Guidelines To Help You
- And The Birds -
Get The Most Out Of Your Birdbath

Placement

Safety is most important. Birds are at a disadvantage when they are wet from a recent bathing and are unable to fly well. There are many types of birdbaths available so consider where you would like to place it when purchasing. A pedestal bird bath should be within six feet of a tree or tall shrub to give birds a place to fly in case of danger. A hanging bird bath should be placed in a tree with sparse branches to give them a clear view of their surroundings. A deck mount bird bath will bring visitors up close for viewing and make it easier to keep it clean and filled with fresh water.

Water Depth

Bird baths should be no more than 2-1/2 to 3 inches at their deepest point. Birds like to play in water as well as drink and bathe so a shallow bird bath is ideal. A gradual slope is best and a rough edge around the outside will provide a safe perching area. Place stones or pebbles in the bottom for smaller birds and butterflies to stand on.

Height

Birdbaths may be placed on the ground, on a raised pedestal or hung from a branch a few feet off the ground. A ground bird bath has the added benefit of providing water for many smaller animals such as squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. If cats, dogs or other potential predators frequent your yard, you might want to place a pedestal bird bath near a tree with overhanging branches so the birds will have a safe place to sit and preen after bathing.

Surface

The surface of your birdbath should be of a rough texture to provide sure footing for the birds that visit. Pebbles, stones, aquarium gravel and concrete all provide necessary traction. A gradual slope also helps insure safety.

Dripping Water

Nothing attracts birds like the sound of softly dripping or moving water. A bird bath fountain with constantly flowing water surrounded by brightly colored flowers will attract many birds to your yard. If you already own a birdbath you can attach a bird bath dripper or mister to provide soothing sounds to your feathered friends. You can purchase one or make one of your own by suspending a container above the birdbath with a tiny hole in the bottom to allow the water to drip out slowly into the bath.

Maintenance

The water in your birdbath should be changed every few days to insure fresh, clean water is available. Change the water every day during hot summer months. Water that sits in direct sunlight has a tendency to become stagnant and form algae. Also, if you allow the water to sit for long periods of time the bath will be much harder to clean. Using a bird bath deicer or bird bath warmer in the winter will prevent the water from freezing, insuring a year-round supply of usable water.

At Bird Bath Depot, our goal is to provide useful information on how to attract birds to your yard by providing such necessities as a birdhouse for shelter, a birdbath for drinking and bathing, a feeder for nourishment and a safe place for nesting. Visit our Products page to see a sample of the large variety of birdbath styles that are available.