Providing Water

A regular supply of clean water is essential for birds, for drinking and to enable them to maintain the condition of their feathers, for flying and insulation.

When providing a water source, keep the following tips in mind:

• Locate it close to cover, as wet birds do not fly well, and require refuge from predators. A small tree or shrub is ideal, and allows birds to sit on the branches whilst preening their feathers.
• Ensure a six foot gap from low lying bushes to avoid cats.
• Provide different depths of water, to account for both small and large birds.
• The sound of moving water is magnetic to birds, add misters, drippers, or circulating pumps.
• To avoid freezing use moving water or heating elements. Do not use glycerin because it is toxic to birds and causes their feathers to matt.
• Keep the bath clean, by replenishing and cleaning it regularly.