Can You Keep Bats As Pets? It All Comes Down To Their Ears!

Can you keep bats as pets

‍Bats are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures on earth. They can fly at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, and their wingspan is as much as 7 feet! Bats are also among the most beneficial animals you can have as pets. If you’re looking to add some furry friends to your home but aren’t sure if they’ll be a good match, check out these answers to common questions about keeping bats as pets. It all comes down to their ears… Bats are mammals with wings. That means that they can fly as birds and insects do, but they cannot fly as people do (sort of). Bats have stout bodies with long legs that allow them to reach roosts at night. Their body shape is unlike other bats: They have large ears, which help them hear sound vibrations in the air as they hunt for food or roost during the day. The ears of a bat help it hear sound vibrations in the air as it hunts for food or roosts during the day. Here’s more!

Can you keep bats as pets?

While it may be tempting to keep a bat as a pet, there are several important reasons why this is generally not recommended. To begin with, bats are wild animals, and humans have very little control over their instincts and behaviors. The most common species of bat kept as pets are fruit bats, such as the flying fox. However, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered.

Why Do Bats Exist?

1. Bats are important pollinators:

Bats help spread pollen from one flower to another, helping the plants reproduce. This is especially true of night-blooming plants such as yucca and agave that rely on bats for their cross-pollination. Without bats, many of these plants would struggle to survive.

2. Bats are important pest control:

Bats feed on a wide variety of flying insects, including moths and beetles. By controlling the insect population, bats help protect crops from destruction by these pests.

3. Bats provide valuable fertilizer for plants:

As insect-eating creatures, bats play an important role in dispersing nitrogen-rich guano around the world. This nutrient-rich substance is essential for plant growth, and without bats, it would not be available in such large quantities.

4. Bats spread seeds throughout the environment:

As they fly around, some bat species pick up seedpods from plants and carry them to new places, helping to disperse these vital building blocks of life.

5. Bats are vital indicators of environmental health:

Because bats rely on the environment for their food, they are good indicators of how healthy it is. If bat populations decrease in an area, it can be a sign that something is wrong with the local ecosystem.

6. Bats help control insect-borne diseases:

Bats feed on insects that can spread diseases such as Zika and dengue fever. By controlling the insect population, bats help reduce the risk of these dangerous illnesses.

7. Bats are a key food source for other animals:

Birds of prey, snakes and other predators all rely on bats for their meals. Without bats, these species would have to find other sources of food.

8. Bats provide economic benefits:

By controlling insect populations and acting as pollinators, bats help farmers increase crop yields. They also provide valuable guano that is used as fertilizer and, in some cases, can be sold for profit.

9. Bats help keep the night sky dark:

Bats eat a large number of moths and other insects that can otherwise disrupt astronomy activities. By keeping these populations in check, bats help to keep the night skies free from light pollution.

10. Bats are fascinating creatures:

From their unique bodies to their incredible echolocation abilities, bats are amazing animals that are full of surprises. They are a source of wonder and fascination for people all over the world, and they deserve to be protected.

How to Keep a Bat as a Pet?

1. Housing:

Bats need a large cage that is at least three times their body length. It should also have plenty of horizontal and vertical space, places to hide, and materials to climb on. Make sure the cage has tight-fitting mesh screens with no potential openings for them to escape. The temperature inside the cage should be between 65–75°F (18–24°C), with a humidity level of 60-80%.

2. Feeding:

Bats are insectivores, so they primarily eat insects, fruit, and nectar. It’s important to provide them with a variety of food sources to ensure they have all the nutrients they need. Live crickets, mealworms, wax worms, silkworms, and fruit flies are all good options.

3. Exercise:

To make sure your bat stays active and healthy, it’s important to create a stimulating environment filled with items for them to climb on or play with. Bats love to fly around their cage so you can also hang up some branches or other objects they can land on.

4. Socialization:

Bats are social animals and love to interact with their owners. Spending time with your bat every day and providing them with lots of attention can help form a strong bond between you and your pet bat. Handling the bat regularly will also help it become less shy around you.

5. Hygiene:

Bats need daily care to stay clean and healthy. Cleaning the cage regularly is essential and you should also provide them with a shallow bath of water every day to keep their wings moist. You may also need to trim their nails or claws occasionally if it becomes too long.

6. Veterinary Care:

Bats require regular visits to the veterinarian for checkups and other medical care. Your vet can help identify any potential health issues early on, as well as provide advice on how to best take care of your bat.

7. Safety:

Bats can carry diseases, and they have sharp teeth, so it’s important to handle them with extreme care. Always use thick gloves when handling your bat, and never leave your pet unattended with children or other animals.

8. Laws:

In some states, it’s against the law to keep bats as pets, so make sure you check your local laws before adopting one. Additionally, if you decide to get a bat from the wild, be aware that this is illegal in most places.

9. Commitment:

Caring for a bat can be time-consuming and expensive. Make sure you are prepared to make the necessary commitment before bringing a bat into your home. Additionally, make sure everyone in the household is comfortable with having a pet bat as they may not be suitable for everyone.

10. Adopting:

If you decide to adopt a bat, there are several organizations that can help. It’s important to do your research and find one that specializes in bats. Additionally, make sure the organization is reputable and provides healthy, well-socialized pets.

Tips for Keeping Bat as a Pet

1. Provide a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Bats should be fed a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as insects. It is important to provide variety in their meals to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients for health and longevity. Fruits such as apples, bananas, grapes, melons, peaches, and pears can be offered to your pet bat. Vegetables such as carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes can also be provided. Insects such as mealworms, crickets, or waxworms can also be a part of their diet.

2. Provide an appropriate cage for your bat.

It is important that the environment you provide for your pet is comfortable and secure. Make sure the cage is large enough for them to spread their wings and maneuver comfortably. It should be placed in an area away from drafts and lined with a removable substrate like paper towels or non-toxic bedding. Make sure you place branches inside the cage for climbing and perching.

3. Provide a dark environment that mimics their natural environment.

Bats are nocturnal animals, meaning they sleep during the day and become active at night. To help your bat adjust to their new environment, make sure you provide them with a dark area that simulates nighttime in nature. This can be done by covering the cage or using blackout curtains near their sleeping area.

4. Offer enrichment to keep your bat entertained.

Bats are social animals, so it is important to provide them with activities that promote mental stimulation. This can include hanging toys, placing branches and tunnels in their cage for exploration, or even providing an outdoor enclosure where they can fly around. Offering these types of enrichment will help to keep your pet bat active and engaged. By following these tips, you can provide your pet bat with a happy and healthy home. With the right care and attention, your pet bat can be a great companion for years to come.

5. Provide companionship.

Bats are social animals who thrive on interaction and companionship with their human caregivers. Spend time each day handling and interacting with your pet, providing treats or small toys as rewards for good behavior. You can also use positive reinforcement training to help your bat adjust to new environments or learn simple commands.

Conclusion

Bats are some of the fascinating animals on earth. They are nocturnal, fly at high speeds, and have large wingspans. They are also closely related to the opossum and the bat. If you’re looking to add some furry friends to your home but aren’t sure if they’ll be a good match, check out these answers to common questions about keeping bats as pets. It all comes down to their ears!

Barbara Botts
Barbara Botts is a news writer. She has a passion for writing and loves to share stories that matter with the world. Barbara is an advocate for social justice and believes in using her voice to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.