Frozen birdbath

[tricia]

I've been out three times today to break the ice and fill with fresh water - once even with warm water - but within a couple of hours the water is frozen again. The temperature didn't rise above freezing today, even here in the south west.

Is there anything safe I can add to the water to prevent the water from freezing? I've had so many birds looking for a drink today, poor things!

Tricia

[tricia]

[Ellen K]

I am doing the same - the resident robin watched me this morning then came down for a drink.

I don't think there is anything you can add to the water but using a large vessel like a plant pot saucer in a sheltered place and water from the kettle helps.

[Ellen K]

^^ I meant of course there are things you can put in the water to depress the freezing point but they are not good for birds.

Stuff like salt (ugh) and ethanol (nice but not good for them) come to mind.

Poor birdies, keep up the good work.

[Carol]

I don't think there is anything you can do.  I just have to keep adding the fresh water but even then I have never seen a bird drinking from it. 

[caroline7758]

There was something on radio 4 a few years ago which said that it had been proved that cold water actually re-freezes more slowly than hot. Can't remember the science behind it though. ::)

[THE DOG]

I was reading about this today http://www.greenfingers.com/superstore/product.asp?dept_id=200414&pf_id=LS5816D