Secrets to Perfect Bird Bath Maintenance

[@patrickneal6969]

Mark, I agree one of the ways to prolong the life of a concrete or clay birdbath is to take it in in the winter. However, I find the birds use it a lot in the winter, especially when it is below freezing. I keep a heater in my concrete bowl it so they have water at all times. And, yes, I will be replacing my bath soon because it is cracking after many years.

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

Good for you. They have to have a dependable water source

[@Willowb57]

Is it safe to put my dechlorinator for aquariums in my bird bath water? My thought is if it’s safe for fish should be ok for birds🤷‍♀️ I use it in my water for plants when I run out of rain water. TIA

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

@@Willowb57 that is a good question. I understand it isn’t good for humans so it concerns me.

[@Willowb57]

@@MarksBackyardBirds good point. Thank you !

[@Willowb57]

@@MarksBackyardBirds good point ! Thank you

[@opocald]

We have a concrete bird bath that has been out every winter for over 20 years with no cracks. I guess it hasn't creacked maybe because it's very shallow so the ice doesn't really have any horizontal pressure on the concrete?

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

That is a really long lasting concrete bath for an area that gets a lot of freezing temps.

[@karenking3165]

I’ve had a bird bath out for a couple years but little action. I’ve used tap water. Do I need bottled or distilled water? Also, does the bath do better with or without a fountain?

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

Tap water is fine. Bird baths do better when they are close to cover. Is it out in the open? Moving water can definitely help attract birds

[@julietauscher5963]

Do you know what sealer for concrete that is safe for birds?

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

It needs to be FDA approved paint or sealer. I could only find it online

[@kongdole10]

very good !!

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

Thank you!

[@lauries.4454]

I needed to scrub my plastic bird bath basin because the blue paint is peeling into the water. This is only 3 months old, but it does sit in the Arizona sun during the extreme heat. Can I scrub it and create a barrier to make it waterproof with a spray paint, or a similar product? This same bird bath tilts into the grass after a few days, tipping the water out. I’m thinking of buying a flagstone flat stone, for underneath it, or a circular wood base, prime and painted, which allows the garden stakes to secure it to the ground. I’d appreciate any suggestions to make current Vivohome blue pedestal base bird bath work, without buying another one.

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

If you paint the interior of the bowl, it needs wo be with a FDA/food grade quality paint.

[@lauries.4454]

@@MarksBackyardBirds Thank you for that tip!

[@maxpadgett1644]

Where would I find a Silicone Caulk that is uada/fda approved?

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

I have only been able to find them online.

[@joelrossell5124]

I used flex seal clear. Has held up for 3 years .

[@susiemccoy7]

Is it safe to use rustoleum spray paint on the cement basin?

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

For the bowl that the birds will be drinking from, it needs to be FDA approved paint. You need to Check the label.

[@lauries.4454]

Thank you for your video! I used vinegar and water diluted to disinfect the bird bath, and rinsed it very well, wiping it. I didn’t let it dry or air out though. Could you please offer a suggestion on how to level my pedestal hard plastic bird bath? My townhouse yard is very uneven, and I can’t change the ground. Is there anyway I can mark the ground more even by adding something? I added a couple of wood shims under the leaning part, but it’s important that I can use 8” landscape stakes to hold it in, but need to pull it easily out for when our landscapers cut the grass. Thank you for your help on this! I live in Phoenix, AZ, and the birds need fresh water. It’s been 110-114 degrees lately.

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

Your situation is tough. I would suggest shims or small flat rocks but you have done that. A hanging bath may be a better option for you.

[@jacobmcdonough3632]

Hi Mark…love your videos! Thanks for creating and sharing them. I have a question regarding the stone birdbaths in your video. I purchased one and am extremely pleased with it. Are they more able to handle freezing/thawing vice the concrete and pebble baths? As they cost a little more, I am nervous about keeping it out all year.

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

Thank you for the kind words. To assure they last for many, many years, you can lay the bowl to the side during the worst part of winter. I don’t think there is much to worry about as they are basically the same as tombstones and we know how long they last.

[@sinister184]

The easiest and safest way I've found to clean hard surface bird birds is with a small electric pressure washer. No scrubbing, gets all down in the pores of concrete without chemicals.

[@MarksBackyardBirds]

Absolutely

[@shek9]

Where can I find a small pressure washer?

[@Willowb57]

@@shek9try Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot

[@Willowb57]

@@shek9 I would try Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot and compare prices and brands.

[@Willowb57]

@@shek9 I would try Lowe’s, Home Depot and even Amazon. Compare prices and brands . I got one years ago at our local hardware store

[@earlswink1690]

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