A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2003 Birdbath advice?

Morning all! I've been wanting to get a birdbath for the longest time, and most likely will this week. Any suggestions? I know they aren't supposed to be deep, and that there should be gravel or something in the bottom. One thing I need to know is if I should place it in the sun or shade? Maybe partial shade? And, for those of you with cats (like me), how do you keep them away from the birds?! I've thought of a collar with a bell, but have heard some learn how to keep it from jingling. Thoughts and experiences most welcome!

Well the bird bath I have is all concrete and had to use a dolly to move the sucker. HEAVY!!!! Anyway, I put it amongest the roses...WATCH OUT LITTLE BIRDIES!!!! When the roses were cut back it was okay...the birds could see the cats coming...but now that the bushes are full the cats can sneak up on them. NOT GOOD!!! Have heard to put bird baths in an open environment just for that reason. I don't know about the gravel...I personally wouldn't put any in. I clean mine out every time I fill with water. I like clean fresh water to drink so I do the same for the birds. With the gravel it would make cleaning much harder. Oh, I also have mine in the sun...guess that was clear when I said they were amongest the roses. Anyways...don't know if this helped and others will have different opinions. Have a great day.
Catlover

Thanks for the advice, Catlover! Yeah, after I posted that I got to thinking about how much trouble the gravel would be when I'd want to clean the birdbath. I read that too,about putting it in the open so cats can't sneak up on it.

Any more words of wisdom/experience from anyone else out there?

This may sound strange, but I keep just the top of a birdbath on the ground in one of my perennial gardens. Don't know why I prefer it that way, but it works. The dog occasionally likes a drink from there. We have several cats here on the farm but they must have plenty to do 'cause I've never seen one of them studying the birdbath. Maybe they're just too lazy. I just turn mine upside down for the winter. Less chance of it getting broken when its already on the ground.

Hmm...that's a thought, Carol. Thanks! (I live on a farm, also). I've notice birds drinking out of our dog's water dish, which is, of course, on the ground. And I've never noticed the cat trying to get to those birds. The dog? He just watches them! But they're getting bird poop in his water all the time... :p ...so I need this bird bath so I'm not having to constantly dump and clean Bandit's water dish! Plus to give the birds more room to play in the water.

Just make sure you change the water on a regular basis to keep the mosquitos at bay.

Thanks for the reminder, Evan. Can't be too careful with this nasty West Nile virus, can we?