To get updates to those waiting for releases more efficiently, I have added a Face Book badge to this blog. To get these updates just click on it to become a fan (on the sidebar).
Also, I have posted a Blog Frog community for all of us to connect better. If you wish to talk with us, we would love to have you! *living children mentioned in some discussions* You can join by clicking on the link above or joining the Blog Frog box to the right.
May 9, 2010
We have butterflies!!! Thanks for your patience! They have FINALLY started to emerge and so far all are healthy! Yesterday I released 3 females and today I released 2 females and finally a male. There are an additional 15+ in chrysalis that should emerge within the week and an additional 10+ caterpillars. It is going to go fast now...I love summer. Stay tuned! I have just posted those new releases.
I will open requests back up once I get the list down to a more manageable size. Here are some photos from today...
April 7, 2010
This batch has begun to make their chrysalis :)
April 4, 2010
We are still waiting. I have had one butterfly emerge, but the rest all didn't make it because of the darn OE spore. So frustrating. I replanted a bunch of milkweed and now have 40+ plants. I have a pretty good batch of catepillars now and am hoping these ones do better. I am hoping they will be ready for releases in about 3 weeks. Thanks for your patience.
March 10, 2010
The Monarchs are not cooperating again. The OE spore is taking a lot of them. Some healthy ones just haven't emerged due to the cold nights (I think). It is supposed to be in the 80s next week so hopefully that will help things along.
February 23, 2010
I have a batch of about 10 that should be ready to release within the week. It has been cold and rainy here though so that could delay it some. I also have about 5 or 6 catepillars munching away and a few dozen eggs on the plants. I also have seen a few more monarchs flying around so hopefully we will get some more soon.
Jan 14, 2010
I have been having almost all females emerge. Sorry to the mamas of little boy angels. Hopefully, it won't be much longer.
Jan 12, 2010
It looks like we will get two more butterflies (unknown sexes at this time) and then there will be a few days to a week break before the others (about 10) hopefully start to emerge.
Jan 7, 2010
We have butterflies! There still are a couple that are ready to emerge too! Thank you God! FINALLY!!!
Here are a few from today sunning themselves.
Jan 6, 2010
I appreciate everyone's patience. I finally had a butterfly emerge today, unfortunately it was highly infected with the OE spore and was severely deformed and unable to fly. I had to euthanize her :( There are several more chrysalis that should have emerged by now, but are also infected with this deadly parasite. I am hoping some in my other cage will emerge healthy and that it won't be much longer. It has been in the 70s all week so at least the weather is cooperating now. So frustrated none the less...
EDITED TO ADD: A healthy female emerged today and 5 or 6 look like they will tomorrow. FINALLY!!! Pictures for some will be up on thursday or friday :)
Jan 5, 2010
I thought my butterflies would start emerging around December 5th. It is now December 19th and no butterflies. California has had a really cold past few weeks which why they have not emerged yet. It has been back up into the 70s the last few days. I am hoping they will come out soon :) Keep checking back...I haven't forgotten about all your angels.
