Water is one of the most important necessities that birds find hard to come by year-round. Cold weather in northern areas can bring an additional challenge to a bird's survival due to natural water sources being frozen. Providing and maintaining a bird bath with clean, usable water is just one small favor you can offer.

Most people understand the importance of water for drinking but many do not realize just how important it is in bathing for birds. Because feathers are critical for flight and insulation, birds keep them well-maintained. A good part of a bird's day is spent just cleaning and grooming its feathers by bathing, scratching, and preening. The feathers covering the body give the bird an aerodynamic shape for smooth, efficient flight. The feathers also provide insulation by trapping body heat close to the skin and keep the skin from getting wet.

Year-Round Bird Bath Care & Maintenance

Change the Water Every Few Days

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. If you allow the water to sit for long periods of time the bath will be much harder to clean.

Clean the Bird Bath Regularly

Never use chemicals to control algae in your birdbath. Changing the water regularly will help keep algae growth to a minimum. Use a brush to routinely scrub the bowl and rim and refill with fresh, clean water. An all natural cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and water will also help keep minerals and other organic matter from building up. Just remember to rinse the bowl well before refilling to insure clean and safe water for the birds.

A Heated Bird Bath for Winter Use

A heated bird bath will provide ice-free water all winter for year-round visitors to your yard or garden. There are many styles to choose from including standing, deck-mounted, ground and pedestal models. Or choose one that can be converted depending on where you would like to place it in your yard.

The typical heated bird bath has a concealed heating unit with a thermostat to prevent freezing. Many units automatically turn on as the temperature falls below 35 degrees and shut off when the desired temperature is reached to save energy. The heating unit can be removed during warmer months for use all year long.

Bird Bath Deicer or Bird Bath Warmer for an Existing Birdbath

A bird bath deicer is an inexpensive alternative to purchasing a new heated birdbath for year-round use. Designed to sit at the bottom of the bowl, a bird bath deicer turns on when the water drops below 35 degrees and shuts off when the desired temperature is reached. Sometimes called a bird bath warmer, this item will entice even more birds to visit your yard.

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.