Bat House Forum

[micaaronfl]

how bout this one, a little cheaper although i havent looked into shipping yet:

http://www.amazon.com/Looker-OBC-Bat-Tr ... 731&sr=8-1

[Terry Lobdell]

I actually have one of these boxes that was given to me a few years ago.........I covered the roof with aluminum and have it mounted at a local nature center........and it does get a lot of usage from some little brown bats there!

[Dave M]

I think the dimensions listed on "Wild Birds" box is outside dimensions, not internal dimensions of the crevice.

[William Bagwell]

The one I looked at (WBU Single Chamber Bat House ) lists the depth as 4 1/4". Assuming the front and back are each 3/4" thick and the inset from the front and back edges are both 1/2". Subtracting all of that out leaves a 1 3/4" crevice for wasps to build nests in

[po boy]

William,

that's what I meant. Most likely more than 2"

[cloudman75]

My comment on the single chamber, it's too small for the money, get a three chamber minimum same money if possible.
A single chamber those dimensions is just too small period for a maternity colony.


Frank

[Terry Lobdell]

Plus single chamber boxes lose too much heat.........I've never had a maternity colony use a single chamber box mounted on a pole.........

[micaaronfl]

ok guys purchased a 3 chamber and have it mounted 16 feet high against the chimney stack. morning sun also.

question anything else i can do to attract the bats? i have stained it a very dark color.

Also when do the bats start looking for home? im in bucks county pa, so i assume when the weather gets a little warmer they will come out of hibernation. anyone know the timeframe?

[Terry Lobdell]

Here in NWPA the earliest I have observed little brown bat guano under my bat boxes is April 9th. I'm guessing in your area they may be back by April 1st. They seem to trickle back........I usually have a few more each day and by May 15th they are all back. Don't be disappointed if you don't get bats right away.........I have found if there is not already a maternity colony close by it takes awhile to get them.

As far as attracting them, the best thing I have found is to mount a box that has already been used by bats. A box with lots of urine stains on the landing pad seems attract bats quickly.

If you don't get bats as quickly as you would like what I would do is get a small box and mount it somewhere near a large maternity roost. They will definitely use it especially after the pups start flying........once it has some visible urine stains, take it down and mount it near your box at home......

Another thing to keep in mind........bats seem to explore new boxes the most right after pups start flying..........Here at my home I mount a lot of boxes that I am going to sell or give away temporarily often in places that seem unlikely to attract bats. Every year it amazes me that I find bats in every single box.........I'm guessing they are pups judging from the size and color (darker). Maybe pups are just more curious?

[micaaronfl]

hmmm bat urine huh, i have no clue were i can get that around here. bats fly overhead but i have no idea where they normally hang out.

[Terry Lobdell]

You would have to mount a small box some place where there is an existing colony.......the fresher the better.......John Chenger of Bat Conservation and Management of Carlyle PA would know.....

[Markcuda]

This is what I got today.
Was very impressed with the build quality.
If you spend over 75 bucks, the shipping is free, as I did.
http://barninthesticks.com/contents/en- ... house.html