heated bird bath

[Genofish]

Has anyone had experince with heated bird baths? Can you make your own?

[Steve Foss]

Geno, I have used them. The kind with a heating element you just place in an existing birdbath. Work great. I've never tried making my own, though.

[Dotch]

Bought one with the built in element last year at Fleet Farm. Wasn't sure they would use it so I bought the smaller one, ~16" diameter I think & cost about $17. Draws about the same amps as a 60W light bulb & has a thermostat.

They love it! Made of heat resistant plastic so it's easy to clean & maintain. Comes with a mounting kit for either pole or deck mounting. Only regret is I wish I'd bought the larger one. When several blue jays bathe in it, they tend to splash a lot of the water out of it. Larger one was around $30.

[buzzsaw]

I picked one up this year and it's on my front patio near a few feeders.... they seem to use it more when it's really cold outside, which makes sense.