A bird bath is an artificial puddle or small shallow pond, created with a water-filled basin, in which birds may drink, bathe, and cool themselves. A bird bath can be a garden ornament, small reflecting pool, outdoor sculpture, and part of creating a vital wildlife garden.
A bird bath is an attraction for many different species of birds to visit gardens, especially during the summer and drought periods. Bird baths that provide a reliable source of water year-round add to the popularity and “micro-habitat” support.
Watching them in the bird bath is a special treat, there is one only word to describe it… Joyful!
Maintenance:
A bird bath requires regular maintenance. There are a variety of methods and substances that can be used to clean a bird bath, including small quantities of bleach, oregano or olive oil, or commercially available, non-toxic cleaning products. Maintenance for some bird baths may be as simple as a daily quick wash and refill, but it will depend on the bird bath materials. This is important because of the possible adverse health effects of birds drinking dirty water, or water which may have become fouled with excrement, mosquito larvae, algae, or fungi. Fresh water is important.
Mosquitoes and mosquito larvae are the most serious potential health risk that can be caused by poor bird bath maintenance. To prevent mosquito larvae, change the bird bath water weekly to interrupt their 7-10 day breeding cycle.
FAQ
Why do birds’ poop in bird bath?
So when a bird takes on water either by drinking or bathing, instinct tells them to get rid of any useless weight to be a more efficient flyer. As a result, poop happens. Both waste products come out together because birds have a single opening called a cloaca, which they use for waste disposal and reproduction.
Are bird baths bad?
A birdbath can be an excellent water source, but it can also be dangerous, even deadly, to birds if it is not properly used and maintained. Learning about birdbath safety can help birders be prepared to offer a cool drink or quick dip to their backyard birds without accidental harm.
Should I put rocks in my bird bath?
Pea gravel or large stones in the bottom of you bath basin also serve to give bathing birds better footing while using the bath. This is necessary to make the birds feel less vulnerable while they bathe.
Can birds drink dirty water?
MYTH: Dirty Baths Are Okay Since Birds Drink From Dirty Puddles Anyway. A dirty bird bath is hazardous to any birds that drink from it. Stagnant, contaminated water can harbor unhealthy concentrations of bacteria from feces or shed feathers that cause avian diseases.
Can a bird drown in a bird bath?
If a bird bath is too deep, the birds can drown. Ensure the bird bath has a gradual slope and secure places to stand without being submerged in the water. If your water is too deep, add bricks or rough stones to achieve a safe depth.
What colours are birds afraid of?
While most bright colours are attractive to birds, one colour should be avoided as much as possible: white signals alarm, danger, and aggression to many birds.
