Experts say a simple trick can help prevent your birdbath from freezing over during February’s cold weather and support garden wildlife
Matt Lloyd and Alycia McNamara
10:56, 31 Jan 2026
You may want to ensure wildlife can still use your birdbath over winter(Image: Getty Images)
Gardening experts are urging homeowners to carry out one simple task this February that could make all the difference to local wildlife.
As winter tightens its grip, placing a rock in your birdbath could prove vital for our feathered friends.
When temperatures plummet, water in birdbaths can quickly freeze solid – but introducing a small object that shifts in the breeze will keep the water in motion and prevent it from icing over.
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Susan Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival, told Ideal Home: “As winter sets in, it’s essential to ensure your bird bath remains a welcoming oasis for your feathered visitors.
“To prevent water from freezing, place a small, wobbly rock (or even a ping pong ball! ) in the water bath, which helps keep the water moving.
“Regularly check and refill the water to maintain a fresh supply.”
However, if you’re planning to try this method, it’s crucial to steer clear of typical de-icing solutions such as boiling water and salt, reports the Express.
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, warned Ideal Home: “Adding boiling water to a cold bird bath will cause a dramatic change in temperature and could easily cause the bird bath to shatter.
“Salts can also stop water from freezing by lowering the freezing point but in this instance you’ll want to stay away from this solution as they can be harmful to birds and make them sick.”
There’s another straightforward approach worth considering.
An easy method to prevent water from freezing is to provide a fresh bowl of water each day.
Unless conditions are particularly harsh, the water should stay liquid throughout daylight hours.
It’s also worth thinking about the positioning of your birdbath.
For instance, placing it in a sunnier spot in your garden means the water is less likely to freeze over.
By following this straightforward gardening tip, you can make sure any wildlife visiting your garden will still be able to use your birdbath throughout the winter months.
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