Modular Bat Condo 3x3 - A Bigger Bat House

Create a ~1,900+ Bat Super Sanctuary - Free Shipping - Installation Available

The BCM Modular Bat Condo is the best solution when providing a large, long term bat sanctuary on ranches, farms, large backyards, parks, environmental mitigation, and wildlife management areas.

We begin with dual 6''x6'' treated posts for redundancy and strength against high winds and long term deterioration. The 5.5'' space between the posts is filled with hand-roughened roost baffles dramatically increasing roost and cool-off space. Our 4-Chamber Universal ColonyLodge bat houses are added in a back-to-back bat configuration. These feature slots in the backs allowing bats to move into various sized crevices in the middle of the structure, or switch roost boxes to find their preferred microclimate. Use different colored ColonyLodge bat houses for maximum microclimate options. The 3x3 configuration may hold approximately ~1,918 bats using the 2 bats per linear inch rule!

When is big too big?? Bats often prefer roosting in larger structures, which can help buffer nighttime temperature extremes. They can also heat up faster in the morning. Years ago BCM assisted developing Bat Condos ranging from 4'x4' up to an impressive 16'x16' that contains tens of thousands of bats. Now our biologists consider multiple smaller bat house structures are much better than one large "condo"-class structure. Multiple bat houses spread the bat colony out among many structures, providing a variety of microclimate options. Multiple roosts provide bats with parasite and predator avoidance options. Multiple smaller bat roosts allow bat families to break up and segregate as they see fit. If one structure is vandalized or collapses over time, the whole colony will not suddenly be at risk, but will occupy the other nearby structures until repairs made. Multiple smaller roosts can be placed in slightly different areas in a wildlife management area, with different color configurations, and the bats are more likely to find one the suits them. 

What about costs and installation hassle? The Modular Condo is easier to install and is less costly than competing designs with similar capacity. It is possible to install multiple Modular Condos for the same cost as just one "bat condo"-class structure. In addition, our modular design breaks down into boxes that can be shipped UPS, and installed without heavy equipment if necessary. Build the Modular Condo off ladders and scaffolding, or assemble the entire unit on sawhorses and lift into place with some combination of staff, lifts, tractor, or truck.

One roof for all regions. A double sided aluminum roof is included, install white up for warm Gulf state and low elevations western climates, or brown up for cool climates, or paint black if desired. The center roost section is vented between each ColonyLodge. Individual modules of the Modular Condo receive heat from the sun and rapidly heat, but the center roost section is vented offering plenty of microclimate options. This design would be suitable anywhere where Mexican/Brazilian free tail, big brown, and little brown bats are found.

Installation. The Modular Condo is a significant structure, but by far the easiest to install and least expensive of any artificial bat roost available of similar capacity. It is possible to assemble the frame, put the posts in place, then add the bat houses and roof separately using ladders, scaffolding, or a lift machine. However, the entire assembly is best assembled on the ground on sawhorses. Lifting suggestions include four or more people lift the Condo while several pull or winch with a rope as the base slides into the holes. The Condo may also lean against a truck with an appropriate ladder rack, or lean on the bucket of a front end loader/forklift, etc. to be pushed into place. Expect 3-4 hours assembling and installing. BCM delivery, micro siting, and installation is available, please contact jchenger@batmanagement.com for a quote. 

Which color bat house is best for you? Both dark brown and our tan color has been successful in mid-FL and TX. Definitely select a black, dark green, or dark brown for most northern states and high elevations, or tan for warmer climates most of Florida and desert). It is possible to mix colors to provide a bigger range of microclimate options! Included with every bat house is a comprehensive manual, which will assist you with site determination, installation, and long-term maintenance tips.

What's Included?

• Frame Kit
  
• One (1) Aluminum Roof Panel + silver trim
• Center Baffles Cluster
• Six (6) Four-Chamber ColonyLodges

What's needed?

• Two 6''x6''x16' treated posts (obtain locally expect under $70 each)
• Compass to find ~140° SE
• Cordless drill (2 is handy to have phillips screw bit or socket on one, drill bit on a second)
• Drill socket adapter + socket set
• Combination square + tape measure
• Drill bit for predrilling holes in sides and metal roof
• Level (can use the combination square as a level)
• ~320 lbs Quick-dry concrete for post installation
• 4''x6'' Post Protector (strongly recommended in wet locations)
• Digging/tamping bar, post hole digger, shovel
• Outdoor deck stain for the sides and post, but wait 90 days before staining if treated post is new and wet from the treating process.

Lead time shipping with 7-14 days. Free shipping in CONUS

Contact sales@batmanagement.com for installation quote or Canadian shipping quote.

Bat house and installation overview can be seen in our online Learning Center section All About Bat Houses. Specific installation instructions included the  Modular Condo manual.