Hello everyone, it's S here! Welcome back to another video. Today, I want to introduce you to my new friend – isn’t she beautiful? I’ve had this lovely Monarch butterfly for about a week. Unfortunately, her wings are damaged, so she can’t fly. She tries sometimes but ends up on the ground. I didn't expect her to live this long since my previous attempts at helping injured insects usually ended in disappointment. Surprisingly, she's still going strong, so I decided to share some care tips for butterflies.
Caring for Injured Butterflies: What You Need to Know
During summer and spring, it's common to find injured butterflies outside. While it’s winter in many parts of the world, it’s summer here in New Zealand, so we see plenty of Monarch butterflies. My family has a big garden, attracting many butterflies. I found this butterfly on the ground and initially thought she was dead. After leaving her on a flower for a few hours and seeing no improvement, I decided to bring her inside as it gets cold at night.
Creating a Safe Environment for Butterflies
She’s living her best life now. I’ve placed her in a small bug container with air holes and a secure lid. Although it's a bit small, I'm searching for a larger one. You can also use a cardboard box with holes for ventilation. Be cautious not to include tall sticks that could cause injury if the butterfly falls. Fresh flowers should be provided daily, as butterflies can live on just flowers.
Feeding Your Butterfly
I also use a small pot with water and sometimes add a bit of sugar to make sugar water. Alternatively, you can use a damp paper towel for hydration. Avoid large water containers that could pose a drowning risk.
Sunshine and Fresh Air
Every day, I take her outside for some sunshine, which is beneficial for butterflies. She enjoys the sun and often flutters her wings despite not being able to fly. Monarch butterflies have a lifespan of about 30 to 60 days, depending on the season they hatch, so enjoy the time you have with them.
Handling Aggressive Behavior and Egg Laying
When taking your Monarch butterfly outside, be cautious of other Monarchs as they can be aggressive or might try to mate. This happened to us recently, and I had to bring her back inside. Female butterflies might lay eggs, so be prepared. If you find eggs, you can care for them until they hatch into caterpillars.
Conclusion
Raising an injured butterfly can be a rewarding experience. If you have any additional tips or experiences with Monarch butterflies, please share them in the comments. I’m still learning and appreciate any advice. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your butterfly care!
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