How to Make a Bird Bath Dripper

Adding a drip feature to your birdbath is a wonderful way to attract birds to your yard. Birds are naturally attracted to the sound of dripping water, which they often hear before seeing or smelling. Drip features also keep the water moving, which helps prevent mosquitoes from using it to lay eggs. You can make your own birdbath dripper with a plastic jug and a little experimentation.

Empty 1-gallon plastic jug with lid
Vinegar or bleach
Bottle brush
Bracket or shepherd's hook
Small nail

Instructions

- 1
  Empty the plastic jug. It is best if you use a container that held water. If you are using an old milk jug, clean it out thoroughly with vinegar or a 10-percent solution of diluted bleach. Scrub it with a bottle brush and rinse thoroughly before using.
- 2
  Pierce a small hole in the bottom of the jug. Don't make it too large to start out. You can always make it larger later.
- 3
  Place a shepherd's hook or bracket over your birdbath.
- 4
  Fill the jug with a small amount of water., replace the lid and hang it on the hook.
- 5
  Test the drip rate. You want the water to drip at a rate of about 10 drips per minute. If it is not dripping fast enough, you can enlarge the hole. Tightening and loosening the cap will also adjust the flow rate.
- 6
  Fill the jug up with water once you have an acceptable flow rate. Place your finger over the hole to keep the water from dripping out as you replace the jug on the hook. Refill the jug as necessary.
- 7
  Clean the jug regularly with vinegar or diluted bleach to prevent any mildew, fungi or bacteria.

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