Solar Bird Bath Heater

Solar Powered Bird Baths

There are many different solar powered bird baths on the market. Most of them combine a traditional bird bath with a fountain. A solar powered pump keeps the water flowing through the bird bath.

This is a great idea because keeping the water moving eliminates stagnation, which could draw mosquitoes and other unwanted creatures to your backyard.

Another type of solar bird bath uses solar power to run a light that turns on when it is dark, allowing you to enjoy watching the birds even at night.

It takes a little more hunting to find a solar bird bath heater, but it is possible to find models that use solar power to keep water from freezing in the winter. Some studies suggest that helping birds through the winter with a constant supply of food and water can at least double their chances of survival, so it's worth it to seek out a heated bird bath if you live in a cold climate.

Find a Solar Bird Bath Heater

There are two basic ways for a solar powered bird bath to be set up. The solar panels may be integrated into the bird bath itself, or there may be panels that are separate from the bath but are connected to it.

The type of bird bath you choose will determine its location in your yard. An integrated solar panel bird bath will have to be placed in the sun, while a bird bath with detached panels can be placed in shade, as long as the panels are in a sunny spot.

When shopping for a solar bird bath, you will find that many of the fountain models can be used year-round, even if they do not have a heater built into them. Check with the company you are buying the fountain from to make sure it is safe to use the fountain year round where you live.

Some places to check out for solar bird baths and heaters include:

• Birdbaths.com
• Silicon Solar
• Backyard Bird (scroll down)

Also check with your local garden supply shop or wild bird center to see if they have recommendations for a solar powered bird bath or bird bath heater that can be used where you live.

Solar vs. Electric

If you aren't married to the idea of a solar powered heater, there are a lot more choices in the realm of electric powered bird bath heaters. These heaters hook up to your home's power and keep the water in the bird bath warm.

There are serious drawbacks to using electric heat to warm your bird bath. First, you have to situate the bath close enough to the house that it can reach an outlet. Second, there will be an unsightly and potentially dangerous cord running through the yard.

Using electric power of course costs more than solar power, and having a cord might not be the best option around animals and children who could get tangled up or hurt themselves with the wire or the electricity.

Taking the time to find a solar powered solution is an investment, but it is one that will pay off for you. You'll have a good looking bird bath that can be used year round without unsightly cords, instead you'll be using the power of the sun.

You won't be contributing to the world's energy problems and you'll be attracting birds to your yard through the cold months, ensuring their survival to produce even more lovely birds next year. Choosing solar power is also a great way to teach your kids about environmental responsibility, and it gives you more freedom as to where your bird bath will be placed in your yard when you don't have to worry about a cord..