Providing water to wild birds during the winter months can be challenging. Water freezes below 32°F, so bird baths can quickly turn to a sheet of ice if temperatures drop. A time-consuming way to combat freezing water is to break up the ice and refill the bath every day to keep your birds happy.
However, several companies are creating products that heat water to above freezing temperatures to ensure birds are able to have access to water year round.
Whether you have a bird bath already and are looking for a heater to add to it, or if you would like to buy a brand new state-of-the-art heated bird bath, there is a product on the market suited for every bird enthusiast.
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How expensive is it to run a heated bird bath?
Looking for a heated bird bath for your feathered friends? Heated bird baths come with heaters that run using different wattages.
- With higher wattage, you will be spending more money to use it, but the heater will also run hotter. You should choose a high watt heater if you live in an area with temperatures that are regularly sub-zero in winter. Based on cost alone, low watt heaters are a better choice for birds.
- The general cost of using a heated bath depends on the price of electricity in your area. As an example, the average price of a kilowatt hour in the United States is 12 cents. For a heated bird bath using 75 watts, the price per month would be $6.70 if it was on constantly.
- A 150 watt heated bath would cost $13.40 per month to operate full-time. For thermostat-controlled heaters that only turn on when temperatures are below freezing, the price will be lower if part of the month has warm weather.
Should you consider de-icers for bird baths?
A de-icer is an immersion heater that can be added to your existing bath to These are a good purchase if you already have a bird bath without a built-in heater and want to keep the water from freezing.
You can buy de-icers that are thermostat-controlled, meaning they only turn on when temperatures dip below freezing which saves you money. De-icers come in various sizes and shapes to suit the size of your bird bath, but remember a de-icer is only compatible with your bath if it is made with a plastic or fiberglass basin (not ceramic or concrete).
Heated bird baths are the full monte – a bath with heater contained within the basin so you don’t have to see an unsightly heater at the bottom of the water. Heated bird baths are more aesthetically pleasing and efficient than immersion heaters and birds enjoy them more too!
De-icers are only able to melt the center portion of water in a bird bath when temperatures dip far below freezing, so if you are in a cold northern area consider buying a heated bird bath instead.
Tips to use heated bird baths efficiently
There are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing your new bath so that you are able to attract the most winter birds and ensure they are enjoying the new addition to your yard.
- Keep your bath filled every day to provide the best service to wildlife – birds depend on the resources you provide! This will also keep your heating element functional and birds happy.
- Clean your bath and change its water every 2 to 4 days. You can do this by dumping the water in the basin, removing any remaining debris, and scrubbing all surfaces with one part vinegar to nine parts water. Rinse well and let air dry before returning outdoors.
- Clear snow off the edge of the bird bath after each snowfall to give birds access to the bird bath’s water (snow can be used to fill the bath as your heater melts it, too).
- Put your bath in a sunny area so that its thermostat-controlled heater can get some help from solar rays, saving energy by turning off when it is warm.
- Add stones to reduce the water depth or partially cover the water with sticks to keep birds from bathing in the winter when it is harmful for them to be wet (most birds will not bathe when it is below freezing, but safety features such as these will be additionally beneficial). Stones also help birds to perceive water depth to drink more easily.
- Purchase outlet covers or outdoor extension cords if needed. If you don’t need them 24/7 then you can just store them somewhere in your home.
- Lastly, read the manual and instruction book that comes with your heated bird bath so that you understand the specific requirements of your make and model.
What not to do when using a bird bath?
Without the proper care and maintenance of your heated bird bath, things can go wrong! Some things to avoid when installing and using your heated bath include:
- Don’t let your bird bath run out of water
- Never use a concrete heated bird bath
- Never add salt or chemicals to the bird bath water
- Don’t overlook electrical safety of cords and outlets in your home
Although some of these points are intuitive, other care and maintenance needs of heated bird baths are more nuanced. An experience heated bird bath user would tell you that using one without water may cause the heating element to malfunction; in other words, your yard’s birds will be out of water and you may wind up with a broken heater too.
In addition, using a concrete heated bath or any bath made out of a porous surface will also potentially result in a broken bath. Porous materials that absorb water may crack as water freezes and thaws away from the heating element. The best heated bird baths are made with plastic or fiberglass basins.
