The following considerations should be taken into account:
The time of year in relation to the bat’s life cycle, for example, a bat in care during the summer season will have different requirements to a bat discovered during the winter time when bats will normally be hibernating. Please note, however, that this does not include sick/injured bats,
The bat’s injury – an external heat source can be an invaluable tool for very sick bats and will aid recovery,
Adult/juvenile/baby – An external heat source helps very young babies to maintain their body temperature and digest their food.
The heat source should be located at one end of the housing; this will then provide a heat gradient giving the bat an opportunity to move towards or away from the heat depending on its needs.