By Kathy Sullivan, Communications
Bird baths are a great source of water and bathing for birds and as such require more maintenance than you might realize.
Bird baths are a great source of water and bathing for birds and as such require more maintenance than you might realize.
Clean your birdbath(s) - that sometimes includes a little scrubbing - and fill with fresh water regularly. This ensures better health for our avian friends.
To clean, follow three simple steps:
1. Dump old water completely.
2. Scrub, rinse, scrub, rinse well. Use only water.
2. Refill with fresh water.
Birdbath water should be replaced every two to four days until a scrub cleaning is again needed.
Tips for Maintaining a Bird Bath (from BHG.com)
- When choosing the bird bath's location, opt for a shady spot over one in direct sunlight; direct sun will cause water to evaporate quickly, leaving a small pool of stagnant water that will hasten bacterial and fungal growth.
- Always dispose of old, dirty water before refilling with fresh water; avoid "topping off" a bird bath.
- Place the bath away from bird feeders. If your outdoor space allows for it, position the bird bath in a place where falling leaves, needles, and other flora will not collect in the basin.
- Drop a penny in the bird bath; copper helps to inhibit algae, which will keep the bath cleaner, longer. Look for a penny from 1982 or before, as pennies minted after 1982 are made primarily of zinc, not copper.
- Add a wildlife-safe enzyme to the water to help reduce algae growth.