Almost every bat that comes into care will need rehydration, food and rest before being released back into the wild. Dehydration should be a primary concern; very often a bat will not want, or be able, to eat until it is rehydrated. In addition a torpid bat will need to be warmed up gently before it can eat or drink.
- Water given little and often may be enough to address dehydration.
- In more serious cases rehydration support liquids given by mouth and designed for small animals, for example Royal Canin Rehydration Support sachets, are effective.
- Subcutaneous rehydration methods are not considered appropriate for British bat species.