UK households with a birdbath in their garden urged to put 2p coin in it this spring

This hack can help keep your birdbath a welcoming and safe space for wildlife

More birds will start to appear in gardens in spring looking for fresh water(Image: Getty Images)

UK households who have birdbath in their garden are being encouraged to put a 2p coin in it this spring. Keeping on top of your birdbath is essential in preventing the spread of diseases, as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Birds need access to clean and fresh water daily to help support hydration, aid digestion and regulate their body temperature. They also use the water to clean their feathers, which is essential for maintaining flight efficiency, waterproofing and insulation.

As birds are natural pest controllers and feed on insects that are damaging to plants and crops, providing them with clean and fresh water also welcomes and supports their presence in your garden.

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Although beneficial to birds, birdbaths can often be quite difficult to clean. Heading into spring, sunny weather often causes algae to grow more rapidly. As the sun warms the water in a birdbath, this causes the plant to multiply and spread.

Placing a 2p coin in a birdbath will help prevent algae growth(Image: Getty Images)

Removing algae from a birdbath is extremely important, as it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites which can be dangerous to birds who drink the water.

The gardening experts at GardeningExpress have now shared a hack which involves placing a 2p coin at the bottom of bird baths to help prevent the growth of algae, making them safer for birds and less of a nuisance to clean.

For the best results, you should give the bird bath a thorough clean before adding the coin to limit algae growth.

Households are being urged to help protect birds by keeping birdbaths clean(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “It’s easy to assume that since it’s cold, birds don’t need or want a fresh water supply but this isn’t the case at all.

“Just like us, birds need regular access to a clean and fresh water source so it’s important to keep filling bird baths

“A clean bird bath is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases so if you haven’t used yours in a while give it some care before filling it up with water.

“If you find your bird bath quickly attracts algae you can actually place a 2p coin at the bottom once it’s cleaned to help slow down the growth of it. This means you might be able to go a bit longer before having to give it another clean.”