A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2007 new birdbath

I found this small (10 inches high by 10 inches across) ceramic item yesterday, that I assume is a birdbath? I love all things celestial, and this sun said "take me home" immediately!

I thought it would look nice in the garden surrounding the pond, when that's all done. My problem is... the sun part is not glazed. Is there something I can coat it with - a clear coat, so the bird droppings, etc., do not stain, or ruin the sun? Of course I'd want to use something that would be safe for the birds.

What a totally cool piece! I have no idea how to protect the sunface. But, I really like the birdbath!

I imagine some clear acryllic paint or spray would do the trick.

Is that safe for the birds? Because eventually it breaks down some from the sun and stuff....

I really love it Lynne, I would use it to put birdseed in instead of water.

I agree with loz about the dangers of acrylic spray.

But... I don't want to put seed in it, for 2 reasons. Firstly, I wouldn't be able to see the sun, and secondly, I don't want the seeds to grow in the garden there...

Lynne, how about some kind of clear wrap? Like Saran Wrap...maybe just on the bottom part and weighted down by a few small rocks? I don't know I'm at a loss....

I'd want to see it too, I just don't know how I'd make it sealed and bird safe.

This one has me stumped. *scratches head*

Do you have to seal it? Could you just make sure to spray it out each day with a hose?

That's a gorgeous piece, Lynne! Gosh, maybe the only thing you can do is to come up with some sort of a clear plastic liner for it.

I'm sure looking forward to watching your pond area come to life!

My daughter got that same one I think for her Auntie. I'll ask her if she did anything with it. My other sister does ceramics in her basement and I think she might have clear glazed it and fired it for her. Not sure, I'll check.

That is a beautiful piece!!! I will try to remember to ask the teacher in my ceramics class Thursday night

Thanks all!

I'm not sure it can be glazed again, mel - it might crack.

I think I might just have to try and stay up on it and clean it more than I'd like to have to...

It was probably left unglazed for the birds safety. Completely smooth or glazed bird baths are slippery. Birds need a rough or not slippery anyway surface to get a footing. I can send you some sample packets of an enzyme you add to bath water, perfectly safe for birds, that help break down droppings and algae, keeping the bath clean.

I did know about the slippery factor, Wrennie, but didn't think about it where this was concerned. Good thinking!

I've not heard of that enzyme - what is it?
That would be great if you have some samples you could share!

I LOVE it Lynne...how cool!!!

My wife LUVED it and wants one for our house, too. We have a huge concrete birdbathnow, but plan on adding several more.

Where did you buy that Lynne? I forgot to ask.....

I never thought about the slippery factor either.....

it's a gorgeous piece!!! i'd hang it up somewhere, rather than use it for the birds.

too pretty to not be seen and appreciated!!!

loz - I got it at Marshalls on Saturday - you know, one of those... see it, must have it, better get it because it was the only one... type purchases!

Joclyn - thanks! It has a pedestal base, and is not meant for hanging. It will be seen plenty in the garden I'm planning for around the new pond, so I'm not worried about that!

That is a bautiful piece Lynne and a great addition for your new garden area!

I know those purchases all too well.

We don't have a Marshalls around here.... :p Wish we did.

We have Marshalls here. One of my favorite stores.

We have a Marshalls and Homestyles.

marshalls ALWAYS has some nice stuff. and they always seem to be of the 'see it, must have it, better get it because it was the only one' type!!

i didn't realize it was attached to a base. just make sure you put it in a spot that is frequented often. that's really too pretty to not be seen!!

We have another store like Marshalls here in Nashville it is called, "Ross' Dress for Less" We buy 90% of our stuff from these two stores.

I love it too but, gosh darn it, we don't have a Marshall's around here. I just happen to need a new one. My old one got cracked when we moved but that's O.K.--gives me an excuse to go look for a pretty one like yours

Marleine

Walmart sells massive concrete birdbaths for $20.00. I fill mine up with marbles and colored glass beads and put a larger rough item in the center as a resting island.