How to Build a Butterfly Aviary

Place the 8-foot long piece of netting on a clean carpet and fold the edge of the right side across to slightly overlap the edge of the left side. The resulting shape must resemble a tube.

Bunch the bottom of the tube together and tie the first piece of string around it.

Bunch the top of the tube together and tie the second piece of string around it. Make a loop with the ends of the string after the knot has been tied.

Stand on the ladder and screw a hook into a wooden ceiling beam.

Hang the tube of netting from the ceiling hook, using the loop of string at the top end.

Slip the first cardboard circle between the overlapping layers of netting and position it on the floor of the tube. Position the cardboard in a horizontal position. This flat piece of cardboard must be parallel to the ceiling and floor.

Stand on the ladder and slip the second cardboard circle between the overlapping layers of netting. Position it at the top of the tube. Place the cardboard in a horizontal position, so that it is parallel to the ceiling and floor.

Very carefully maneuver the thin branch between the overlapping sections of netting and place it in a vertical position in the tube. The branch can lean against the side of the netting, if necessary.

Obtain a number of native butterfly pupae from a butterfly farm. Use a needle to very carefully place a piece of thread through the tip of the pointed end of each of the pupae. Slip the pupae between the overlapping sections of netting and hang them on the branch.

Mix up a solution of one part sugar to between four and seven parts water and place in the shallow dish after the butterflies have emerged from the pupae. Wrap a piece of mosquito gauze over the dish to prevent the butterflies from falling in.

Release your butterflies after a few days and begin again with new pupae.