BatsQLD Orphan Carers | FB Group

… closed Facebook group for BatsQLD Orphan Carers. Created to share stories, seek help from mentors and get updates from our BatsQLD Orphan Coordinator.

The Flying Fox Manual by Dave Pinson

… one of the most comprehensive manuals on caring for injured and orphaned Flying Foxes. Definitely worthwhile getting a copy!

Equipment

Rescue Basket

  • transport of Flying Foxes after rescue or to vet appointments
  • hospital cage for Flying Foxes requiring bedrest
  • housing for Flying Fox orphans during the first few weeks
  • PRO: small gaps so animal is well contained, arms / wings / thumbs unlikely to get stuck
  • CON: Flying Foxes are unable to hang comfortibly in these baskets
WILDSAFE: Wildlife Rescue Baskets and Supplies

Rescue Cage

  • transport of Flying Foxes after rescue or to vet appointments
  • hospital cage for Flying Foxes requiring bedrest or quarantine
  • housing for Flying Fox orphans during the first few weeks
  • PRO: Flying Foxes can hang comfortibly in this cage when its stood on its side
  • CON: animal is not well contained as arms / wings / thumbs can reach through the wire gaps and can get stuck … partial fix: pulling a men size Tshirt (with top cut off) with a tight fit over the cage

Large Pet Carrier / Soft Crate

… an economic option for short term housing of Flying Foxes and Microbats.

min size 51cm (H) x 68.5cm (W) x 51cm (D)

  • Flying Fox and Microbat hospital cage or for quarantine
  • transport crate for multiple animals
  • housing older Flying Fox orphans
  • PRO: soft shell prevents injuries and animal is well contained, collapsible for storage, fits on the backseat of most cars for transport
  • CON: before use, netting needs to be installed on the roof for Flying Foxes to hang on, some Microbat species can chew through the mesh, challenging to keep clean and wears out over a few seasons
Kmart pet-carrier-large – an ecomonic option

Cockatoo Cage

  • Flying Fox hospital cage or quarantine
  • housing older Flying Fox orphans
  • CON: large wire gaps can cause injury or entanglement of Flying Fox arms / wings / thumbs

Bat Max

… If you are looking for a super easy to set up, free-standing enclosure for Flying Foxes, this is it! Sturdy frame 1.8 x 1.8 x 1.8 m, all inclusive with fitted netting and zipper door, setup in 15 min, ready for indoor use.

For outdoor use, additional snake-proofing required. Ideal for housing up to 6 older Flying Fox orphans and medium term rehab adults.

CatNet Freestanding Enclosure

Intensive Care Unit

Brinsea TLC Incubator … or similar model

  • young Flying Fox and Microbat orphans on heat support during the first few weeks
  • intensive care of compromised adult animals