Bat issues

So the bats are back this year. Definitely migratory, as they disappeared over the winter. Makes sense- not much to eat here insect wise for a few months.

I neglected to screen off the gables, which is where they like to nest. Am very happy to have them around to control the bug population, but they do make a daily mess of the concrete apron leading into the barn. My inclination is to leave them be and try to make sure I screen off their roost this winter when they move on, and maybe put some bat boxes in a better spot.

Not that big a deal to sweep that up, but the puzzling issue is the babies that keep falling out of the nest, and what to do with them.

The live ones I try to put somewhere sheltered so they don’t get squashed, as it is a high traffic area.

Anyway, is this normal, or are they diseased in some way?  I did have one adult fall down during the day, which makes me wonder about their health status.

Any experts?  

https://permies.com/t/121137/Bats-belfry#974670

Artie Scott wrote:

Am very happy to have them around to control the bug population, but they do make a daily mess of the concrete apron leading into the barn.

Bat guano is considered a valuable resource - high in nitrogen, but also having some phosphorous, potassium and beneficial micro-organisms. ( http://www.batcon.org/resources/media-education/bats-magazine/bat_article/735 ) I would consider if there are specific spots you see the guano collecting and consider the bat equivalent of the poop tray some people have under chicken perches that the guano would collect on and be easy to relocate to a useful spot.

As for the illness, I have heard there's been a *really* nasty disease that has been killing bats, but it doesn't sound like what you're seeing. The link above is an international conservation group, so if you don't hear from some permies who are bat literate, maybe there is a place to post questions on their site. I does sound as if you're getting more deaths than would be natural or expected. World bug populations are down, and you said they migrate, so they could easily be stressed elsewhere and you're just seeing the end result. Like so many useful creatures, our bats are threatened and anything permies can do to help their long-term survival is worthwhile.

Contact your local wildlife rescue group.

There are multiple issues that can affect bats; rabies and white nose disease to name just two.

The babies cling to mum, monkey style, they fall off, most often, when weak or sick; mum may not be producing adequate milk, or mum could be transmitting toxins (pesticides?) in her milk.

White Nose is caused by a fungus, and as of yet is untreatable and fatal. Rabies in bats is easily transmitted to humans who tough them. BE ABSOLUTELY SURE you NEVER touch a bat with your bare hands (dispose of any gloves used) and ideally do not touch them at all - use tongs or a plastic tub or cardboard box that be immediately disposed of.

The frequency of lost babies concerns me greatly, this needs investigating to determine if something is negatively affecting the colony. If it is contagious to other mammals, humans, or bats something will need to be done.

Contact your local wildlife center, or see if there is a bat conservation group locally. You may also want to contact whatever serves as the government agency responsible for the environment, native wildlife, conservation or hunting. Someone needs to investigate this urgently, and get to the bottom of it to ensure there is no risk to yourself, your family, your stock or other bats.