It's just wonderful to watch all the birds in the garden. It's no wonder that many garden owners would like to attract more of them into the garden with a few useful accessories. No matter whether it's a bird bath or a bird bath, proper hygiene is the be-all and end-all to avoid germs so that our feathered friends don't get infections. For this reason, it is important to cherish and care for the bird's accessory. We would like to explain to you below why and how you should clean the bird bath.
Why regular cleaning is so important
If the waterer is not cleaned regularly and properly, this well-intentioned accessory becomes a source of pathogens that can even lead to the death of the birds. One of the reasons for this is that they not only drink from the water, but also bathe in it. Common pathogens that can spread as a result are salmonella and fungi, but also various parasites.
How you can build a water trough for birds yourselffind out here.
Many people don't realize that by using the water source they are causing more harm to birds, even if unintentionally. To ensure that this is not the case in your garden, we will help you with a few tips that you can use to maintain hygiene.
The health of the birds is of course the most important reason for regularly cleaning the watering hole. But on top of that, you wouldn't be doing yourself any great favors with standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs there and after a short time new mosquitoes hatch. And sure you want todon't breed mosquitoes, which can then bother you in the evening hours and also transmit diseases.
Cleaning bird baths – what you should know
Changing the water and wiping it every few weeks is not nearly enough. Anyone who sets up a bird bath made of stone or other material should be aware of the amount of care it requires. Only those who have the time and desire to clean them regularly should consider it. What should you pay attention to?
How often does the bird bath need to be cleaned?
In any case, the water must be changed daily or at least every two days. This is particularly important in summer, because the small amount heats up particularly quickly due to the summer heat and thus offers ideal conditions for bacteria, for example, which, as you know, love warmth.
The surfaces are cleaned thoroughly at least once a week. We'll explain exactly how to do this next:
How to clean the bird bath: Suitable materials and cleaning products
You do not need to purchase any special cleaning products. On the contrary: if they are not rinsed out properly, which becomes particularly difficult with rough surfaces, they can also cause damage. This also applies to the ever-popular dishwashing liquid.
Instead, just use hot water. When scrubbing, use a brush to easily remove algae or other stubborn dirt. The hot water can in turn kill germs. Alternatively, a solution of vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:9 is also suitable.
- First remove the old water.
- Pour in some hot water or vinegar solution.
- Scrub the surfaces with the brush.
- Remove the water and repeat this cleaning again if necessary.
- Finally, rinse everything well again with hot water.
- Fill it with fresh drinking water and replace it the next day or two.
Helpful and useful tips
What else could be useful to you:
- It is a good idea to place the waterer near bushes or trees where the birds rest. However, it should not be positioned in such a way that leaves, twigs or other plant parts constantly fall into it, as this will only cause the water to become dirty more quickly.
- If you equip the bird bath with a water feature or replace it with one (small fountain or a stream), you not only make the bird bath more attractive for drinking. In this way, you are also more likely to keep mosquitoes away, as they prefer standing water to lay their eggs.
- Did you know that the waterer can also be left over the winter? You just have to make sure that the water doesn't freeze and a simple heater is suitable for this. This can even be solar powered and can be built yourself. Check with the hardware store.
- How about adding a summer feeder too? We explain what you should pay attention toin this article.
