Bird bath...need running water?

[ryanerb]

I have a large amount of house finches on my feeder. I put a bird bath near by, and they dont seem to be using it at all. it is maybe 10" diameter, 1-2" deep, not slippery, etc. do you think if it had running water they would be more prone to use it? or does that species not really like water? please help me convince these birds to use it! haha. -Ryan

[lvn600]

Is it close to a tree or bush so that the birds can fly to cover if in danger?Your birdbath shouldn't be too close to the feeder. It also helps to put some small flat rocks in the birdbath that are just below the surface of the water that the birds can stand on.You can also hang a water container above the birdbath with a very small hole in the bottom so that the water drips out slowly-one drop at a time.This definitely attracts the birds. It is not that easy to get just the right dripping action though.I attatched the top of dishwashing soap container to a watering pot to get the right effect.There are also commercial drippers which can be hooked up to your water hose.These are sure to work.

[ryanerb]

it is sitting on top of a bush, so its not out in the open. right now its only like a foot away from the feeder. i'll maybe try placing rocks in it and moving it further away.

[Transformer]

I also have a bath which no one seems to be using. Granted, it's very rainy here lately, but even when it's sunny out, I never see any of the birds using it. I have mine in a back corner of the yard.

[Starzz]

I've had a birdbath for a few years now. I have only seen a few doves and sparrows actually taking a bath in it. The chickadees, bluejays, nuthatches & goldfinches seem to drink out of it. I have gone days without seeing anything in it, but they are so quick at it, I know they are in it every day.

***WOOHOO my 100th post!!!***

[squirrelman]

I would agree as to moving it away from the feeder and the bush. Also make sure the water is changed often. I live on the third floor of an apartment and my birds like to poop in the water just as much as drink it and take a bath in it. I change mine every day - every two days tops. And clean the bath out as well no matter what the weather is like.

[Katy Penland]

You'll want to make sure the water in the birdbath is always fresh and clean even if there's no constant drip (but as Larry points out, it's more attractive to birds if there is some movement to the water). :t: And be sure to keep the feature itself scrubbed out daily (especially if it's still and not moving water).

Our House Finches love the birdbath, both for drinking and bathing. (They also love the hummer nectar feeder, but that's another issue. ;) )

[squirrelman]

Great minds think alike Katy :t: