Rescued Small Tortoiseshell: Help Please

[Dawn]

Hi everyone,

I picked up a small tortoiseshell off the side of the road with a broken wing.

She's been living in my house, going outside during the day but she can't fly.

I've been making up a solution of honey and water and soaking cotton pads with it. And bringing home flowers for her.

I've made her a little house in my dining room (which she never stays in).

She's very friendly - jumping on and off my hand - and enjoys sunbathing on the back door mat.

The only thing is I never see her eat. I tried lending a helping hand but it upset her so...

Any help would be gratefully received.

[Pete Eeles]

Hi Dawn,

If the butterfly is unable to fly then, alas, there is nothing that you can do for it. This is, I'm afraid, just a reality of the natural world.

I can only suggest that you release it within a nettle patch where it may be able to find a natural place in which to hibernate, get through the winter, and possibly lead out a useful life next spring (i.e. mate). However, I suspect the odds are against that happening, I'm afraid.

Cheers,

- Pete