Why You May Want To Think Twice Before Installing A Fountain In Your Garden's Bird Bath

Putting a bird bath in your garden brings more birds to the yard and adds a fun water feature to the garden beds. Plus, it's fun to watch the little birds play in the water. To match this vibe, little solar fountains or fountain features on bird baths have been the rage online, but is this a good investment? Before adding one, know that there are some downsides. Namely, they might require more work than you think to keep them working.

First, let's talk about the benefits of fountains in bird baths. Running water can kill mosquitoes in the bird bath while attracting the birds with the sound. Birds love fresh water because they need it to drink, just like we do, but also because they need to rinse off their feathers. Dirt or hitchhiking mites might collect on them and become a bother. The buildup could also prevent their feathers from lying flat and orderly over time, so taking baths may even help birds fly better.

Keeping bird baths clean in general is important to stop the spread of disease for both humans and birds. Fountains are just another part of the bird bath you'll need to keep clean. They can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not maintained properly. If you think there are no harmful germs in bird bath fountains, think again. Salmonella, norovirus, and even the germ that causes Legionnaires' disease are commonly found in the water of dirty fountains. Bacteria and germs aren't the only problems, though.

Algae in bird baths can be another issue. If left untreated, it can clog the tubing of your pump and damage the fountain. Algae can double its growth every day or so in warm months, and if you don't intervene, you might end up with a slimy green bath in as little as a week. Keep a supply of vinegar on hand if you want to stop algae from building up in your fountain. And before adding an algaecide or other chemical, know that it might be dangerous for wildlife.

You'll probably need to scrub the filter of your pump every week or two in order to keep your bird bath clean. Depending on the kind of fountain you have, this might require taking the fountain apart and cleaning the tubing as well, maybe as often as once a month.  For some gardeners, this can be a bit of a hassle. 

And cleaning isn't the only maintenance with a fountain. They do require general vigilance. Bird fountains can splash water out of the bird bath, meaning you might have to refill it more often than normal. Not to mention, when the temperature drops, you'll also have to think about bringing a pump inside so the water in it doesn't freeze and damage it. While fountains are pleasant and pretty, just know that they require work to run properly.