bats in one of my nest boxs

[tigertom]

Only found this out to day I have got a sparrow nest box on side of house was in use by sparrows last year and was wondering why not this year, and was tonight talking to guy who lives next to me who infrormed me that hes seen bats comeing out of this box and not just once but many times said he thought I new and it was what the box was for, I have seen bats many times over my pond normaly around twilight, will these bats move to a bat box if I put one up for them I will wait till winter to do this, then again are they likely to come back next year.

[davecatt]

Originally Posted by tigertom

Only found this out to day I have got a sparrow nest box on side of house was in use by sparrows last year and was wondering why not this year, and was tonight talking to guy who lives next to me who infrormed me that hes seen bats comeing out of this box and not just once but many times said he thought I new and it was what the box was for, I have seen bats many times over my pond normaly around twilight, will these bats move to a bat box if I put one up for them I will wait till winter to do this, then again are they likely to come back next year.

Bats are social animals and may well move to a bat box when the temperature drops if there are other bats in the area looking for somewhere to hibernate,or,they will continue to use the bird box through the winter. Why not put one up now and give them time to get used to it?

You may as well stick up another box for the sparrows just in case you get an increase in bat numbers
Dave

[Dogghound]

Bats wont hibernate in the bird box, or standard bat boxes as they are not thick enough and do not offer a stable temperature throughout the winter. Its likely that bats would perish over the winter in one. They are more likely to move into an old building, mine, cellar, cave etc depending n the species of course. They are likely to return next year if the habitat remains similar. Adding a bat box would be a good idea especially for use as a transitional roost, male roost or even a maturnity roost.

Its unlikely that its the bats that are putting the sparrows off, sparrows are quite aggressive and would most likely turf the bats out. Bats tend to avoid roosting in or around birds nests and there is documented evidence that birds will occassionally kill bats in these situations (i.e. great tit).

Have you been and seen these bats? in my experience most species dont often use bird boxes as they are quite open and dont provide small gaps to crawl into, however species such as daubentons will use them. Do you know what species they are? what is the surrounding habitat? are you urban?

[nightshade]

I have birds using boxes as overnight roosts, and Bats do occassionally use them through the day. I have found Pips in Schwegler boxes, sharing with Bluetits, and there were several seasons tit nests in some of the boxes.
I do have bat boxes and although they are used it is only single bats.

[tigertom]

I live on the edge of an estate next to large area of park land towards the back of me with a mix of grass land srub and woodland and allso have a canal and wild meddows and birch wood half mile away and a woodland trust wood 100mts to the front of me, and there is lots of woodland round about were I live. as type of bat not got a clue when they come out they spend about 10-15 mins flying round top of two birch trees in my garden diping down some times over garden pond (how they miss my fence when they do this I dont no) normaly four or five bats that I have seen, size wise look bigger than ones I see over local lake when fishing (think thay are pips) and smaller than some I see in park now and then but as said am clueless about bats but do see a lot around about were I live. HOPE WILL THIS BE OF HELP THANKS

[nightshade]

If you want a positive I.D. contact your local Bat Group and they may know or be pleased to come and identify your bats.
As I tried to say, it is rather hit or miss with bat boxes, I find most bats like a South East facing bat box, the recommended practice is to fit three boxes to a tree. My boxes are on the house wall and one on a tall post.
This is one of my favourite sites and should give you lots to think about.
I find that clean builders planks give good insulation at around 1" thick.
Warwickshire Bat Group

The Bats of Britain

Please let me know how you get on