Almost everything can be converted into a bird bath in summer. Simple bowls, home-made models and, of course, purchased specimens can be admired in private gardens. But when winter approaches, it quickly becomes apparent that not all specimens survive the sub-zero temperatures unscathed.
Bird baths with integrated heating are particularly suitable for the winter
Possible frost damage
The bird bath makes sense. If possible, it should also act as a design element in the garden. Both can be combined well in summer. However, winter can ruin everything with its freezing cold. A trough that has burst open due to the effects of frost can no longer hold the water and becomes unusable. But the material can also change in such a way that the once beautiful sight of the potions is irretrievably destroyed.
Suitable materials
Bird baths are made from a variety of materials. Here, however, one must not go by appearance or a cheap price alone. If a bird bath is to serve well in winter, it must be winterproof. It should therefore be made of a material that is not sensitive to frost even at very high minus temperatures.
- Natural stone is weather-resistant, but also expensive
- the plastic polyresin is cheaper
- Ceramic is decorative, but usually not frost-resistant
- Metal survives frost but is prone to rust
tips
You don't always have to buy a winter-proof bird bath at a high price. Building a bird bath yourself is fun and saves money. The birds don't care where it comes from anyway.
Freedom from ice in winter
A bird bath in winter not only has to keep its shape at temperatures below 0 °C. The water must not freeze either, otherwise the drinking trough loses its meaning. However, it is important that birds discover water sources in winter, too, where they can quench their thirst. Since natural waters quickly freeze over in shallow places, non-water birds have a hard time. The following options are available for
Keeping the bird bath free of ice in winter.
- Top up with warm water every day
- Place potions over a lit grave candle
- buy special warming plates
tips
There are also special bird baths in which a heating function is already integrated. They come in handy for the winter. However, an accessible power source must be provided for them.