Feeding Monarchs

[joycegh]

I live in Oklahoma. We found cats on our butterfly weed and successfully witnessed all of them turn to Monarchs about 4 to 5 days ago. We followed the info on this website. There have been lots of storms and not very warm weather here especially overnight. I released 4 of them one day when it was in the upper 70s, only to find one near our home on the ground but still alive (the day after a bad storm with high winds). I now have 4 monarchs I am caring for indoors, in hopes of releasing them. Here's my questions:
Any tips on feeding them? They will not feed from potted lantana or pentas. 2 of 4 of them will feed on watermelon. The other two will barely feed even if I try and unfurl their proboscis. How often should I try and feed them? Do they need less food if they are flying less and it is cool? They are near a window with lots of light. If I release them and it gets to 50 overnight, will they die or just not be able to fly? Also if I have a male and female together, will they mate? Or should I keep them separate until I know I can release them? I just want the best outcome and odds for more monarchs....please advise.

Thanks,
Joyce

[Mona Miller]

I wish there was a fix for the search feature. There is so much info on this forum. Searching okay, but going back to your search the search page disappears.

Monarchs usually will not feed for up to 3 days. Maybe stored food from the pupa stage. But, I do mist the cage with water to give them water at least two times a day.

I use gatorade to feed them. The University of Florida uses this in their captive breeding programs.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1905&p=10049&hilit=Fink#p10049
Re: advice on collecting and hatching eggs
(Searched on "Fink")--knew that I had posted something about her video on feeding.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1905&p=10049&hilit=Fink#p10067
More good info.

[joycegh]

Thank you Mona! All very helpful.
Joyce