Providing water for birds is an important way to help our feathered friends survive, especially during hot, dry periods. Birds need to drink water just like humans and other animals do. Having a reliable water source available helps attract birds to your yard or garden and gives them the hydration they need. When it comes to what you can put water in for birds, there are many inexpensive, easy to find options that work well. In this article, we’ll explore different containers that can be used effectively as bird baths and bird water stations.
Plastic or Ceramic Bird Baths
Traditional bird baths made of plastic or ceramic are a popular choice for giving birds water. You can find bird baths in wide, shallow designs which allow birds like robins and thrushes to stand comfortably in the water. Deeper birdbaths with textured sides are better for species of birds that like to perch on the edges like chickadees and sparrows.
Plastic bird baths are lightweight, inexpensive and come in many styles. Look for ones with gently sloping sides and a textured bottom so birds can get secure footing. Make sure it’s not too deep since birds prefer shallow water for bathing. Plastic is easy to find and often cheaper than ceramic but may fade and degrade over time from sun exposure.
Ceramic birdbaths have a classic look and feel. They come glazed and unglazed in various shapes, sizes and designs. Unglazed ceramic has a natural terra cotta look and provides grip for birds on the textured surface. Glazed ceramic comes in eye-catching colors with smooth surfaces. Whichever type you choose, look for a birdbath with sloped sides and a 2-3 inch depth for optimal use by most birds. Ceramic lasts longer than plastic but costs more and can crack from freezing temperatures.
Placement Tips
When setting up a plastic or ceramic birdbath, look for a location with good drainage so water won’t accumulate and become stagnant. Place it on level ground or on a pedestal stand to bring it closer to eye level. Include a few rocks within the basin for birds to perch on while drinking and splashing. Provide a water source within a few feet so you can easily refill it as needed. Keep it clean by scrubbing with vinegar and replacing water frequently.
Plant Saucers
Shallow plant saucers can double as small bird baths. Look for wide, durable plastic saucers 12 inches or larger in diameter. You can find them very affordably at garden centers and hardware stores. Their low profile allows birds to stand directly in the water. Keep water about 1-2 inches deep and place the saucer on the ground or up on blocks or bricks. The gray cement saucers sold for potted plants also work great. They have textured surfaces for grip and come in several sizes.
Tips for Plant Saucer Birdbaths
Line the bottom with pebbles or small rocks to prevent splashing as birds bathe and drink. This allows enough water for birds to dip and drink while reducing mosquitoes that may breed in standing water. Dump out old water daily and refill with fresh to prevent unhealthy bacteria from growing. Wash thoroughly with vinegar once a week. Rinse and dry before refilling. Place in partial sun so the water stays cool enough for birds’ comfort. The sloped sides provide an easy way in and out.
Terracotta Saucers
For an earthy, natural look, try a terracotta saucer as a birdbath. The unglazed, porous clay allows water to slowly seep through sides keeping it cool. The rough texture gives birds plenty of grip. Look for terracotta saucers 12 inches or wider. Shallow 2 inch depth lets birds stand in comfort. Can be left outside year round even in sub-freezing weather.
Care for Terracotta Birdbaths
Scrub terracotta saucers with vinegar and water about once a week to prevent algae buildup. The porous clay tends to collect minerals so soak in vinegar overnight occasionally to clean thoroughly. Rinse well before refilling. Place small rocks in the bottom to make it easier for birds to stand in the water without splashing it all out. Don’t leave it empty for extended periods or the clay may crack. A large terracotta saucer provides an attractive bathing spot that looks natural.
Hanging Bird Baths
For a unique birdbath idea, try a hanging style. These can be placed on porches, patios, tree branches or small garden shepherd hooks. Hanging bird baths often have an enclosed reservoir to help reduce splashing as birds perch on the sides. The water drips through small holes into the bottom basin where birds can drink and bathe.
