Email: mark@ameyzoo.co.uk

Introduction

Fruit Bats are a part of a much larger order with 18 families and nearly 1000 species. Bats are true flying mammals not like Sugar Gliders or Flying Squirrels. Bats are beneficial to man and the environment, The tiny insect eating bats can catch over 600 Mosquitoes an hour, and the fruit and pollen eating bats not only pollinate plants but also distribute seeds via their droppings, Their are a number of seeds that can only germinate by passing through the guts of birds or bats. Bats are found all over the warmer parts of the world. Most often offered species are the Egyptian or African fruit bat or the larger Indian fruit bat is occasionally available.

Characteristics

Fruit bats use their eye sight and smell more than most bats to locate food, they are limited in the use of echo location. Fruit bats can live up to 10 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity. They clean their fur (dense and soft) with their tongues and back feet.

Captive Environment

Ideally the larger the enclosure the better or the freedom of a room (beware as their loose droppings can soil carpets and furniture). Plastic coated wire is highly recommended for two reasons, one to protect the bat and two ease of cleaning. Large branches and diagonal perches (must be secure) with a feeding table, (anchored or weighted to the floor) which would be covered in an easy to clean and absorbent material such as Pine shavings, Hemp, Corn cob, etc, but not cedar.

Feeding and nutrition

Feeding is not a problem but they will eat varying amounts daily and its often hard to predict how much they want. If a few are kept together they should be fed from many locations to avoid conflict.

Fruits enjoyed are bananas, pears, apples, mangos, papaya, melons, grapes, tomatoes, small amounts of oranges, which must have calcium, vitamin and mineral supplements sprinkled on. Also offer protein in the form of monkey/primate pellets or a low fat cat food (i.e..eukanuba,iams). Greens are also enjoyed occasionally (not ice burg lettuce) mustard cress, Spring Greens / Brussel tops.

Fresh water must ALWAYS be available

General Health Information

Prevention is far better and cheaper than a cure. Always remove uneaten food and soiled water and keep enclosure clean. Daily interaction will identify individual personalities and names can help so as to spot any changed characteristics or behaviours. This is usually a sign of poor health or any number of ailments.

Always consult a veterinarian if in doubt and when administrating medication for internal use or when treating external wounds and parasites.

Breeding

Males have a penis not dissimilar to primates and testis drop in breeding season. Females are not unlike most mammals with a placenta with two ovaries. When babies are born they cling to the mother and feed on one of two nipples located near arms pits. Once the baby is left to hang for itself I recommend increased interaction to tame to your requirements.