exciting world of raising monarch butterflies, you probably have a few initial questions about how to get started on this amazing journey?
Here are a few quick tips and suggestions to get you raising in the right direction:
1. Milkweed First
Milkweed is essential to growing monarchs so it’s best to have a few varieties established in your garden before you start raising butterflies.
You’ll first need it to attract egg-laying butterflies to your garden. But if you only have a couple plants, you’ll run out of milkweed to feed your caterpillars…not a fun experience! 😱
We recently published a new PDF guide to make sure first-time raisers are milkweed-ready and more, so you can avoid making these common mistakes:
5 Things You Need to Know BEFORE Raising Monarch Butterflies
While you’re waiting for milkweed to become monarch-ready, learn about the raising process and what you’ll need to start raising monarchs from tiny egg to magnificent butterfly…
2. A Step by Step Guide
I have created a how to raise monarchs book (available in print or as PDF download) that explains how to raise more monarchs, with less effort. In this book, I share the tips, techniques, and process we use to raise butterflies with a consistent 95% survival rate.
Get your How To Raise Monarchs Downloadable Book Here
One of first things you’ll need is a caterpillar cage that keeps baby caterpillars in, and small monarch predators out. The most common question I get is…
3. What type of caterpillar cage should I use? Check out this post for info on the cages that have brought us the most success:
Is your Caterpillar Cage Killing Monarch Butterflies?
If you opt for the preferred mesh cages, this is probably your next question…
4. Which caterpillar cage size fits my raising needs?
a. I would suggest the baby cube butterfly cage (15″ x 15″ x 15″) if you’re:
- starting out and not sure if this is the right hobby for you
- prefer raising less caterpillars at one time (up to 10)
- have limited space floor/table space
- raising under a cabinet that has limited height
- like the drawbridge door feature
Get a Baby Cube Caterpillar Cage Here
b. I would suggest the Tall baby butterfly cage (15″ x 15″ x 24″) if you’re:
- starting out and not sure if this is the right hobby for you
- prefer raising less caterpillars at one time (up to 10)
- have limited space floor/table space
- like the drawbridge door feature
- prefer to raise on tall cuttings or small potted plants
Get a Tall Baby Butterfly Cage Here
c. I would suggest the BIG cube butterfly cage (24″ x 24″ x 24″) if you’re:
- want to raise on large cuttings or small potted plants
- confident this is a hobby you will continue for seasons to come
- prefer the option to raise more caterpillars at one time (up to 20)
- enjoy a larger viewing window
- like the drawbridge door feature
d. I would suggest the Monarch Tower (24″ x 24″ x 36″) if you’re:
- confident this is a hobby you will continue for seasons to come
- prefer the option to raise more caterpillars at one time (up to 20)
- prefer to raise on potted milkweed plants
5. Check out some raising accessories that make growing butterflies easier, so you can sit back and enjoy watching the amazing process of monarch metamorphosis.
Raising Supplies suggestions for getting started:
- Floral Tubes w/ Holding Racks– floral tubes help keep milkweed leaf and stem cuttings fresh for caterpillars. The racks keep the floral tubes secure and upright and also spread out monarch caterpillars to avoid overcrowding
- Small Poo Poo Platter– if you purchase a baby cube or tall baby cage I recommend this removable cage liner for easier cage cleaning and to give the cage a solid floor for better portability.
- LARGE Poo Poo Platter– if you purchase a baby cube or tall baby cage I recommend this removable cage liner for easier cage cleaning and to give the cage a solid floor for better portability.
- LED Magnifier– to clearly see tiny monarch eggs and baby caterpillars
- Monarch Eggs or Caterpillars?- If you can't wait for mama monarch to find your milkweed, check out these recommended vendors
Hopefully, the tips, information and raising supply suggestions posted here will help you avoid many of the raising pitfalls I have encountered over the past 40 years so you can successfully start raising monarchs at home.
It’s time to set sail on your journey…Happy Raising! 🌿🐛😊
