Does anyone know anything about raising orphan bats?

Sure, Sadly I'm well aware that in West VA wildlife rehabilitation is illegal (so you won't be getting help from the state). That said, feel free to give us a call in VA (I'll provide numbers at the end) lots of fallen bat pups are being reported lately. Often the primary cause of the fallen bats is simply an overburdened mother (if the mother isn't strong, or if there are too many young, the extra weight of a pup or two might be too much) sometimes they will defend them on the ground, but often they don't survive after separation if are 0-2 week old pups. Pups are also incredibly difficult to feed and the species are rabies vectors and are quite defensive once they get their teeth, so there's that to worry about later.

So, all that said, shoot a call out and we'll find out the best thing for you to do.

Best source of info is probably Leslie Sturges at NOVA Batworld (number in link http://www.batworld.org/local_rescue/maplists/map.... ) So no one can say I posted a private number

Or myself and those I work with over at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (# also included in that link)

Unless you're talking to the Doc, you may not get as complete information as you would from Leslie (bats are her specialty), however we're located right on the border and will rehab any fallen bats you may find if you can get them to us, call first about transport advice if that is possible.

*by the way, just read Panthera's info, 100% right for your initial. However, the pups will likely not be ready to lap up the water or lactated ringers (you can try a soaked cottonball, they cling to it and suck sometimes like it's their mother).

Injury and mites will likely not be present in a pup, however the warmth and hydration and safety info is worth paying attention to.

You would need to take the bat to a local wildlife rehab..there are some that specialize in bats..look here:

http://www.batworld.org/local_rescue/local_rescue....

Unless you have been vaccinated for rabies you should not be handling bats at all as they can carry rabies although it is not as common in bats as most people think. Also, there should not be a reason you would need to raise a baby bat, the parents should do that. Unless it is injured, you should just leave it be. Also, bats do NOT react the same way other mammals do when they are rabid..it would NEVER cause them to attack people.

I have a squirrel and a cat. The squirrel was once child while I met her in a puppy retailer. Of path in my nation too it's unlawful! But nonetheless they promote... She was once residing in an excessively small cage. I introduced her to my residence and purchase a massive cage which can be bought for parrots. More than 4 years handed. I have found out plenty approximately the squirrels, through my test, through the cites in Internet and through a few guides. I take her with me in which ever I move. To the beach, mountains, forests...I believe, she threats me like a tree. Always unearths a situation underneath my polars, or my sweatshirts...Only in designated durations (2 occasions in a 12 months) she turns into nerves and bites me savagely. In the ones durations I check out to not contact her. Eight months in the past, my daughter has introduced a child cat. Now she is fitting a tender woman. She could also be very extraordinary ... They are living in combination underneath my inspection. We are completely satisfied... What can I write extra?...

Hello.

I am actually training to get my bat license at the moment (I live in UK, and its illegal to even touch one without a permit)

I work with my local 'batman' once a week. Been rearing pups recently.

I will try my best to help you on here, and feel free to email me if you have any questions:

You will need:

1) Leather gloves... I really do not advise holding it without them. They are very calm, and I assume its not got rabies, BUT its illegal to handle bats without a rabies shot here... because, although its rare, it can happen. You will know if its rabid, because it will be all over the show, trying to kill you.

2) A small container... any kind of SMALL terrarium is good... if you don't have one now, find something really secure... because you would be surprised at the size of the gaps they can fit through.

REMOVAL OF PARASITES:

First of, you will need to get rid of any mites, even pups get them. You need a paintbrush, or cotton wool bud. Dip it in warm water and gently brush the pup, any mites will stick to the brush. Dispose of them in a cup of water.

Ticks can be twisted out gently, or painted with olive oil (it suffocates them, and they fall of after an hour or so)

ITS HOUSE:

The tank, or box, will need to be well and truly bat proof... make it as if its for a tiny spider- no escape route.

The bat will need a few pieces of tissue paper, draped over the side of the box. Kitchen towel works best as its got holes in. This gives the baby a place to hide, and cling to. A bat that's grounded, is NOT healthy.

HEAT:

Your bat NEEDS heat, and QUICKLY.

If you have a heat mat- amazing. Put a folded up towel over it, and put batty on it while you clean away his mites.

If not... a hot water bottle, wrapped up lots. Put him on it. It will need to be changed every few hours to maintain a certain temperature. Bats go in to shock when cold, and you would be surprised at how active they become when warm.

CHECK FOR INJURY:

Sticky wing:

is common. Unfold his wings gently, if there is a sticky goo in the folds, then use a cotton wool bud or brush, to wipe it away.

Use a warm salt water solution for this.

Wing membrane necrosis:

Common. the wings will be flaky and dry, and it takes a while to heal. Use a strong moisturizer, we use E45 cream here, do you have that in the states? If so, gently massage that in to cracked areas.

Anything else will need a vet: Wing tears, fractures...

REHYDRATION:

Get lactade from the vet is possible, but for now...

Mix ONE LITRE of warm water, with ONE TABLESPOON of SUGAR, and ONE TEASPOON of SALT. Make sure the minerals are dissolved.

If you have a syringe available, amazing, give him 0.5 mill.

If not, use the HANDLE of a teaspoon, and gently dab some liquid on to his face, he should lick it up.

You will know when he is full- he will stop drinking. BUT if he doesn't drink, force him.

This rehydration is VERY important, he will suffer without it.

FOOD:

Yes, they are insectivores.

You need to get some meal worms ASAP.

This sounds nasty, but its got to be done, mealys are to bug for this little guy. Cut their heads of and squeeze out the insides, offer it to him with tweezers.

If you have a way to catch ant mosquitoes, then to that.

He will need food every couple of hours, so be prepared for long nights.

Wax worms and maggots are fine to.

Offer him water on a teaspoon handle AFTER the fluid mix. Keep that salt/sugar mix in the fridge for a few days, warm it when you feed him it, he should have it every few hours.

CHECKLIST:

- Warm?

- Rehydrated?

- Food?

- Checked for injury?

- Secure house?

Email me if you need anything else. Good luck.