Best bird baths to keep your garden friends hydrated

Make sure your garden visitors can have a drink and splash around with our pick of the best bird baths

best-bird-bath

by Hannah Mellin |
Updated on

Having birds visit our garden is one of life's smallest pleasures. Even though we all live busy lives, there's something relaxing about spotting a robin or sparrow grabbing some food from a bird feeder or bird table, and having a little splash around in a bird bath. While bird feeders are common in gardens, bird baths are a lot less common, but are just as important.

You may be used to bird baths being big structures made of stone, they now come in all different forms - from the more traditional pedestal baths to small copper baths that sit high amongst your flowers.

What is a bird bath?

A bird bath is a sloped object or small shallow pond, which is filled with water where birds may drink, bathe, and cool themselves.

Bird baths are a brilliant way of providing birds with a regular supply of clean water for both drinking and bathing. They become even more essential in the colder months when natural sources may be frozen or in the height of summer when water can be hard to come by.

To allow small birds to bathe, the water can't be too deep. TheRSPB suggests the water should be between 2.5cm and 10cm deep so that a variety of birds can use the bird bath safely. Adding rocks or pebbles to the bath will allow birds to have something to stand on.

Different types of bird baths

Traditional: These are also called pedestal bird baths that have a column base with a bowl on top. They are easy for birds to access but can be bulky and hard to clean.

Low to the ground: The simplest type of bird bath is a ground bird bath which is simply a large bowl that you place on the ground.

Hanging or mounted: If you lack outdoor space, hanging or mounted bird baths can be attached to walls, fences and buildings.

Solar-powered: A solar-powered bird bath has built-in solar panels that either heat the water or power a fountain.

Heated: Heated bird baths are particularly useful during the winter months and come with a system that prevents the water from freezing. You can also buy heaters for them.

Best-buy bird baths

As seen in the August 2023 issue of Modern Gardens magazine, compiled by Angela Kenny.

Stand and deliver

Description

With rust-proof sturdy metal stand and frost-resist ceramic bowl, this 30cm x 30cm bird bath was

Bird on the side

Description

Complete with a cute bird ornament to show your garden guests the way, this bird bath, H10cm x

Pride of place

leaf design bird bath
Price: £39.99

www.diy.com

Description

Designed to look like beautiful leaves and roots, with ground spikes for securing, place this bird

Hang about

Description

This is one bath they’re sure to want to spend some time in. It’s made from weather-resistant

The gleam of the crop

copper bird baths on stakes in flowerbed
Price: from 29.95 or £109/3

www.londongardentrading.com

Description

These Copper Chalice Garden Bird Bath Sculptures quickly flew to the top of our list when we saw

Going cheap

black hanging bird bath on chain
Price: £14.99

www.diy.com

Description

Ornate in design, this bird bath, H50cm (height including the chain), ages beautifully over time

Happy bird-day

gold bird bath on black tripod
Price: £29.99

Description

A gift for you and your garden, as well as the birds, this bird bath, H38.5cm, is super sleek and

Im-peck-able taste

Description

Add a touch of Scandi-style to your plot with this stainless-steel and rubber

Water you waiting for?

colourful peacock bird bath
Price: £15.99

Description

It’s fun, colourful and durable plus it’s lightweight and easy to move around. What’s not to love?

Just marbleous!

Description

If you’re willing to splash the cash, this handmade heavyweight has a smooth silky satin finish.

Best bird baths

Best value bird bath

Description

This is an excellent bird bath for beginners, made from lightweight weatherproof resin that is

Pros

  • Easy to move
  • Great value

Cons

  • Is lightweight so keep an eye on it in bad weather

Unique bird bath

Description

If you're looking for something you've never really seen before, this copper chalice sculpture

Pros

  • Well built
  • Looks beautiful

Cons

  • May take a while for birds to use
  • Have to buy each separately

Description

If you've got room for a larger bird bath, this one is fully equipped with a large bird bath,

Pros

  • Great value, looks more expensive than it is
  • Solar light
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Large

Pretty bird bath
Aged Ceramic Bird Bath with Bird Detail
Price: £39.99 (was £44.99)

www.primrose.co.uk

Description

This small bird bath will be a hit with anyone with a garden full of different prints and

Pros

  • Pretty
  • Great for smaller garden areas

Cons

  • Ceramic can break so be careful when handling

Best stone bird bath

Description

This stone bird bath from Gardenesque has an ancient-style finish that blends in beautifully with

Pros

  • Can be left outside all year
  • Will fit in any garden design

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some reviews say the dish is a little deep for birds to bathe in

Best bird bath with stake

Description

Made with handmade glass, this striking bird bath will be an elegant addition to any garden as it

Pros

  • Different colours available
  • Rust and weather resistant
  • Pretty

Cons

  • Delicate compared to others on the list

Sustainable bird bath
Wildlife World Nature Oasis Bird Bath Sustainable Outdoor Design for Birds
Price: £38.99

Description

Another bird bath that attracts not just birds, but wildlife species to cool off, drink, and

Pros

  • Light to pick up
  • Environmentally friendly

Cons

  • None

Small bird bath

Description

A classic aged stone effect bird bath from Waitrose Garden that is made from light and extremely

Pros

  • Traditional looking
  • Low on the ground

Cons

  • A little deep, adding stones will help attract smaller birds

Large bird bath

Description

This traditional shaped bird bath sits tall and will attract a whole load of wild birds into your

Pros

  • Tall
  • Frostproof
  • Large dish

Cons

  • None

Bird bath for walls

Description

This cast iron birth bath, complete with two decoration birds, comes with a wall bracket that you

Pros

  • Great option for those with no space
  • Sturdy and weather proof

Cons

  • Bowl itself isn't deep

Bird bath with fountain

Description

Birds like moving water and find it more tempting to visit. This bird bath has a low-voltage solar

Pros

  • Provides clean and moving water

Cons

  • Needs to be protected from frost

FAQs

How to build a DIY bird bath

If you can't afford a bird bath just yet or don't want to make a splurge, you can improvise and make your own DIY bird bath from what you find in your cupbaords.

Shallow dishes and bowls and a terracotta pot will do the job. Simply find a shaded space, fill a shallow dish with fresh water, turn your terracotta pot upside down and place it on top. To make it more sturdy, you can glue the dish to the pot before filling it with water. You can add stones or rocks to the dish afterwards so birds can perch to drink fresh, clean water. The stones will also enable thirsty bees to drink from the bath, without the danger of drowning.

When do birds use bird baths?

You'll be able to spot birds in your garden at all times of the year, but especially during the winter months as water can be tricky to find.

It is also important to bear in mind that birds are using your bird bath not only to clean themselves off but also to cool off, so keeping it in the shade keeps the water cooler. A spot near trees or bushes will help them feel safe from predators.

How do I clean my bird bath?

To keep your birdbath fresh, just rinse and scrub it with nine parts water, and one part vinegar once every few weeks. If you want to use normal household cleaners, make sure to rinse them all away as they may contain chemicals that harm the bird's feathers.

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Description

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