My Gazebo Butterfly House from www.gazebo.co.nzIts covered with a very fine black mesh that makes it easy to see through, but keeps the butterflies in, and the nasties out.
I'm thrilled with it.
(Scroll down to the bottom to see progress photos of it being built)
The Red Admiral Butterflies feeding on nectar made using honey, water and soya sauce. After being introduced to it a few times, they tend to help themselves during the day, then at dusk I put each one on a dish to ensure its had a proper feed.Inside the dish is a pot scrub cut to fit the containers...this stops the butterflies getting stuck in the nectar. The minute I put them in the dish they unfurl their tongue if hungry, and begin to feed.
We had a ranchslider put in for the door. It will provide easy access as well as a bit of protection from any southerly wind. I bought a wine barrel for a feeding table. Theres flowering plants for nectar, and stinging nettle plants for the Admiral caterpillars.
A view of the two clear panels for extra light.
Concrete floor finished. We have put a plughole in the floor to let out any excess water from watering plants etc.
The Gazebo's roof on, and boxing sorted for the concrete. The grass in the middle was dug out before pouring the concrete.
Attaching the Rafters.
Above is a photo of the posts in position, and cemented in. Braces are holding the posts while the cement sets.
Until now I have been using a temporary Gazebo as a butterfly enclosure for breeding Admirals, but now I have had a permanent one built, so it will make things a lot easier.
I bought a kitset Gazebo, and here it is being unloaded.
