Birdbaths are necessities in every bird-friendly garden. The main function of a birdbath is to provide clean water for birds to drink and bathe in. While there are many types of birdbaths you can buy, there are more ways you can make one by yourself. To make a DIY birdbath, all you need are a few simple materials and some creativity. In this article, we will elaborate on why a birdbath is needed, when to install it and how to make a DIY birdbath.
Why Do You Need a Birdbath?
A birdbath is an attractive and functional addition to any garden or yard. It serves many purposes and provides numerous benefits to birds, plants, and humans. Birds need clean water to drink, groom themselves and maintain their hygiene. A birdbath provides birds with fresh and clean water, which helps them to stay healthy. Moreover, birds are often attracted to water sources, especially in the summer when natural sources dry up. A birdbath can attract a variety of birds, including finches, sparrows, and robins, that will come to visit your garden. And the birds attracted by the birdbath can help to maintain and prevent pests from damaging plants and protect the landscape. Additionally, the birdbath not only serves a functional purpose but also enhances the overall look of your garden. It can be a beautiful piece of decor that adds charm and character to your outdoor space.
When to Install a Birdbath?
The best time to install a birdbath is during the spring when birds are returning to their breeding grounds. Installing a birdbath at this time of year will attract pairs of birds that are actively searching for a nesting site. Additionally, spring is also a time when there is a lot of rainfall, which can cause natural water sources to overflow and become contaminated. Therefore, a birdbath can offer birds a safer and cleaner alternative. When installing a birdbath, ensure that it is placed in a location with good visibility for birds. It should be situated in an area with direct sunlight, away from predators such as cats or in shaded areas where birds can hide. Make sure that the birdbath is elevated and has plenty of space around it for birds to perch and drink.
How to Make a DIY Birdbath?
Making a DIY birdbath that is adorably unique can be of great use in increasing the attractiveness of your garden. Birds will love to come and splash around in the cool water on hot days, and you can enjoy watching them from the comfort of your own home.
1. Hanging Birdbath
Making a hanging birdbath is an easy and fun project. You will need a shallow ceramic or glass bowl (a diameter of around 10-12 inches), a length of strong metal chain and pliers (to cut the chain). Attach one end of the chain to the bowl by looping it through the two holes on either side of the rim. Twist the two ends of the chain together tightly. Then repeat this step to add three more chains to create a sturdy support structure for the bird bath. Once all four chains are attached to the bowl, twist the ends together at the top to form a loop. This loop will be used to hang the birdbath.
2. Flower Pot Birdbath
Probably, this is the simplest birdbath you can DIY at your home and you might already have what you need to get started. If you don’t, here’s a shopping list for you: a terra cotta flower pot, a terra cotta saucer, all-purpose glue, paint or other decorations (optional). First, scrub the dirt off the base of the flower pot, clean both the flower pot and saucer thoroughly with soap and water, and allow them to fully dry. Turn the flower pot upside down, apply a layer of the glue to the base, place the saucer on it and leave it for 24 hours to ensure that the glue dries thoroughly. Lastly, you can add paint or other decorations to your birdbath if you wish.
3. Teapot Set Birdbath
If you have an old teapot set in the cupboard that has never been in use for a long time, now is the time to let it shine again. First, take your teapot set from the cupboard and carefully drill holes in the center of the teapot, cups, and saucers. Then, select a sturdy and stable base like a plant stand or a pedestal and make sure it is heavy enough to support the weight of the teapot set. Apply glue on the bottom of each piece of the teapot set and place them on the base. You can arrange them in any pattern you like. Once the glue has dried completely, spray a water-resistant sealant over the entire birdbath to protect it from wear and tear.
