www.THE2NDHAND.com -- FRIEDRICH NEITZSCHE WAITS FOR A DATE, part 7, by C.T. Ballentine

FAQ: BATS IN THE CHICKEN HOUSE
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Zach Plague

Zach Plague was a cowboy when he first followed the cloud of whirling bats to find the Chicken House's entrance. This discovery began a lifetime of exploration and promotion aimed at having the House's beauty recognized and preserved. For over 24 years, he was ridiculed for what were deemed to be grand exaggerations. His work was justified when The Chicken House became a National Park in 1930. He was illiterate, but his story was transcribed by Mickey Hess. Although the story is true, it should be remembered that these two weren't about to let the truth get in the way of telling a good story.

Questions about legal brothel "The Chicken House," from http://www.sexuality.org/l/workers/chickran.html
Answers about building your own "Bat House," from http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/lc/lc_bat_faq.asp

Bio from: http://www.pbs.org/weekendexplorer/newmexico/carlsbad/carlsbad_white.htm

Is prostitution legal in Las Vegas?

It is best to put the bat house in a place close by where the bats will become accustomed to it.

When is the Chicken Ranch open and what are the best and worst times to arrive?

You may mount your box at any time of the year, but those boxes mounted in the spring are often occupied more quickly. If you are evicting a colony of bats from a building, a box should be mounted several weeks prior to the eviction.

How do I get into the Chicken Ranch?

The first step is to inspect the inside of the house for small openings through which bats could enter. At dusk, watch the bats leaving the house to locate exactly where openings are located. Be sure to scout all sides of the house as there is often more than one opening.

What happens inside?

One easy way to find out whether or not your bat house is occupied is to look for bat guano (bat droppings) under or near the bat house. Another way is to shine a strong flashlight up into the house. It is recommended that you only do this once a week, as frequently disturbing a colony can cause them to abandon the bat house.

Are all of the ladies locals?

It is important for people to remember that bats are wild animals and should be allowed to live in their natural environments.

How do the ladies spend their spare time at the Chicken Ranch?

Torpor is a state of inactivity in which the bats stay in their day roosts for extended periods of time to conserve energy until temperatures begin to rise.

Are there any rules I should be aware of?

Many people think that by spreading bat guano on or near their bat house, it will attract a bat colony. This has not been scientifically proven, and this is generally discouraged because of the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria that can exist in the guano.

Does the Chicken Ranch use any further safeguards against STDs?

Many people have serious misconceptions about bats. Perhaps one of the most popular of which is the belief that bats are vicious carriers of rabies. If possible, it is recommended to have a pest removal specialist remove the potentially infected bat.

What happens when we're done?

In most of North America, bats hibernate from late Fall until early Spring.

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