water for the birds

Question

I've read on the RSPB site to leave out water for the birds! I have a bird bath which is constantly filled during the year, but at this time of the year it is frozen. Can someone tell me how to put out water without it freezing over within a short time. 
 Ail

Buzzard · Accepted Answer

Hi Aileen welcome to the forum. 
 
 I suggest placing a ping pong ball, tennis ball or cork in unfrozen water. Movement of these items in the wind keeps the water agitated, making it less likely to freeze. 
 This is just one of numerous ways to stop water freezing. 
 The link below will give you some more advice. 
 http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-206628 
 Regards Buzzard

Ail · Answer

Thanks to everyone for your quick replies, we do have a pump for our smalll pond which has fish and I might add frogs too in the summer, but it is freezing over and we have been pouring hot water on the edge of the pond to try and help our little fish, We lost most of our fish last year which we had had for quite a few years, The winter last year was really bad! Might try the balls on that!! 
 As for the birds I thought it a good idea about the candle and I might have a go at that. I will also look at the rest of the options. 
 Yes! someone could make quite a bit of money coming up with an idea for that!! 
 Merry Chistmas to you all!

Anonymous · Answer

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching blackbirds and starlings splashing in the hot water today. I am going to get my moody man to see this when he comes round. Maybe he will change his mind and seeing is believing.

Anonymous · Answer

Ok thanks Sparrow, 
 My birds seem to enjoy it too so I guess until someone from the RSPB team says it is bad I will carry on doing it. I have heard of people using de-icer and salt to prevent freezing which is tragic. But I have never heard of hot water being dangerous.

Gaellus · Answer

I usually just pour enough hot water on to thaw the ice or; if I remember just cover the bird bath over during the night. I'm sure there aren't many midnight feathered bathers out there! Are there? 
 Anyway I'm new to this forum and enjoying it very much. Happy Xmas Everyone.