4. Mosaic Birdbath
This mosaic bird bath might look difficult or expensive, but you’ll be surprised at how easy and low-cost it really is. Once you have some of the basic supplies, you can make several of these DIY bird baths in no time at all. To make a mosaic birdbath, you will need a large terra cotta saucer, mosaic tiles, water-resistant tile adhesive, grout, sponge, tile nippers, protective gloves and goggles. Using tile nippers, draw a layout of how you want the mosaic tiles to be placed, and cut the tiles accordingly to fit the design as needed. Apply tile adhesive to the back of each tile and press them onto the saucer and let them dry completely. Mix the grout and use the sponge to spread the grout over the surface of the saucer and between the mosaic tiles. Then wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge and let it dry overnight. When it’s dried up, your mosaic birdbath is ready to use!
5. Chip Platter Birdbath
And there are more things you can repurpose, like a chip platter. Find a large chip platter that is deep enough to hold water and a sturdy base or stand that can support the platter. Clean the platter thoroughly and dry it up. Attach the platter to the base or stand using adhesive or screws. Lastly, fill the platter with water and add some stones or pebbles to provide birds a grip. All the items used can be found in every household or a thrift store.
6. Tomato Cage Birdbath
A tomato cage birdbath is a creative way to repurpose an old tomato cage and turn it into a refreshing place for wild birds. The materials you’ll be needing are a wasted tomato cage, wire cutters, pliers, a large saucer, decorative stones and glass beads. First, remove the pointed end of the tomato cage with wire cutters to create a flat base. Bend the three legs of the cage outward to create a stable triangular base and push the base of the cage into the ground until it is firmly grounded. Then use pliers to twist the top of the cage to create a shallow bowl shape. Next, place the saucer on the cage, add some decorative rocks, stones and glass beads to the bird bowl for an elevated look and fill it with clean water.
7. Repurposed Lamp Birdbath
If you have a broken lamp that you’re looking to get rid of and you want to improvise a bit, don’t miss this chance to transform it into a beautiful bird bath to give it new life. What you need is an old lamp base that is sturdy and flat at the top. Then remove the lamp fittings and wiring, so that you’re left with just the base. Clean the base thoroughly and dry it up, and drill a hole in the center of the flattened top. Attach a bowl or shallow dish to the top of the base using a nut, bolt, and washer. Next, fill the bowl with water and add stones or pebbles.
8. Glass Bowl Birdbath
If you have a spare glass bowl you don’t use anymore, turn it into a handy birdbath that your feathered friends would enjoy. Remember to choose a glass bowl that is approximately 12 inches in diameter and 3-4 inches deep. You can use a variety of materials like a metal stand, concrete base or even a tree stump as a pedestal for your birdbath. Then, apply epoxy glue around the top rim of the pedestal, place the glass bowl upside down onto the pedestal, and then press firmly and let the glue dry completely. Last, fill the bowl with water and add some stones or pebbles to the bottom to give birds a safe place to land.
9. Upcycled Bathroom Sink Birdbath
The old sink that you want to replace in your bathroom can be turned into a beautiful bird bath. And it’s the perfect way to repurpose that sink that you’d otherwise just throw away. But you need to clean the bathroom sink thoroughly before the transformation. To make it even more unique, you can apply a coat of spray paint to the sink, covering it evenly on all sides. And don’t forget to apply the outdoor sealant to protect the paint against weathering and UV damage. Then install a birdbath fountain kit in the center of the sink and add water to the sink, filling it up to just below the fountain spout. If you want, you can put rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the sink. Turn on the bird bath fountain and enjoy watching birds come and go while they take a bath.
10. Repurposed Fountain Birdbath
If you have a fountain that no longer works but still has a basin that can hold water, then you can repurpose it into a solid birdbath. First, you need to clean the fountain with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Fill the basin or planter with concrete mix, add water to the concrete mix and stir with a mixing tool until it is well combined. Then, pour the mixed concrete into the basin of the fountain until it is level with the top of the basin. If possible, use the trowel to smooth out the surface of the concrete and make sure it is even. Let the concrete dry for 24-48 hours. Once the concrete is completely dry, fill the basin with water and test the fountain to make sure it works properly.
