Wild Bird "No Ice"

[Lester]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this question:

My wife got some ChapelWood Wild Bird "No Ice":
Chapelwood No Ice! Bird Bath Anti Freeze - Birdcare Accessories -

"Protect you bird baths and water features from those cold freezing temperatures this winter with Wild Bird No Ice."

The back says does not contain harmful glycerol or glycols, but there is no ingredients list.

1) anyone used this product?
2) is it safe for the birds?
3) is it effective?
4) any idea what the active ingredient actually is?

Thanks in advance.

[hank]

I've never heard of it, but it sounds a great idea. I may try some.
Your link is on the Dobbies site, so I'd expect it to be reputable.
Here's another link .......
Chapelwood No-Ice for Bird Baths [CHAPECPW0784] | Capital Gardens

It seems to be effective to minus 4C.

H.

[Elizabeth B]

I wouldn't touch it, unless it's beeen approved by the RSPB or BTO! Chapelwood says say it's "Natural" - so is deadly nightshade!

[triops]

At least one RSPB site says "Never add chemicals of any sort to water for birds".
I would be fascinated to find out what this product contains, especially as in the illustration the product looks pretty murky.

[Dogghound]

I would personally avoid using this.

[solus]

In most cases if the bird bath is in your garden at home it's not that difficult to nip outside every morning, tip out the ice and dirty water and re-fill with fresh. When it's really freezing we use warm water from the kettle: it soon cools and the birds seem to appreciate any slight warmth that remains!

I haven't seen this stuff but personally I wouldn't touch it: apart from anything else, why spend money needlessly?

Another thing that has occurred to me: this stuff claims to be effective to -4: at that temperature the ice is unlikely to be so thick and so hard that you won't be able to prise it from the bird bath fairly easily, especially if you add some hot water first. At the sort of temperatures we had last winter, it won't be effective anyway!

Gimmick!!!

[AfternoonLemon]

It looks to be something which intended for use when you are away for extended periods, thus unable to change the water. I reflect what others have said - until it's endorsed I'm not sure I'd trust it.

[burhinus]

Sounds like a gimmick from the 'I saw you coming range' to me.

[willowjay]

Would you drink it? If not, don't give it to the birds.

[AfternoonLemon]

Originally Posted by willowjay

Would you drink it? If not, don't give it to the birds.

Fair point, but I wouldn't drink out of a puddle in a ditch either