United States
£ GBP
*Please note that due to the nature of this product, we are unable to ship by our usual shipping methods. As a result the actual shipping price may not be accurately reflected during on-line check out. Items usually incur a minimum shipping cost of £59.50 (ex VAT) and may be higher for some postcodes. Please contact our Customer Services Department on 01803 865913 or customer.services@nhbs.com to obtain a shipping quote. As these boxes are made to order please contact customer.services@NHBS.com for current lead times.
This double chambered rocket box provides a large roosting area for bats and allows them to adjust to micro-climates within the roost site during the day by moving from one side of the box to another. The rocket box is made from exterior plywood and can be supplied either in a standard black finish or a bespoke coloured finish as required.
You will also need a pole to mount the rocket box on, which is not supplied with the box. These can be picked up relatively easily from most builder's merchants. The dimensions of the pole required are 100mm x 100mm and a recommended length is 2.5m.
If you require a bespoke finished box, please contact us on 01803 865913 or customer.services@nhbs.com to discuss your colour requirements.
Installation
Orientation
Temperature is known to be the major factor influencing successful uptake of artificial roost by bats. In general, bats seek warm spaces to help them with rearing young. For this reason, Habibat should be located where it will receive the maximum amount of sunlight. In the northern hemisphere this will be the southerly aspects/orientation (south, south-west and south-east).
Height
Position Habibat a minimum of 2 metres but preferably 5 to 7 metres above ground. Avoid placement above windows, doors and wall climbing plants, thereby reducing the likelihood of predation by cats. A position near the eaves or gable apex of the property would be preferable.
Landscape considerations
To make Habibat a potential roost for a wider range of bat species, it is helpful to consider whether there is nearby linear vegetation features such as hedges and treelines. This is because some bat species use these features for navigation between their roosting site and feeding ground and to avoid flying in open and exposed areas.
Monitoring:
Bats and their roosts are legally protected from disturbance and damage. For this reason only a licenced bat worker should closely examine the Habibat to check for bat usage. However, anyone can check for signs of bat use. This includes the presence of bat droppings on the plinth and surrounding walls and the outflight of bats at dusk.
The Bat Conservation Trust wants to assist with monitoring installed Habibats as a means to research what works for bats. If you have any questions about installing your Habibat please contact the BCT Helpline on: 0845 1300 228
