Forget Traditional Bird Baths: This Affordable Alternative Is Great For Freezing Winters

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Preparing for freezing temps isn't just about stocking up on firewood and hot chocolate. In addition to getting your yard winter-ready, it's a good idea to think about the birds, too. Setting up a birdbath is a thoughtful way to ensure our feathered friends can get a drink — but what about when it's frigid outside? The birds that don't migrate still need to quench their thirst, so making a few adjustments can help keep them happy all season long. But this doesn't mean you have to purchase a heated birdbath! There's a budget-friendly solution that uses a black plastic saucer instead.

Even if you're not sitting on the patio, you still might want the birds to visit your yard during the winter. That's why it's important to have a birdbath that's able to withstand it. Some materials aren't as cut out for the cold, such as porcelain and concrete, which can crack due to the freezing water. Birdbaths made of reinforced plastic or metal are more suitable choices. You can grab inexpensive plastic saucers online, like this Bleuhome 2-Pack of Plant Saucers for $19.99. In addition to the saucers being durable, their color can also make a difference for your bird buddies in the winter.

A big issue with birdbaths is that the water can become frozen solid when it's extremely cold. This, of course, isn't very beneficial to the birds! But if you use a black plastic saucer, the color can be helpful in absorbing heat from the sun. You should also try to find a spot in your yard where the birdbath can receive lots of sunlight, which can also help keep the water from freezing so fast. Just make sure it's a place where the birds will feel safe and protected. Replace the birdbath water often, keep it filled up, and use multiple saucers in order to provide the birds additional hydration sources in your yard.

If you want birds to have access to water all winter long, you could utilize a couple of other tricks as well. One involves tossing a round object, such as a ball or Christmas bauble, into the saucer. As it floats around, it'll help with keeping the water from becoming a block of ice. Another idea is to tuck hand warmers underneath the bath to give it a touch of heat. You could also insulate it by wrapping a blanket or towel around the base. 

Check on the plastic saucer frequently to ensure it has clean, unfrozen water and that it's in a spot that's actually proving to be attractive to the birds. Hopefully, you'll be able to enjoy watching them through a window as you're hunkering down.