Adding salt, antifreeze, or any other chemicals to your heated bird bath is very bad for birds. Even small amounts can cause injury or death to wild birds and other wildlife. Keep your heated bird bath clean and remember to fill it with only fresh water.
Lastly, but equally important, only outdoor extension cord rated to the specifications of your heated bird bath or immersion heater are safe. Ensure the outlet you plug your bath to is in good condition. Do not use indoor extension cords or connect multiple cords to reach the placement you desire in your yard. Failure to meet these safety standards can cause short circuits or even a fire.
Take great care of your bird bath and it will last and birds will visit your yard often!
Also read: 20 Best Gifts for Bird Lovers [From Feeders to Binos]
How to choose the best heated bird bath?
There are a few features that are ideal to look for in a heated bird bath for your home. Some of these features are energy-saving, reducing costs used to maintain a bath in the long run, while others are more attractive to birds or may suit your lifestyle needs.
- Thermostat-controlled heater: Heating element only turns on when temperatures drop below freezing, meaning they only use energy when absolutely necessary.
- Water pumps: Some baths include pumps to circulate water, which adds attractive ambient sounds. Water pumps also reduces algae growth in summer months and can limit the occurrence of mosquito larvae. Another option is to consider solar bird baths.
- Multiple depths: Some bird baths are a uniform depth, but others have variation so both large and small birds are able to use water for bathing. To attract the most species to your bath, opt for a basin that has variability in water depth.
- Type: Bird baths can be free standing, deck mounted, hanging, or located on the ground. The best bird bath for you depends on where you would like to view birds visiting your yard.
- Sturdy: Wherever you plan to install it on your home, ensure your bird bath won’t fall over. Check to make sure it can stand up to wind, bumps from kids, and rambunctious animals like dogs or bears.
- Diameter: Ideal bird baths should be 2 feet wide so all the birds can fit into it.
- Container: They should hold at least 1 gallon of water.
Best heated bird bath
This Farm Innovators heated birdbath is thermostat-controlled with multiple placement options.
It comes with a removable plastic basin that is easy to clean and a uniform shallow depth for birds. You can order the basin in either terra cotta orange or green.
The heater is 75 watts, and Farm Innovators offers a one year limited warranty with this product.
What we liked
- Easy to empty and clean
- Works in sub-zero temperatures
- Affordable compared to other models
- Versatile mounting capabilities
- Effective in keeping water unfrozen
What we didn’t like
- Not very deep (great for smaller birds)
- Comes with a very short cord
- Should not be connected to an extension cord
Diameter: 14 inch diameter
Volume: 1 quart of water
Depth: 1 inch
Mounting options: Clamp, deck, post, or ground
Length of power cord: About 10 inches
Great for birds: American Robin, American Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch
Lowest working temperature: Tested to -10°F (-23°C)
This Allied Precision Industries heated birdbath has a gradual basin which should appeal to a variety of bird species.
The heater runs using 150 watts and is controlled automatically by the internal thermostat. This heated bath comes with a railing mount.
The lower temperature limit listed for this birdbath is -20 degrees F and has been tested in sub-zero temperatures with great success, likely due to the powerful heater.
What we liked
- Color ideal to notice when it needs to be cleaned
- Powerful heater works in extreme cold
- Comes with hardware
Has been used for 8+ years by satisfied customers - Great for smaller birds
What we didn’t like
- Does not come with mounting instructions
- Can be difficult to find a stand that fits
- Lightweight for a heated birdbath
Diameter: 20 inches
Depth: 2 inches
Mounting options: Stand, pedestal, deck, or ground
Length of power cord: Approximately 18 inches
Great for birds: American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Blue Jay, Dark-eyed Junco
Lowest working temperature: -20 degrees F
This Allied Industries heated birdbath is similar to the previous product, but this has an EZ-Tilt-To-Clean feature.
This bath comes with a deck rail mount and latch, allowing the basin to be lifted and dumped without completely removing it from the mount.
However, this birdbath is limited to deck mounts and can’t be placed on the ground or in a stand. The heater runs using 150 watts, 120 volts, and is thermostat-controlled.
