One of the big questions we get here at The Birdhouse Chick is whether or not birds use birdbaths in the winter. That’s a fair question. After all, it’s cold, and you’d think the birds would want to stay as warm as possible.
However, the answer might surprise you.
Let's talk about it first, and then we’ll give you some pointers.
Birds Need Birdbaths in the Winter
Not only do birds want to use birdbaths in the winter, but they’re actually necessary. Without them, birds can suffer some very serious consequences. This is for a number of reasons, and we’ll break each one down.
1. Algae Growth
Without a way to clean their wings after getting in mucky natural water, algae can start to grow. This can severely hurt the birds, and it’s a lot like you not bathing for months while rolling around in the mud.
2. Insulation Preservation
If a bird doesn’t clean its wings during the winter with fresh, clean water, it can lose its insulation and freeze. So, even though the water’s not warm by human standards, it’s actually indirectly keeping the bird warm during the harsh winter months.
3. Feather Preservation
Finally, this preserves their feathers. That’s crucial because if their feathers start to degrade, they’re going to freeze, and they’ll be unable to fly properly.
How to Keep Your Birdbath Ice Free
Since the birds need your birdbath to survive in the harsh winter months, here are some steps to take to keep your birdbath ice-free.
1. Get a Heated Birdbath
The easiest way to keep your birdbath ice-free is to buy a heated birdbath. It does all the work for you, and you never have to worry about ice buildup. It’s also regulated to make sure it doesn’t get too hot for the birds.
2. Float a Cork
Simply putting a cork or another floating item in the birdbath will keep the water moving and less likely to freeze. It’s not going to work in the coldest temperatures, but it should be enough on most days in the mainland United States.
It doesn’t have to be a cork, either. Just make sure it’s safe for the birds. A moving water birdbath could also do the trick.
3. Add Hot Water Periodically
This is our least recommended option, but it works in a pinch. Fill a container with hot water, and add it to the birdbath every once in a while to keep it above the freezing point.
This takes a lot of frequent attention, and you don’t want to pour really hot water into the birdbath right before a bird lands in it. However, it will keep the birdbath ice-free.
Clean Water is Crucial in the Winter
While it might not seem like it, birds actually rely on birdbaths all winter long. Keep your birdbath ice-free and clean to help your local birds, and don’t forget to check out the best birdhouses available at The Birdhouse Chick.
