Bird bath advice needed

[Jo Kay]

Hi all

Wonder if anyone out there can give me some advice? I've got a bird bath which is well used by the birds in my garden, but has begun to rust. It's unsightly, but more importantly I'm worried that it may be bad for the birds to be drinking from - which they still are.

I've had a look at my local garden centre, the RSPB website and B+Q and can't find any new ones which I like and it seems wasteful just to get rid of it without trying to fix it. It's made from metal, so I could easily paint it. The bit I need advice on is whether this would then be safe for the birds?

If I were to use a paint suitable for exterior metal, are there any particular types I should avoid? Would I just be doing more harm than good in trying to 'recycle' my old bird bath?

Any suggestions or warnings greatly appreciated!
thanks
jo

[Deb London]

Our old bath was not used as it was small and ornamental. I now rest an upturned compost bin lid on the original structure. There is something about the shape of this that I have noticed that the birds love. Maybe you could do something similar.

I have read about diseases recently. I only use the bin lid in winter when the ponds are frozen. Then the water is changed daily, being a small body of water that is used by a high density of birds. They are using the pond now it is spring.

[artdemole]

Perhaps you could use a glazed saucer.The type used for the bottom of larger flower pots.It then may rest on the top of the bird bath.Available from garden/Diy stores for about £3.00..

Welcome to WAB and enjoy the posts.....aDm...

[solus]

Our bird bath is an old frying pan.

Very popular it is, too - both for drinking and bathing.

[Jo Kay]

Thanks a lot for the speedy responses... lots of alternatives to painting the birdbath!

[Cowgirl]

Like Debs, my birds ignore the specially bought ornamental bird bath & opt for the black plastic dustbin lid on the floor . It sits in the sun so maybe they like their water warmed first!