Have you ever wondered why your backyard or garden has no birds? Most people commonly ask this question, even if they have a fountain for birds. There is no doubt that birds play an essential role in our environment.
Without birds, sustainable ecosystems would not be complete. The most common way today to attract birds is to use a fountain. In a nutshell, fountain water does not provide any safety for birds.
There is always a tendency for birds to avoid dirty water. They are more concerned about clean and fresh water. You will be amazed at how quickly nature’s wonders begin to chirp if you regularly keep your fountain water clean.
However, how? Yes, here I will mention some of the effective ways to keep fountain water clean for birds.
5 Ways to Keep Fountain Water Clean for Birds
When birds can’t access fresh rainwater, they’ll look elsewhere. If there is a fountain in your backyard, birds will drink it. Additionally, you can improve your lawn’s aesthetics with fountains. But, as time passes, it’ll get dirty.
It’s important to keep fountains and the water they hold clean with regular maintenance and cleaning. You can’t prevent bird baths from getting dirty, but you can do a few things that’ll make them easier to clean.
Replace the old water and clean the fountain
It is essential to remove old and dirty water from a fountain before cleaning it. This is not a process that most people would wish to undertake frequently, but it is a necessary one in this case.
To replace the water in your fountain your first step should be unplugging the pump if there is any. Then scoop the water out of the fountain.
You can use a dry sponge to get rid of the excess water. Now remove any debris from the fountain body with a clean cloth. It would be great to scrub with a bleach solution. Then rinse the fountain with clean water.
Keeping it under the sun will allow the fountain to dry completely. Now, fill the fountain up with fresh tap water. Remember, you can recycle the water by dumping it somewhere that will help your garden.
Keep the Fountain Intact
You’ll have trouble keeping your water fountain clean if it has a severe crack or hole. It can cause algae to grow easier in the water, which isn’t healthy for birds.
Leaking fountains will attract mosquito larvae, algae, and moss, which can clog up your water feature even faster. So, make sure your fountain is intact and has no cracks or holes.
Organic Algae Control
It’s no secret that algae are a problem with outdoor fountains. A good idea is to use organic algae control to prevent and eliminate algae growth. Products like these come in liquid form and don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
You’ll need about 1-1/3 ounces of algae control liquid for a 500-gallon fountain. Repeat the process two more times if algae are still present, leaving three days between treatments.
You can only take three doses at a time. Cleaning your fountain thoroughly once the treatment is done is a must.
Keep your reservoir near light
You can prevent algae from taking over your reservoir by keeping it near a light source such as a porch light. As a result, you may only have to clean your fountain water every few months and much less frequently than you would without this step.
Guppies or Killifish
Mozzies tend to flock to outdoor fountains. They transmit diseases that can be harmful to you, your family, and your pets. The use of fish that eat these insects is the most effective method for controlling these insects. It is possible to prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your fountain with guppies and killifish.
When Should I Change the Water in my Bird Fountain?
A fountain’s cleaning frequency depends on many factors, including weather, water quality, its location, and the number of birds it attracts. You should change your bird fountain’s water every two to three days to make sure it’s clean.
If you clean it frequently in the summer and periodically in the winter, you will get the maximum benefit. If you observe algae or other growing materials in your decorative fountain, then you may need to clean it more frequently.
Just remember, don’t do anything that may harm the wild birds that are drinking from it, and only use a smart approach.
What Should I Avoid to Keep Fountain Water Clean for Birds?
There’s a high chance you’re about to hear a lot of fallacies. For instance, many people believe it’s a wise idea to put antifreeze or glycerin in water fountains during the winter.
Keeping your fountain water clean for birds involves avoiding a few things.
- Don’t use soap or detergent around your fountain because it can hurt birds if they drink the water.
- You shouldn’t use anything chlorine-based either, since chlorine can be toxic for birds. You don’t want copper-based products in the water because they can poison them.
- You should provide the birds with water that doesn’t contain organic additives. It’s okay to use tap water, but some people have dangerous toxins and bacteria in their faucets.
- You’ll want to treat the water in advance. Some chemicals clean the water. Just add a few drops, and you’re good to go.
Why is It so Crucial to Maintain a Healthy Fountain?
A fountain in your garden or backyard will enhance the chances of birds visiting your property to drink fresh water. This will be especially true during the summer months.
That’s why you should maintain a healthy fountain environment to keep birds safe. If birds come in contact with microorganisms, metals, and other stuff in the fountain, they might become poisoned.
Besides, Algae and bacteria can spread diseases to birds, contaminating humans too. So, ensure that the water in your fountain does not have any harmful elements to birds. Therefore, keeping the fountain clean and the water fresh is part of keeping nature in balance. That is why it is essential to maintain a healthy fountain.