Look for hanging birdbaths made of metal, recycled glass or plastic. The reservoir needs large enough openings to easily fill and clean inside. Glass or plastic styles allow you to monitor water levels at a glance. Select a hanging birdbath with thick sturdy metal chain and hooks to hold it securely in place. Position in partial shade to prevent the water from getting too warm on hot days.
Maintenance Tips for Hanging Birdbaths
To keep a hanging birdbath clean, take it down about once a week to scrub inside the reservoir and basin with vinegar and water. Rinse thoroughly. Cleaning it frequently prevents mold and bacteria. Avoid styles where the reservoir and basin are one sealed unit that’s hard to access and clean. Hanging birdbaths should have parts that come apart easily for cleaning and filling. Use diluted bleach solution periodically for thorough disinfecting.
Dog or Cat Bowls
Sturdy ceramic, plastic or metal pet water bowls work well as makeshift bird baths. The low profile allows birds to splash while standing in the shallow water. Large bowls measuring 10 inches across or wider offer ample space for multiple birds. Place on the ground or up on a ledge or railing. Fill the bowl about 1-2 inches deep. Change water at least once a day to keep it clean and fresh. Scrub weekly with mild soap and water.
For metal pet bowls, ensure it’s made of safe, non-toxic stainless steel. Plastic bowls are extremely affordable but can fade and crack over time. Ceramic pet bowls often have fun, colorful designs. Be sure to select a heavy bowl that won’t tip over easily when birds perch on the sides. Look for textured, no-slip bottoms to prevent sliding. A large pet water bowl offers birds a convenient place to drink and bathe.
Tips for Using Pet Bowls as Birdbaths
Avoid letting pet and bird water bowls touch to prevent shared germs. Rinse bird bowls with vinegar weekly or use diluted bleach monthly to kill bacteria. Place a flat rock in the center of larger bowls to make a slight slope so water is shallower. Refill pet bowls used as birdbaths every day or two to provide birds with clean fresh water. Dump out old water so it doesn’t go stale. Large pet bowls make simple, inexpensive bird baths.
Pots or Buckets
For a quick, easy birdbath, use a large plastic pot, bucket or tub. Choose one at least 12 inches wide and 4-6 inches deep so birds can easily stand in it. The shallow depth helps prevent drowning. Make sure pots have drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water from pooling. Place gravel or small rocks in the base to add traction and prevent splashing.
Black buckets and pots absorb heat from the sun, so paint the outside white to keep the water cool. Plain galvanized metal buckets also work well as birdbaths, providing a country rustic look. Just make sure the bucket is non-toxic and doesn’t contain lead. Give pots and buckets a good scrub before using. Rinse thoroughly to remove residue. Refill with fresh water daily.
Positioning Tips for Pots and Buckets
Situate your makeshift birdbath pot or bucket on the ground in a flat area or up on a pedestal, table or bricks for better visibility. Make sure it’s level and stable so it won’t wobble or tip over when birds land. Place it in a partly shady spot so the sun won’t overheat the water. Keep an eye on water levels and refill regularly to 1-2 inches depth. Provide clean water to help attract colorful birds to your garden.
Trash Can Lids or Tubs
For a very inexpensive birdbath, recycle clean trash can lids or plastic storage tubs. The trash can lids have built-in ridges which help keep birds from sliding off. Choose one at least 15 inches wide for ample room. Place lids upside down on the ground or balanced on bricks or cinder blocks to elevate them.
Deep plastic storage tubs work well too. Use ones 12-18 inches wide and at least 5 inches deep. Add rocks to raise the water level and prevent drowning. The textured plastic surface allows birds to get good footing for bathing and drinking. Just be sure all containers are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before using as birdbaths.
Maintenance Tips for Trash Can Birdbaths
Give makeshift trash can birdbaths a good scrubbing with soap and water before using, then disinfect with a bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Dump out old dirty water daily and refill with clean to prevent unhealthy bacteria. To deter mosquitoes, use an organic mosquito dunk that safely prevents larvae growth. Avoid harsh chemicals that could harm birds and wildlife. Keep birdbaths filled and cleaned regularly for healthy birds.
