A hanging bird bath is the only acceptable option in some gardens. For example, if a cat regularly roams around on the ground, wild birds will find drinking and bathing opportunities at a safe height. This is how you make such a potion yourself.
How can I build a hanging bird bath myself?
To build a hanging bird bath yourself, you will need concrete, a bucket, trowel, spatula, sand, abrasive sponge, cling film, oil, brush, four corks, thin gloves and weatherproof ropes. Form a base out of sand and cling film, cover it with concrete, insert corks and let it dry.
Clay or concrete?
Some materials that are easy to shape can be used to make birdbaths. For example, sound. But clay requires some knowledge of the material as well as a turntable and a kiln. If you are not a hobbyist or even a professional potter, you should start your first attempts in a guided course.
It is easier for laypeople to use concrete. With a little skill you can also build beautiful bird baths yourself. They can even be individually painted once dry.
Required materials
If you want to make a concrete bird bath yourself, go to a hardware store. You can get almost everything you need to build a hanging bird bath:
- Concrete
- Bucket
- trowel
- Spatula
- about 3-5 kg sand
- Sanding sponge
Add the following things to your household:
- Clear film
- Oil and brushes
- four corks
- thin gloves
Tip
When working with concrete, fine dust is thrown up. Therefore, for your own safety, use a respiratory mask. You can also get these cheaply at hardware stores.
Construction instructions
- Spread several layers of transparent film on a flat surface measuring approximately 60 x 60 cm. The layers should overlap a good bit.
- Slightly moisten the sand and place about 2 kg of it on the cling film.
- Form a round dome out of it with your hands. It should be around 25 to 40 cm in diameter. Their height should rise steadily from the edge and be a maximum of 8 to 10 cm at the highest point. Add more sand if necessary.
- Then use the spatula to make the shape smoother, especially the edges.
- Cover the sand in several layers with foil and then coat it with cooking oil.
- Mix the concrete in a bucket according to instructions.
- Carefully spread the concrete over the sand mound. It should be applied evenly and max. 2-3 cm thick.
- Put the four corks into the concrete. At even intervals and 2 cm from the edge. You can dip them in oil beforehand.
- Let the mold dry for several days.
- Detach the dried mold from the foil and remove the corks.
- Smooth any sharp edges on the concrete with the sanding sponge.
- Attach weatherproof ropes to the four holes so you can hang the waterer. You are welcome to paint them with suitable colors beforehand.
Tip
Make sure that the bowl is not too big or thick-walled. Concrete is heavy and requires a stable hanging option.
