Bird Baths Buying Guide

Bird baths can be a decorative addition to any garden,  but they're not just for show.  They provide great spots for our feathered friends to take a dip.  So make sure you're not doing more harm than good by checking out some of these important buying and maintenance tips.

Things to Consider

• Size:  If you want to attract more birds, bigger, wider, and multi-tiered is better.  The drawback to a more extravagant bird bath,  however, is an increased amount of cleaning.
• Depth:  The basin should be between 8 and 10 centimetres deep, and no more.  The basin  should also be shallower at edges, with a gradual slope, to accommodate all sorts of birds, most of whom don't like bathing in water above their bellies.
• Bottom Surface:  The bottom of the basin should be rough so that bird claws can easily grasp it, especially if it has a coating of algae on it.  If you purchase a bath or fountain with a smooth bottom, don't panic.  You can easily rough it up with sandpaper or fill it with pebbles and stones.
• Refill and Cleaning: Make sure you place your bath close enough to your hose  so that it can be easily refilled and cleaned.  On hot days, refill at least once a day so that the water does not become too warm.  Also, use a wire brush to scrub out any dirt or algae build-up.
• Placement:  The most important consideration when deciding where to place your bird bath is predator access. Keeping your bath elevated on a pedestal will keep animals like dogs,  cats  and raccoons from drinking and dirtying the water, as well as possibly injuring or eating the birds.  And to keep predators from tipping over the bath itself, try buying a harder to move, one-piece bird bath,  or use weights or adhesive tape to more securely fasten the basin to the pedestal. Once you've gotten things situated, the ideal place for a bird bath is next to or under a tree, so that shade can keep the water cool and branches are able to provide a place for birds to perch. 

Different Types

There are many different models of bird bath available for purchase, and the one you choose often depends on a few factors.

• Are you intending to use your bird bath for more decorative or practical purposes?
• Are you placing it in a garden where you see a lot of bird activity, or bird activity from a particular species (like hummingbirds)?
• Do you live in a neighbourhood where cats and dogs run freely?
• Do you have young children that play in the area where you intend to place the bird bath?
• Do you live in a colder climate?

Bird Bath Varieties
Stone  Harder to knock over.	Heated  Good for environments where water may freeze over.	Solar  Energy efficient and environmentally friendly.	Bubbling/Fountain  Movement attracts more birds.

 

More Bird Bath Varieties
Pedestal  Good guard against ground predators.	Ground-Level  Nice garden décor, but may be the most unsafe for birds.	Hanging  Although it guards against ground predators, it may be more susceptible to tampering from squirrels.

Related Guides

More Bird Bath Varieties
Bird Field Guides	Wild Bird Food	Bird Care

External Links

• BirdWatching-Bliss.com:  Information on feeding, housing and the different species of birds that are commonly found in your backyard.