Goodbye Traditional Bird Baths: There's A Cheaper DIY Option Sitting In Your Shed

Longtime pet owners know that animals don't necessarily need fancy or high-tech accessories and certainly don't follow trends for the latest toys. In fact, cats often prefer cardboard boxes over cushy pet caves, and dogs will chase a stick with the same fervor as running after a storebought chew toy. The same goes for birds. When they're splashing in a birdbath, they likely can't tell the difference between a luxury stone birdbath (yes, it's a thing) and an old tray that's been upcycled into a birdbath.

Wild birds use birdbaths as a source of drinking water and a place to bathe, especially on hot days. Bathing helps cool birds down, but more importantly, it keeps their feathers in good condition for flight, weather protection, and removing dirt and debris. For humans, birds add life and interest to our yards, but they also play a role in a garden's ecosystem by controlling the pest population, spreading seeds, and pollinating plants. 

To invite more birds into your yard without investing too much time, money, or space, there are several birdbath options you can DIY from old plastic items. One of the easiest and cheapest options entails setting up an old sled in your garage or shed that's waiting around for colder days. The shallower the sled, the better, since the water in bird baths shouldn't be any deeper than 2 inches. 

This DIY birdbath is as simple as it gets. Fill the sled with water, then let the birds discover it. However, to ensure that the bath is safe, hygienic, and attractive for our feathered friends, there are crucial tips to consider when DIYing a birdbath. For starters, place it in a spot that's not heavily frequented by animals that prey on birds. Put it out in the open, away from bushes or tall grass where predators can hide. 

It's also important to read up on proper maintenance and cleaning. In addition to washing the sled on a weekly basis, change the water daily to clean out feathers, droppings, and mosquito larvae. Scrubbing the sled with hot, soapy water will sufficiently clean it, but you also can use vinegar-and-water solution (1:9 ratio). Let the sled dry completely before refilling it.

Accessorizing the birdbath isn't necessary, but birds will likely appreciate a few large, flat rocks or logs to use as perches above the water level. Also consider adding gravel to the bottom of the sled to offer traction for the birds. Another option is to add a self-contained fountain, like this Mademax Solar Bird Bath Fountain from Amazon, as there are positives to having a fountain in your birdbath. The sound of water is soothing to humans, but birds also love the motion and noise of active water. Bonus: The moving water will deter mosquitoes from breeding in the birdbath.