Bird Bath Facts

Types

• Bird baths come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The most recognizable bird bath is a rounded basin that is attached to a pedestal. Bird baths are also hung on chains or secured to poles, trees or deck ledges. The bird bath may be a simple shell-shaped piece or an elaborate solar-powered fountain. The units are constructed of durable polymer, batch concrete, lightweight resin or glass.

Basin

• The bird bath basin or well should be no deeper than 2 to 4 inches for the safety of the birds. The basin depth can be shortened by placing several rocks at the bottom for birds to stand on. Sandpaper is useful to scratch up the smooth bottom of a new basin as birds do not like to stand on the slippery surface. Tiered basins will lure a larger number of birds, but they can take a longer period of time to clean.

Special Features

• Manufacturers provide elements that can be added to a bird bath for the comfort and security of the birds. A heating element is added to a bird bath to keep the water from freezing. This allows birds access to water throughout the winter. A battery operated unit can be installed in a bird bath to create ripples in the water, which keeps the water from becoming stagnant. Stagnant water can be inviting for mosquitoes, which are carriers of the West Nile virus, to lay eggs there. Spray fountain features are added to make inviting sounds that draw birds to the clear water. Hummingbirds will fly through a mister that is set up in the center of the bird bath.

Caution

• A bird bath must be maintained for the safety of the winged creatures that come to depend on it. The water in a bird bath must be changed frequently to prevent bacteria. Vinegar and water should be used to scrub the basin to rid the basin of algae and dirt. Always use fresh non-chlorinated water for the birds. Dirty water can bring disease and possibly death to the birds that visit a poorly maintained bird bath.