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Metal Birdbaths for Gardens, Backyards and Courtyards.

Australian-made metal bird bath stands and bowls 

A birdbath is a simple water feature that can easily add relaxation and beauty to your garden by attracting a variety of birds. A well-designed birdbath will give the birds a sanctuary for drinking and bathing, and you’ll be able to watch them throughout the year. At Overwrought Garden Art, we have over 15 years of experience in making metal birdbaths and other sculptures which are both bird-friendly and attractive.

Size

Smaller, standalone birdbaths are much easier to install, although the water in the basin dries out more quickly. However if you’re regularly maintaining and refilling them, this shouldn’t be a problem. Larger birdbaths allow access for more birds at the same time, and the water takes longer to dry out, but they can be heavier and more difficult to clean. If you’re unsure which size is best suited to your garden area, try a smaller size birdbath first. Factors such as available space, and how often it needs to be refilled and cleaned will also help indicate the best size for your garden or backyard. Our metal birdbath stands are made in varying sizes and our team would be delighted to help you make the right choice.

Functionality

All our metal birdbaths are carefully designed to be both decorative and functional in your garden or backyard. A basin with a narrow lip, some texture and a maximum depth of five centimetres is best for smaller birds. If your birdbath is deeper, you can adjust the depth by using smooth pebbles and pea gravel at the bottom of the bowl. Make sure the bird bath will not move or tip over. How do you stabilise a birdbath? The easiest way is to make sure the ground is level and anchor it to the ground with pegs or weights. Rocks and pebbles in the bowl also add extra weight for stability.

Other Options

As the demand for birdbaths grows, exciting new trends are emerging. For example, use string lights to draw attention to the birdbath in your garden after the sun goes down and create an attractive feature. For those with limited yard space, a slender standing birdbath or even a hanging birdbath is a smart yet functional solution. You don’t need a big garden to own a birdbath!

Four Simple steps to attract birds to your birdbath

Birdbaths are a wonderful way to attract different species of birds to your garden. Whether you already own a birdbath or you’re a first-time owner, there are some easy tips to follow to make the most of your birdbath, and bring the birds to your garden.

1. Fresh and clean water

This may sound like an obvious tip, but it’s one of the most important things to do. Just like humans, birds need fresh water to survive. Taking a dip to clean their feathers also helps them insulate properly. It’s important to change the water regularly and clean the basin to prevent feathers and droppings from collecting over time and contaminating the water. Your birdbath should be a safe and hygienic water source all year long. 

2. Location, location, location

Should birdbaths be in the sun or shade? This is a common question. Birds tend to feel safe in a sufficiently open space so that they can see what’s around them. However, the birdbath should be near shrubs and trees, so birds have somewhere to preen themselves after a bath, or quickly escape from predators. The trees should also provide some dappled shade from the sun so that the water in the basin doesn’t become too hot or evaporate too quickly. Cooler water will also slow down the growth of algae. 

3. Height and depth

Birds prefer shallow baths and are more likely to choose a water source that mimics a puddle on the ground. For this reason, you should choose a stand that is lower to the ground so it appears more natural to them—our unique birdbath with 3D wren garden art is a wonderful option! In general, maintaining a 2.5 centimetres to five centimetres depth on the edges and no more than five centimetres in the middle of the basin is ideal. If your bowl is deeper, adjust the depth by lining the basin with some flat, smooth rocks or pea gravel. Shallower waters are also safer for young birds and smaller birds. 

4. Spot to perch

Birds always need a place to perch, so if there is no natural perch nearby, you can add some rocks, branches or a stick to make your birdbath more approachable. The perch is where they’ll go to preen themselves and dry off after a splash in the basin, and also provides them with a place from which to scan their surroundings and keep a lookout for predators. We don’t recommend placing a perch directly above the basin, as the droppings will contaminate the water.

How to clean your metal birdbath 

A birdbath requires some routine cleaning, but fortunately, it’s fairly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to ensure your metal birdbath stays in tip-top condition.

What you will need:

• Water
• White vinegar
• Rubber gloves
• Soft brush

Home-made cleaning solution:

• Mix one part white vinegar to nine parts water

Method:

• Empty out any water left in the birdbath.
• Use the brush to gently scrub the basin and lip with the vinegar solution. 
• Properly scrub all the areas where the birds land and perch. 
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water. 
• Let the birdbath dry completely before refilling with fresh water.

NB: If there is a build-up of dirt and other contaminants in the basin, leave the vinegar solution to soak for several minutes first before you start scrubbing. 

How often should you clean your metal birdbath?

If you have a lot of birds using your birdbath, it’s best to clean it thoroughly two to three times a week. Otherwise once a week will do. Position your birdbath slightly away from feeders to avoid spilled seeds in the water, and away from areas where grass clippings and leaves might fall in. This will help to keep the water cleaner for longer.

Do metal birdbath bowls attract mosquitoes?

Unfortunately, the reality is that all types of birdbaths can attract mosquitoes. However, water that is fresh and clean is attractive to birds, but less attractive to mosquitoes, gnats and other pests. Stagnant, dirty water will always appeal to mosquitoes, another reason to regularly clean your birdbath.