Old Saucepans or Cooking Trays
Shallow cooking pans make handy impromptu bird baths. Try using a large ceramic casserole dish, metal roasting pan or aluminum bread tray. For deeper water, place terra cotta flower pot saucers inside. Choose wide, low pans at least 12 inches across and 2-3 inches deep for safe bathing. The durable metal conducts heat well so position pans in the shade.
You can conceal utilitarian pans by sinking them into the ground or surround them with stones and pebbles for natural look. Elevate pans on stands or blocks to make them visible and accessible to birds. Refill water level daily with fresh clean water. Scrub weekly to keep germ-free. Durable cooking pans provide an inexpensive way to put out water for birds.
Tips for Cooking Pan Birdbaths
Avoid cooking pans with paint or coatings that could flake off into the water. Use inverted metal loaf pans, cake pans or oven trays made of stainless steel, aluminum or enamel. For added traction, glue pebbles, marbles or stones on the sloped bottom and partway up sides using silicone sealant appropriate for outdoor use. Check pans frequently to ensure they don’t go dry. Provide just 1-2 inches of water to prevent drowning. Keep water in cooking pans fresh and clean.
Old Trash Can or Recycling Bin
An ordinary plastic recycling bin or trash can transforms into an extra-large birdbath. Choose one at least 2 feet wide and 2-3 feet tall to give birds plenty of landing and splashing space. Make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the bin first with soap and water, vinegar and bleach solution.
Drill drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to flow out and keep mosquitoes away. Elevate the makeshift birdbath bin on cement blocks or paver stones so birds can easily fly in and out. Place gravel, rocks or marbles in the bottom under 2-4 inches of water to provide traction. Top off water levels daily to replace what evaporates or splashes out.
Maintenance for Trash Can Birdbaths
Dump out old dirty water from your repurposed trash can or recycling bin every few days. Give the whole bin a thorough scrubbing weekly or more often if needed to remove grime and prevent unhealthy bacteria. Use hot water, dishwashing soap, vinegar and a scrub brush to scour the inside and outside. Allow to fully dry before refilling. Deep birdbaths provide more fun for playful birds than shallow bowls.
Old Bathtub or Sink
For an extra large birdbath project, turn an old cast iron or porcelain bathtub or bathroom sink into a beautiful bathing station for birds. This creates a focal point in the garden and provides gallons of splashing room. Place the tub or sink directly on the ground or elevate on a stone or cement base.
Partially burying it looks natural. Surround with rock walls or a small pond area with a recirculating pump. Add a dripping water fountain to help attract birds. Situate in partial shade and keep water levels 2-4 inches deep for safe bathing. Rinse weekly or more often if needed to keep clean. Refinishing an old tub or sink provides birds a grand place to congregate.
Positioning Tips for Bathtub Birdbaths
Make sure the antique tub or sink is placed securely so it won’t shift or rock when birds land on the sides. Check for sharp edges and smooth these down so birds won’t get injured. Keep the rim clear of branches so birds have open access to swoop in and out. Consider adding a few flat rocks inside for perching or scattering pebbles on the bottom for traction. An old bathtub becomes a beautiful birdbath in the garden when placed and decorated thoughtfully.
Mud Puddles
In addition to manmade vessels, simple mud puddles provide natural birdbaths for water loving species like robins, thrushes and sparrows. Rather than avoiding wet muddy areas, consider embracing them as impromptu bird baths. Build up low areas in the landscape to allow rainwater to collect in shallow pools.
Place large flat stones around the mucky perimeter for birds to stand on after bathing. Or surround the space with gravel to control splashing. Depending on your aesthetic and garden style, you can neaten and define a mud puddle or allow it to appear natural. Mud puddles offer birds a refreshing place to splash and cool themselves on hot days.
