Do birds drink snow?

[animartco]

I am not sure how many birds can or do adapt to drinking snow, when all the water is froxen solid? Does anyone know which genera can or cannot do this?
Of course all bird lovers will be tryng to ensure that their garden birds have access to water for at least a couple of hours a day, but I have found that if a container freezes the birds seem to expect it to remain so, and don't tend to hang around waiting for the hot kettle. At least it takes them a long time to realise that you are providing water.
I am having difficulties with my hens in this respect. They are not coming to the water as I fetch it out, and of course it refreezes within an hour. So it would really put my mind at rest if I knew they were able to 'drink' snow?
Of course there are stories of men in arctic snowy conditions dying of dehydration. Logically you'd think that if you took a mouthful of snow you'd get a drink, but it's not that easy is it?

[Magicboots]

I can't say for sure they do or don't but I've seen a great tit and blue tit pecking at the snow before, whether he was drinking it or not I'm not sure

[davecatt]

Hi, I've just pasted this excerpt from my reply to
twitchyts, thread bird feeding. Hope it helps

To stop the birds drinking water from freezing we used to punch a couple of small holes in the sides of an old biscuit tin and place it upside down over a lit candle and put a bowl of water on the tin. I think the Idea came from good old Blue Peter

Dave

[Paul mabbott]

Yes - whether it's intentional or accidental, I'm not sure. However, birds are not likely to dehydrate while there is snow around.

Remember: don't eat yellow snow!

[Cowgirl]

Originally Posted by davecatt

Hi, I've just pasted this excerpt from my reply to
twitchyts, thread bird feeding. Hope it helps

To stop the birds drinking water from freezing we used to punch a couple of small holes in the sides of an old biscuit tin and place it upside down over a lit candle and put a bowl of water on the tin. I think the Idea came from good old Blue Peter

Dave

That's a great idea Dave! I was just pondering the same problem myself. My big pond has the pump running most of the day so there is usually water for them, but I like to provide a bowl near the feeders. I'll have to get a tin. By candle do you mean one of those tealight ones, I've got loads of those!

Now there's a good reason I need to go out & buy some choccie biccies or sweeties & of course they'll need to be eaten before I use the tin, it just wouldn't be right to tip them into a plastic box now would it? Chocolate needs treating with respect after all.

[RoyW]

Birds will eat snow, and they will also get water from food any food that has a high water content (eg. berries and insects).
They will certainly appreciate liquid water if it is possible to provide it though!

[aeshna5]

I remember some years back watching a pair of Ring-necked Parakeets "eating" snow from a branch in Richmond Park.

[rossy]

good question and only last week i was watching a blackbird doing just that up in the conifer tree, at the moment its a nightmare stopping the water freezing over, so the answer is yes. rossy.

[Ladywell]

Our hens peck at the snow so I guess they must derive some moisture from it - but someone once told me (don't know how true it is) that 7 inches of snow equals one inch of rain - in which case they may have to peck at a lot to get the equivalent of a good drink!

[kimmy]

I watched a female Chaffinch definitely eating snow recently and heard my mother also saying she saw birds eating snow. I have to tip out ice and refill bowl water often during day but I noticed after I left it sitting in the wooden bird house on a stand that it doesnt freeze just as quickly as when left in the open. The tin box idea is very good actually.