Raising trays and space. I found that cut-off cardboard trays that soda pop cans come in to be the most convenient. They are a nice size, 2.5" high by 10" wide by 15" long. They have a flat bottom, with no seams. They are not treated by chemicals. (I found some larger trays and killed prime worms because the cardboard had been treated with an insecticide. Soda pop or beer doesn't need such "protection".)

One tray comfortably holds 40 maturing caterpillars. When they are little they take up much less space, of course. A location has to be out of direct sunlight and not near a heat vent. They need to be warm, but not toasted. But they must not get cold, for they get indigestion and die if they are too cold.

It's wise to have them where you'll see them, so you won't forget to feed them. Feeding at least four times a day is good. My best yield came from feeding them whenever they finished the leaves in the tray.

To secure from ants and roaches, place each tray on four glasses, one at each corner, which themselves have been placed in saucers of water. To secure from mice, cover the trays with screening.

Spinning "Frames". The caterpillars like to spin in corners. They construct first a loose hammock, then sit in its middle and create the egg shaped cocoon around themselves. Egg cartons are often used by home raisers. My favorite frames are open work vine wreaths, obtained from a crafters supply shop. The caterpillars crawl inside and spin cocoons on the inside of the wreath. The sides are open enough that cocoons can be easily removed. And a well filled wreath is a beautiful ornament just as it is.

Mating trays. About two weeks after spinning, moths begin to emerge from the cocoons. The same type cut-off soda pop trays work fine. They should be clean fresh trays though, not the same ones used for raising. Moths are comfortable being handled, gently. A gauze scarf over the trays will keep them from fluttering off. The males do tend to wander.

On to Processing the cocoons