Tips for Encouraging Mud Puddles
To promote healthy mud puddles for birds to use, scoop out small depressions in your yard to collect rainwater. Or redirect downspouts to empty into garden beds to help keep the space damp. Avoid using chemicals on your lawn that could leach into puddles. Let fallen leaves accumulate around the edges to provide insects and nutrients. Add native plants to help the micro-ecosystem flourish naturally. When designed thoughtfully, mud puddles can become an asset.
Birdbath or Basin Underwater Fountains
Consider adding a small fountain or bubbler to your birdbath or bird basin to increase enjoyment and help attract birds. The pleasant trickling sound provides a soothing ambiance. Moving water helps prevent mosquito breeding and keeps the temperature cool. There are many solar powered birdbath fountains to choose from that run automatically without wiring.
Select a weatherproof fountain with fully submersible pump that hooks to the basin floor using suction cups or adhesive, so no plumbing is required. LED illumination creates a beautiful nighttime glow. Look for adjustable flow control so you can set the fountain strength. Easy to hide tubes and cables keep the look neat and tidy. The gentle water circulation freshens your birdbath naturally.
Tips for Using Birdbath Fountains
When installing your birdbath or basin fountain, place the pump on a solid flat surface so it won’t vibrate or move around. Follow directions to ensure the pump is fully submerged and properly positioned to avoid damage. Start with lower flow settings and increase slowly to find the optimum speed. Designed for outdoor use, solar birdbath fountains can run all day even on cloudy days after charging in full sun just 1-2 days.
Dripper, Mister or Water Wiggler
Another way to add interest and motion to your bird bath or water station is with a dripper, mister or wiggler. Drippers attach via suction cups and have taps you can adjust to control water droplet flow speed. Mist sprayers attach near the water surface to create a fine misty spray effect.
Wigglers are floating devices with brightly colored wiggling appendages that attract attention and entice visiting birds to come check out the movement and droplets. These accessories provide visual and auditory stimulation along with the refreshing droplets on hot days. Solar powered styles run automatically off sun.
Choosing Bird Bath Dripper or Mister
When selecting accessories, make sure the dripper taps or mist nozzles are made of bird safe materials that won’t leak harmful chemicals into the water. Suction cups should be industrial strength and keep a tight grip. Consider getting a few extras since suction cups weaken over time. Wigglers with ultra-bright flashy colors tend to work best for getting birds’ attention. Add fun movement to your bird bath with drippers, misters or wigglers!
Conclusion
Providing a clean fresh water source is one of the best ways to attract feathered friends to your backyard. Birds need to bathe and drink water just as people do. It promotes healthy plumage and skin for them. When considering what you can put water in for birds, look around your home and garden for items to repurpose.
With a little creativity, you can upcycle all sorts of containers into novel birdbaths. Deep plastic pots, buckets and bins make great in-ground bird baths. Shallow dishes like plant saucers, lidded buckets and cooking trays create accessible places for birds to stand in the water. For quick small birdbaths, reuse pet dishes, saucepan lids or trash can covers.
Elevate makeshift basins on stands or blocks to bring them up to a better height for the birds. Surround ground-level baths with gravel or stones to contain splashing. Position containers in partly shady spots so water stays cool on hot days. Provide a sloped or textured surface for traction and easy movement in and out.
Maintenance is important to keep improvised birdbaths clean and safe for visiting birds. Refresh water daily or every other day to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of diseases. Thoroughly scrub basins weekly with soap and water, then disinfect with diluted vinegar or bleach solution. Rinsing well afterward removes any residue.
Consider adding a solar powered fountain, mister or wiggler to create pleasant sights and sounds. The moving water helps prevent unhealthy stagnation. Dripping and bubbling makes the birdbath more enticing to birds so they’ll keep coming back. You’ll enjoy watching their antics and splash play in the refreshing water features you’ve provided.
With so many everyday items that can easily be converted into novel birdbaths, you’re limited only by your imagination. Be on the lookout for unused containers and objects that birds could bathe and drink from. Get creative repurposing household materials into unusual bird friendly watering holes. Your efforts will not only attract a wider variety of wild birds to admire, but will also supplement their health and hydration naturally.
