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I have been trying out different ways to stop my pond and bird bath from freezing this winter. The best thing for the pond so far has been a size 3 football. It has not stopped the whole pond from freezing but it has kept the ice from freezing beneath it so i have removed the ball in the morning leaving the water open for any birds to access.
I tried a ping-pong ball in the bird bath but no joy, it froze solid. The same happened with a tennis ball. The best method so far has been to empty it in the evening and refill in the morning!
Anyone other suggestions for effective floating devices?
As frustrating as freezing ponds are, for us and the birds, do not be tempted to use salt, oil or sugar in the bird baths!!!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Ian someone in another thread this last week mentioned some bird bath heaters and sometimes called dog bowl heaters. I've been having a look around various pet / wildbird internet suppliers for them but they all seem to be in America and I can't be bothered with shipping etc. When I find one (I am determined) I will pass on the link to you :-)
I don’t struggle with trying to keep the bird bath ice free, I put out a large shallow dish of water when I feed the birds in the morning. I also have a terracotta bowl which has a wide rim, the Dunnocks and Chaffinches prefer perching on the rim to drink, this is filled with fresh water each morning (whether it is frozen or not).
If my bird bath is not frozen solid I smash the ice with a stick which I keep beside the bird bath.
The foot ball in the pond is a simple idea and it works for me. I do think trying to keep your birdbath ice free would take a lot more time, effort and money than just putting out fresh water during a cold spell
Build it and they will come.
Hi Ian
I know what you mean about the frustrations of iced up bird baths.
When I worked I always broke the ice first thing in the morning before I left the house. I used a small hammer most of the time. Other times when I felt rushed I got the kettle of really hot water and melted the ice that way instead (I have a plastic bird bath) - the bath is still intact LOL after the hot water treatment. {wink}
Not tried the football technique yet. {smile}
The ice in Scotland (winter) was more solid most nights, than where I stay now. So it is quite a contrast in weather conditions.
Wonder if there will be a magical cure on the market yet {thinking}
WF: i know what you mean about all the effort into breaking ice. I tip out the contents along with the broken pieces of ice each day and refill with fresh water.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Nicki C said: WF: i know what you mean about all the effort into breaking ice. I tip out the contents along with the broken pieces of ice each day and refill with fresh water.
Ian there are specialist pond heaters for fish ponds, but I don't know whether this would be safe for wildlife ponds. Look on specific Koi Pond equipment sites. We have one at school but everything is wired into a special outdoor mains, it's not plug & go.
Continually since the 21st December I've had to thaw out the bird bath. Actually I lie, I gave up with the one I have sunken into the ground as that is still under several inches of snow and ice! I found a large terracotta saucer and have put it on the wall and each day (sometimes 3 times a day when we never got above minus 3) I have to thaw it out. I tend to do it with the kettle as the ice is so thick. I always make sure that the water isn't too warm when I leave it.
Make the most of today because, unlike Sky+, there isn't a rewind button.
We have 2 inch thick ice on our pond this week but are managing to keep a large hole open so that the birds can get some water. We also have Koi in the pond so we have to keep an air hole so that gases do not form under the ice. The ball method just doesn't work when the low temperatures are for such a prolonged period so we just keep going out and breaking it when it starts to freeze.
I have also put out a plastic washing up bowl full of water with a brick inside to make a shallow area for the smaller birds. This seems to be very popular and I have seen blackbirds and starling bathing in it and the robin regularly visits for a drink.
http://www.cheappetproducts.net/HEATED_ECONOMY_BIRD_BATH_DEICER-UKP54807.html
Hi
We have been running the pump over the waterfall 24 hours this has created a hole in hte ice which has lasted throught the snow we have had every day since 17 th December ,
Also has created a haven for all birds in the area from the usual resident s to the incoming tits and singleherons and for the past week a pair of moor hens have taken up residence
Not sure how long theey will stay as they are very shy but not afraid of magpies etc snow still here
Bolistick said: Hi We have been running the pump over the waterfall 24 hours this has created a hole in hte ice which has lasted throught the snow we have had every day since 17 th December , Also has created a haven for all birds in the area from the usual resident s to the incoming tits and singleherons and for the past week a pair of moor hens have taken up residence Not sure how long theey will stay as they are very shy but not afraid of magpies etc snow still here