A usable bird bath is almost more important in winter than in summer. While the birds find plenty of watering holes in the warm season, these are few and far between when the temperatures are below zero. But in order for the targeted water supply to work smoothly, there are a number of challenges that need to be overcome.
How do you keep a birdbath free of ice in winter?
To keep a birdbath free of ice in winter, you should use frost-resistant materials such as natural stone, certain plastics, weather-resistant wood or metal. You can also prevent ice formation by regularly adding warm water, placing the drinker over a grave light or a heating plate or even buying a heated bird bath.
Birdbath and cold
The bird bath has to pass two tests every winter: It must not burst, which is easily possible when exposed to frost. And the water in it must remain liquid and therefore drinkable. In a mild winter this might work on its own. Otherwise, the winter cold must be taken into account when setting up a bird bath.
Winterproof Potions
Almost any waterproof material can be used to make a summer bird bath. Most of these waterers have to be put away in the fall and put back up again in the spring. If they were to stay outside, the frost could cause them irreparable damage. The birdbath breaks into two or more pieces. In the best case, it only loses its attractive appearance because the quality of the material suffers.
In order to be able to provide wild birds with water in winter, you should make sure you have a winter-proof bird bath right from the start. The question of the material is a crucial one.
Suitable materials
- Bird baths made of natural stone can be used all year round
- Some plastics are also resistant to frost
- some types of wood are weather-resistant
- even metal can withstand frost
Tip
When purchasing a bird bath, find out how much frost it can withstand.
Build your own bird bath
Bird baths made of natural stone are winterproof but also expensive. But you can make a frost-proof concrete bird bath yourself. You can get the necessary materials cheaply at any hardware store. With a little imagination and craftsmanship, you can create not only a functional but also a decorative potion out of concrete.
Prevent ice formation
It is an important task for every animal lover to keep the birdbath free of ice in winter. No bird can quench its thirst at an icy waterhole. You can decide for yourself which of the following methods is practical for you. Maybe you have other ideas on how to accomplish this endeavor.
- Change water regularly
- or. Add warm water
- Place potions over a grave light
- or using a special heating plate from the store
- if applicable. Buy a heated waterer
