Running a bath for a wren…

Wed 18th January 2012

This morning I was rewarded for taking the kettle out to the frozen bird bath when I looked up not much later to see a wren having a drink and a splash. I think that’s the first time I’ve seen a wren bathe!

The RSPB have quite a few suggestions for keeping the bird bath ice free – visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/water/icefree.aspx, which includes the warning to AVOID CHEMICALS!

“On no account should any chemical, such as glycerine, anti-freeze or salt, be added to the water, as it could destroy the insulating and waterproofing properties of birds’ feathers and even prove toxic.”

That makes perfect sense to me, so I was surprised to come across a bird bath antifreeze product at my local garden centre. Googling returned several similar products, but forum exchanges suggest that the majority of us are highly sceptical, and that the trusty kettle is the simplest short term solution!

Other suggestions for preventing freezing in the first place include night lights under a metal tray, and either a lightbulb or thermostatically controlled immersion heater, both requiring suitable external wiring. The Spring 2012 issue of ‘Birds’ magazine includes a letter from a Derby couple describing their success with a hot tub contraption assembled from a sweets tin, a baking tray, pallets and a 40 watt bulb!

Meanwhile it is forecast to be 11 degrees tomorrow, and above freezing for the rest of the week, so a bit of respite for our feathered friends!