How long should I wait before moving the chrysalis to the butterfly habitat?Updated 25 days ago

After 2-3 days your chrysalides should be fully formed.  It is a good idea to wait until the last caterpillar that has formed into a chrysalis has hardened for at least 2 days before moving all the chrysalides over to their new airy home.  If one caterpillar is behind in development, follow the instructions using this link.

• Set up your habitat and assemble the Chrysalis Station; your habitat should be placed away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and somewhere undisturbed.  Place a cloth or paper towel underneath to prevent any drops of meconium from staining your furniture.
• Gently remove the lid; use your thumb and index finger to loosen the edge of the lid all around before removing it.
• Remove all silk surrounding the chrysalides; a dry cotton bud is great for this, or use your fingernails.  It is really important to remove all silk attached and surrounding them as this may impede the butterflies' hatching and cause deformity. During this process the chrysalides may wriggle, this is normal and they should soon settle once in the habitat!
• Use the Chrysalis Station or Holding Log; ideally, the chrysalides should be hanging down against the lid and not touching each other.  Turn the lid until the ideal position has been met, then slot in the Station /Log.  Do not worry if you have not been able to stop any from touching, or if some rest on the Station/Log.
• Transfer to the habitat; place the Chrysalis Station/Log into the habitat, near the side of the mesh netting, facing inwards.