diff --git a/parlai/core/torch_agent.py b/parlai/core/torch_agent.py
index 0a2f237908a..8796de7a6c5 100644
--- a/parlai/core/torch_agent.py
+++ b/parlai/core/torch_agent.py
@@ -2158,6 +2158,13 @@ def act(self):
         self.self_observe(response)
         return response
 
+    def _init_batch_reply(self, num_observations):
+        batch_reply = [
+            Message({'id': self.getID(), 'episode_done': False})
+            for _ in range(num_observations)
+        ]
+        return batch_reply
+
     def batch_act(self, observations):
         """
         Process a batch of observations (batchsize list of message dicts).
@@ -2182,10 +2189,7 @@ def batch_act(self, observations):
             num_observations = len(observations)
 
         # initialize a list of replies with this agent's id
-        batch_reply = [
-            Message({'id': self.getID(), 'episode_done': False})
-            for _ in range(num_observations)
-        ]
+        batch_reply = self._init_batch_reply(num_observations)
 
         self.is_training = batch.is_training