The Heated Bird Bath

A heated bird bath is a wintertime essential. Birds have massive metabolic rates, and the energy spent seeking out water during cold temperatures is better used on keeping warm. Remove the need to search with an offering at your feeder station.

Keep in mind that while some birds simply won’t take advantage of a feeder, nearly all will use a bird bath. You may be surprised at what appears in your bird bath!

Regarding this component of your feeder station, you’ve many options. If you already have a bath, you may want to consider a heater rather than a new bath that's heated.

There are tons of these on the market. The two I recommend to customers are

Farm Innovators De-icer model FIC50. This heater is constructed of heavy duty cast aluminum and so is quite rugged. The heater is thermostatically controlled and carries a three year warranty.
The other model I recommend is manufactured by Nelson manufacturing and is called the Blue Devil. The handle of this model can be hand shaped to fit all types of water features. A clamp results in added stability.
The heater is thermostatically controlled—turning on in temps under 40 degrees--and the heater shuts off if out of water for more than 60 seconds.
A full 200 watts of power keep water at 40 – 50 degrees and is effective in baths up to a ten quart capacity.
Of course, any bird bath heater will require an electrical outlet. Be sure it’s a GFCI outlet.

Alternatively, you can purchase a heated bird bath. These units have heating elements within. Just plug and go!

You would not believe the number of people that enter my brick-and-mortar store and inquire about a heater--many have misplaced theirs from the previous year!! A heated bird bath solves that problem.

There are many, many models of baths with heaters. Some clamp to decks, some are pedestals, and still others can be screwed into a fence. I love the look of Looker Products Double Ring model. Sorry, I don’t have a good pic. It’s a beautiful cedar complete with hold down stakes.

Allied Precision manufactures a couple of plastic models. I receive decent reviews on these models from my customers. Keep in mind that these products are great gifts for folks with established bird feeder stations!

So,

I hope you found this article about the heated bird bath useful. Click here for more great information about bird baths. Click here for more great information about bird feeders and bird houses.