Water is essential for all living creatures, including birds. Providing clean, fresh water is one of the most important things you can do for backyard birds. A bird bath or dripping water fixture are excellent options, but water bottles can also be a convenient way to provide hydration. There are some pros and cons to consider when using plastic water bottles for birds.
Can birds drink from water bottles?
Yes, most birds can and will drink from water bottles, as long as the bottles are appropriately set up for them to access. Birds have different beak shapes that allow them to sip water in various ways. Songbirds like chickadees and finches have slender pointed beaks that are good for drinking through small openings. Larger birds like doves and chickens have short sturdy beaks ideal for getting water through wider openings.
Water bottles for birds need to be set up with these beak differences in mind. Small songbirds do well with a narrow opening they can insert their beaks into. Larger birds need wider openings they can easily stick their whole beak into.
As long as the bottle is designed well for how the species drinks, birds can get all the hydration they need from a water bottle dispenser. The key is providing them access to the water.
Pros of using water bottles for birds
There are some advantages to using water bottles for birds:
Convenience
Water bottles are an easy convenient way to give birds water. You can hang them or attach them to a tree or post near where birds frequent. The birds can get a drink whenever they want without you needing to constantly refill a bowl or birdbath.
Less mess
Open containers like bird baths and bowls can splash easily and get messy as birds bathe in them. Enclosed bottles help contain the water mess. Dripping bottle systems can still result in some mess under them, but not as much as open baths.
Helps keep water clean
Water in open containers can get dirty quickly from bird droppings, dirt, leaves, and other debris. Bottles help protect the water supply from contamination. The water stays cleaner and fresher longer compared to open baths.
Prevents mosquitoes
Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. Water bottles don’t provide standing water for mosquito larvae, helping reduce mosquito populations. Mosquitoes are less likely to be an issue with bottle systems.
Cons of using water bottles for birds
While bottles have some benefits, there are also a few downsides:
Risk of injury
Sharp edges or plastic parts on water bottles could potentially scratch or poke birds as they try to drink. Make sure any bottles you hang up are smooth and well sanded or constructed from materials birds can safely access.
Bottle malfunction
Bottles can crack, develop leaks, or clog up. This stops the water supply and requires replacing the bottle. Open bird baths and bowls typically last longer than plastic bottle systems.
Easy for predators to ambush
Enclosed bottles mounted in one spot can make it easy for predators like cats to lie in wait for birds to access. Open baths allow birds to spot danger better. Bottles can be hung in more protective open areas to help avoid predator ambush issues.
Freezing in winter
Water in bottles can freeze solid in below freezing temperatures. This blocks birds from getting water until it thaws. Other bath options may work better in winter. Insulating bottles helps, but they can still ice up.
Best practices for using water bottles for birds
If you want to provide birds with water bottles, follow these tips for success:
Choose bottle style carefully
Select a bottle design made specifically for birds. Consider the species and their beak type. Slim hummingbird feeder-style bottles work well for small songbirds. Durable open jars or bowls are better for larger beaks.
Use clean containers
Dirty containers contaminated with bacteria can make birds sick. Always start with sterilized or new bottles and bowls. Clean regularly with a mild bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly so no bleach remains.
Prevent leaking
Leaky containers are messy and wasteful. Inspect bottles and connections frequently for cracks or malfunctions. Choose dripping containers with shut-off valves to control flow. Position bottles to minimize leakage from wind.
Give birds a place to bathe
While bottles provide drinking water, birds also need bathing water. Provide a bird bath or other pool where birds can fully immerse and preen their feathers.
Keep water from freezing
There are several ways to prevent ice blockages in winter:
– Insulate bottles with foam covers
– Use a heating element or solar heating device
– Install a recirculating pump system
– Bring bottles inside during extreme cold
– Switch to a birdbath heater in winter
Place in optimal spots
Hang or position water bottles:
– Near trees, posts, or ledges birds naturally perch on
– In more secluded protected locations away from predators
– Out of direct sun to prevent algae growth
– Under overhangs or porches to stay drier
Best bird water bottle options
There are many creative products available for providing birds with water through bottles. Here are some top picks:
Plastic waterer cups
Plastic cups like the Birds Choice Recycled Plastic Bird Water Cup screw onto bottles and provide access for small and medium-sized birds. These allow you to easily recycle plastic bottles into bird feeders.
Glass globe waterers
Glass bird waterers like the Songbird Essentials Glass Bird Globe Waterer offer a more decorative option. Globes often come in colored glass. The narrow opening is suited for songbirds.
Mason jar feeders
These DIY-style feeders use a mason jar as a reservoir. The EcoTough Birdbath Mason Jar Drinking Fountain has a wide mouth good for bigger birds. DIY versions are also easy to make.
Dripping bottle dispensers
These utilize tubing and gravity to provide a constant drip of water. The Sweetpea Dripping Bird Bottle focuses the drip into a small bowl. Other styles use nipple lick dispensers.
Heated bird baths
For winter, a heated birdbath like the Allied Precision Heated Bird Bath is a good solution. These help prevent ice while still providing an open bathing area.
Conclusion
Water bottles can be a useful way to provide birds with the hydration they need. With careful selection of bottle style, proper placement, and cleaning routines, bottles allow for convenient access to water. Open birdbaths are still important for bathing. Combining bottles and baths provides birds with the best sources of water. Consider your climate, species of birds, and setting to choose optimal water methods and accessories. with a little thought, you can supply endless clean water that draws in more beautiful birds to watch and enjoy.