Bird baths are essential to attracting birds. They need fresh water year round no matter the weather. Follow along to make your yard a bird haven this winter .
Why do birds need heated bird baths?
Birds need fresh water for bathing and drinking. Heated bird baths keep the water from freezing making it accessible for birds visiting your yard. It’s an essential for any yard that welcomes birds to have a heated bird bath in the winter.
Winterizing your ceramic bird baths also prevents them from cracking which can happen from water expanding as it freezes. The key to using heated bird baths is to keep water warm enough so it stays unfrozen— not to make a bird jacuzzi!
There are a few ways to keep water in your bird bath from freezing:
- Heated bird baths
- Bird bath deicer
- Solar bird bath heaters
- Bird fountains
- Floating objects like ping pong balls
Birds will hardly pass by a bird bath without taking a drink in the winter. Maybe this is your chance to see that bird you’ve been waiting for!
Make sure to check out the 7 Tips to get Birds at Your Winter Bird Bath at the end of the list.
10 Heated Bird Baths
Here are our top picks for heated bird baths (and deicers) to winterize your yard. Most are thermostatically controlled which means there's a built in thermostat that turns the heater on and off.
1. Bird Bath Heater and Fountain Combo
A bird bath deicer and fountain combo is our top pick. Both features will have your birds buzzing!
- built in water pump and deicer keeps water from freezing
- plug and play, can be used in other bird baths
- 3.3 ft cord
- 120v / 250W
2. Pedestal Heated Bird Bath
This is a great budget heated bird bath for winter. It's got a sturdy base to secure it in the ground, a key feature that's often overlooked. If you find you need to weigh it down more, try adding some stones or sandbags over the base once it's underground.
Features:
- 35" tall
- 5 color options
- 120V 100W
- Cord is about 5.5 ft long (we recommend using a waterproof outdoor extension cord)
3. Prime Retreat Heated Pedestal Bird Bath
Heated pedestal bird baths often have plastic or resin basins like this one. They're durable against freezing and cracking, and usually an ideal depth between 1-2 inches.
- 150w enclosed heating element
- secure metal stand (sits on ground)
- watertight cord connector
- 20" wide and 2" deep plastic bird bath basin
4. Heated Ground Bird Bath for Winter
Sits directly on the ground but can place anywhere. The adjustable legs are ideal for uneven ground.
- automatically turns on when under 50° F and shuts off at 86° F
- 5 ft long cord
- 13.4" in diameter and 1.8" in deep
- 4 colors
- adjustable leveling legs
5. Hanging Heated Bird Bath
Like the others this thermostatically controlled bird bath is great for winter. It comes with hardware to hand it from a nearby branch or bird feeder poler.
- can hang or place on ground
- 14.7" in diameter
- multipurpose at 3.5" in deep (can use for other animals or livestock)
- sealed bottom for insulation
- short cord around 3.5 ft (waterproof outdoor extension cord)
6. Pedestal API Heated Bird Bath
A great pedestal option that looks bit more modern. This is an ideal pick for those who prefer to shop USA made!
- 20" diameter bowl
- 150w enclosed heating element
- check mount option available
- weather resistant metal stand
7. Heated Mountable Bird Bath
3 ways to mount: elevated ground stand, clamp, pole or beam. Like many heated winter bird baths you'll probably need an extension cord.
- 13" diameter and 1.2" deep
- 3.7 ft cord (waterproof outdoor extension cord)
- 75W
- 3 colors
- easy to tuck cord away for spring and summer bird bath use
8. Farm Innovators Heated Mountable Bird Bath
Made of durable metal in hunter green or burnt orange.
- 3 ways to mount
- under 2" deep
- 75W with short cord (use extension cord)
- easy store cord for use in spring and summer bird baths
- 2 colors
9. Bird Bath Heater and Deicer
A multipurpose deicer that can be used for bird baths, chicken coops, and other outdoor animals.
- automatically turns on when temp is below 35°F and shuts off above 77°F
- must be submerged to use
- multi purpose
- 120v / 150W
- anti-rust coating
10. Bird Bath and Pond Deicer with Auto Shut Off
A multipurpose deicer with a higher auto shut off temperature at 95°F, making it ideal for ponds, ducks, chickens, and more.
- 3 ft long cord
- auto shut off at 95°F
- 5 colors
- 120V / 60W
- suitable for small animals
Honorable Mention: Solar Powered Bird Bath Fountain with Built-in Lithium Battery
While it's not heated the fountain feature will help keep the water unfrozen for the birds to enjoy. It seems too shallow to add a a deicer or heater making it ideal for climates with warmer winters, or for use as a spring or summer bird bath.
7 Tips to get Birds at Your Winter Bird Bath
Follow these must-do tips to maximize your results and get the most value out of your heated bird bath this winter.
1. Shallow Water is Best
You only need a couple inches of water. It it safer for birds by reducing risk of drowning. Plus it conserves water when you need to change them often to keep the water safe for birds.
2. Already got a bird bath?
Consider adding a bird bath liner. The dark color of the liner helps retain more heat than your bird bath would without one. You can also use a de-icer with it to keep temps up and water unfrozen.
This way if you already have a lovely bird bath you can simply add a feature or two to go the extra mile for your feathered friends.
3. Keep the Water Moving
Moving water is less likely to freeze, and in warm temperatures, will keep bugs like mosquitos from breeding. Add a water agitator or fountain. Floating objects like ping pong balls or rubber ducks can help keep water unfrozen, too.
Refer to the manufacturers instructions to see if your deicer can be simultaneously used with a water agitator or bird bath fountain.
4. Change Water Often
Birds and other animals can easily spread parasites and disease in bird baths. Dirt and oil from feathers can cause buildup in the water, too. Change the water out every few days to keep it clean.
5. Attract birds with feeders and houses
Making your yard inviting is easier than you think. Adding a winter bird feeder and bird house goes a long way to making your yard a bird hot spot. Just make sure to space them appropriately. Locate the feeder a few yards away from any bird houses to help birds feel safe.
Our guide for Choosing a Winter Bird Feeder and Choosing the Best Bird House for Winter will give you everything you need to know.
Make sure to choose the right bird seed, deter pests like pesky squirrels,
6. Use shrubs and plants
Native plants and shrubs for shelter and food is another great way to attract birds to your yard this winter. Keep them in planters and plant when the ground thaws in the spring.
7. Avoid chemicals
Nothing good comes of them when it comes to bird baths and drinking water.
What birds have you seen at your bird bath this winter?
Share them on the Sparkbird App! Available in the Apple App Store.
- Related: How to Use the Sparkbird App
