keeping bird bath contents liquid

[mollykins]

What's the best thing and in what quantity that's safe for the birds, to put in the bird bath to keep the water liquid? I don't want to have to keep going outside with hot water, but too much salt can't be good for them . . . .

[boxtops]

You shouldn't put anything in it - just take the ice cake out each morning and refill it (we have a bird bath that the cats drink out of, that's what we do).

[mollykins]

I remember last year though when the temperatures dropped below freezing I'd have to put hot water in it maybe three times a day for it to keep liquid and was wondering if I could put a tad of salt of something in it to stop it from doing the same this year, but didn't know how much was a safe amount.

[NazNomad]

Absolutely NEVER add anything to the water.

Salt is toxic to gardens birds. Their bodies are unable to process it, and it affects their nervous systems. Birds become very thirsty and dehydrated when they ingest salt, meaning they would drink more, potentially exacerbating the problem. They would also suffer kidney dysfunction. Some small birds are not much bigger than one of our own kidneys, which we use to process salt, and they will overdose very quickly.

[sandyRoe]

If you put salt into it you'll poison the birds. Assuming they're drinking it rather than bathing

[NazNomad]

Even bathing in salt water wil mean they ingest some when preening ...

[NazNomad]

Birds will eat snow, yes. However, splasing about in a pool of water is equally important to maintain the condition of their feathers.

[NazNomad]

*splashing

[madmaggot]

If they birds were forced to eat snow they would lower their body temperature too much. They struggle to keep warm anyway which is why they need high energy seeds, fats and nuts to eat not bread.
Just keep changing the water.
BTW boiled water freezes more quickly than cold water.

[Nosha123]

tennis ball - good suggestion!!! also works with fish ponds I think!!! though you might need more than one!!!
Boxtops - "a bird bath that the cats drink out of".. then thats gonna take a very brave or very dumb bird to use it - he he heee!!!!

[NazNomad]

A tennis ball, even a stick, will prevent freezing (up to a point). There are heated bird-baths available, if there's no other option. Extreme, but I'm sure the birds would thank you for it, lol.

[mollykins]

Ok I'll put a pingpong ball in . . .

[Prudie]

Result!

[jaydah]

not a ping-pong as there's no give like rubber balls.

Keep bird feeds/water table out of reach of cats.

[mollykins]

Well it's only a small bird bath, two of the bigger ones wouldn't fit in with a tennis ball aswell . . .

[sandyRoe]

You never know, Molly. They might use it as a sort of beach ball. Exercise might help keep them warm.