Don't Toss An Old Bundt Pan — Reuse It For A Cute DIY Bird Bath

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The quirky shape of bundt pans is intended to help cakes bake evenly, but it also means they're perfect for some unique DIYs. You can easily turn a bundt pan into anything from a cute planter to a door wreath, but one of the most charming ways to give an old one a second life is to turn it into a bird bath. With a little cleaning, outdoor paint, and a stable place to set it, that forgotten baking pan can become a functional backyard oasis for birds. 

If you don't already have one of these baking dishes on hand, you'll likely be able to find the perfect one at your local thrift store for a reasonable price. You'll also need a safe, stable base for the bath. A plant stand or an old tomato cage could both work well. For a more rustic look, even something as simple as a tree stump could do the trick. You don't necessarily need a stand, either: Birds will happily use baths placed on or close to the ground, so you can simply set the pan on a level surface in a suitable spot.

Begin by giving your bundt pan a good scrub. Then, once it's clean and dry, consider coating it with an outdoor paint formulated for metal. This is an especially good idea if it's made of aluminum or steel, as these can be prone to rusting. If you're using a stand, you can paint that to match. Once the paint is dry, you're ready to assemble your bird bath. The hole in the center of your bundt pan is an ideal spot to add a stable platform or perch for birds to relax and preen on between visits to the water.

Before adding water, make the bath safer for your feathered visitors. Place a few smooth pebbles in the bottom to give birds better footing and avoid filling the pan too deeply. About an inch of water is generally enough for birds to drink and bathe without making the basin unnecessarily deep. Refresh it regularly and clean your bird bath often to prevent algae buildup and discourage mosquitoes.

You can also make your upcycled bird bath even more enticing by adding some gentle movement. A solar-powered water agitator, such as the Solaceura Water Wiggler for Bird Bath, can create sound and motion, which may help catch birds' attention.