Bat flying around in kitchen

OBG · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 08:36 PM

Hi,

Tonight i have found a bat flying around in my kitchen.

I have caught it and placed it inside a small cardboard box. Not sure where the bat came from, It appears to be ok.

I know bats generally hibernate at this time of the year. What is the best course of action, should i release it outside in the morning?

Any info appreciated.

OBG

thunder · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBG

Hi,

Tonight i have found a bat flying around in my kitchen.

I have caught it and placed it inside a small cardboard box. Not sure where the bat came from, It appears to be ok.

I know bats generally hibernate at this time of the year. What is the best course of action, should i release it outside in the morning?

Any info appreciated.

OBG

Best to release it outside as soon as possible, unless it is blowing a gale. As long as the area is cat free, just place the open box outside, near a rough wall or a rough barked tree, and it should scoot off of its own accord.

henrya

turkeyneck · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 09:48 PM

Here's an interesting link for future reference, wish I'd read it before having to remove several over the years all without wearing gloves!

Bat Rescue Advice

OBG · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 10:13 PM

Thanks for the replies,

The bat has been making quite a bit of noise and is obviously quite lively and healthy.

I will take it outside, loosen the lid of the box and see if he has gone in the morning.

OBG

vole-woman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-12-2010, 04:12 PM

You lucky thing. I'd love to see a bat close up. Hope it's OK in the morning.

Farplace · #6 (**permalink**) 12-12-2010, 04:54 PM

One thing to bear in mind when releasing bats: Don't just take it outside and toss it into the air as if it was a bird. If you do this the bat will almost certainly crash-dive. I generally let the bat crawl off my hand and onto a tree or a building. This way it can fly when it's ready to do so.

OBG · #7 (**permalink**) 13-12-2010, 08:24 AM

I took the bat in the box, placed it in a sheltered place and loosened the lid.

Next morning it had gone, hopefully it will be ok.

OBG

nightshade · #8 (**permalink**) 13-12-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBG

I took the bat in the box, placed it in a sheltered place and loosened the lid.

Next morning it had gone, hopefully it will be ok.

OBG

Well done for taking care of the bat. Did you think to take its photo for identification?

OBG · #9 (**permalink**) 13-12-2010, 11:30 AM

I should of done but didnt. I have looked on the site site and believe it was a Pipastrelle bat.

OBG

STYRBJORN · #10 (**permalink**) 13-12-2010, 11:50 AM

Now that's sorted, I would like to relate a similar experience. I found an old bat flapping about in the kitchen. I put her in a cumfy chair, made her a nice cup of Earl Grey and said, "Mother in law, you really should ask one of us to help if you want something to eat."

Hmm. Coat, hat, wellies . . .