What we liked
- Water can easily be dumped and cleaned
- Color ideal to notice when it needs to be cleaned
- Powerful heater works in extreme cold
- Effective heating element
- Comes with deck railing
- Great to attract birds to your patio
What we didn’t like
- Can only be mounted to decks or wooden railings
- Difficult to level
Diameter: 20 inches
Depth: 2 inches
Mounting options: Deck or railing
Length of power cord: Approximately 18 inches
Great for birds: American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Blue Jay, Dark-eyed Junco
Lowest working temperature: -20 degrees F
This Songbird Essentials heated birdbath is an attractive wooden stand made of durable cedar suitable for any garden or yard.
It has a 60 watt double ring heater and is guaranteed to work in temperatures as cold as -20 degrees F.
It stands at 28 inches tall and weighs approximately 14 pounds.
Visually pleasing way to attract birds to your yard.
What we liked
- Beautiful design and made of durable materials
- Sturdy and stays standing even in high winds
- Can be assembled without power tools
- Removable tray is easy to clean
- Great for fresh water
What we didn’t like
- Shallow pan can evaporate quickly in the summer
- Assembly instructions not detailed
Rather than a full heated bath, this product is a birdbath de-icer by Allied Precision Industries.
A de-icer is a fantastic choice if you already own a non-porous bird bath and are interested in keeping your fresh water unfrozen in winter months for the most affordable price.
The heater runs using 250 watts with a thermostat control. It’s also great as you don’t need additional deck railing to install this.
What we liked
- Comes with a chew cord protector
- Can be used in any bath for birds
- Easily cleaned and stored for winter
- More wattage than heated bird baths
- Made in the USA
- Great option to keep the water from freezing
What we didn’t like
Will need to be replaced more frequently than a heated birdbath
Diameter: 4.75 inches
Length of power cord: 6 feet
Great for birds: All the birds
Lowest working temperature: -30 degrees F
This Allied Precision Heated Bird Bath comes with with a strong Stand.
This heated birdbath bowl features 150 watts of power and is thermostatically controlled.
The bowl is 20-inches by 2-inches deep.
The shape of the rim is designed to be easily grasped by a birds talons making it a natural perch and, as a result, encourages landings. Includes a sturdy metal stand.
This product’s heating element keeps the water temperature between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit automatically. Beautiful standing bath for birds.
Check the price of Allied Precision 20-Inch Heated Bird Bath with Metal Stand here
What we liked
- This birdbath includes a metal stand
- Features a built-in thermostat
- Prevents birdbath water from freezing even on coldest days
- Rim is designed to be easily grasped by a bird’s talons, making it a natural perch
- Clean water attracts a wide variety of backyard birds
What we didn’t like
- Little flimsy but works well
Diameter: 20 inches
Length of power cord: 1.25 feet
Great for birds: All birds
Lowest working temperature: -50 degrees F
This is one of the solar powered bird baths that works just fine and is a great way to attract birds.
Water evaporates after a few days. You won’t have problems cleaning it regularly.
This plastic bird bath is thermostatically controlled and is 20 inches in diameter with a depth of 2 inches.
The heater uses only 150 watts of power.
The shape of the rim is designed to be easily grasped by a birds talons making it a natural perch and, as a result, encourages landings.
The bird bath is safe, easy-to-clean and makes an attractive addition to any lawn or garden. My friend has this and the birds love it!
Check the price of API Heated Birdbath Heated Bird Bath with Stand here
What we liked
- Fully enclosed heating element (safe for birds)
- Made of a durable weather-resistant plastic
- The heating element is fully enclosed and protected so that animals cannot come into contact with it
- Can either be attached to the plastic pedestal base or it can be mounted to a 2×4″ or 2×6″ deck rail with the included mounting hardware
What we didn’t like
- Very lightweight
Diameter: 20 inches
Length of power cord: 1.25 feet
Great for birds: Most birds
Lowest working temperature: -40 degrees F
The K&H Ice Eliminator is well designed deicer and can even be spray paint any color to match any birdbath.
It will not calcify, rust, or leave stains in your birdbath.
The K&H Ice Eliminator won’t burn or melt plastic birdbaths.
Available in either 50 watts for standard baths or 80 watts for even the largest of bird baths.
Both the Ice Eliminator and Super Ice Eliminator are MET safety listed and include three year limited warranty. An essential device to keep you fresh water unfrozen.
Check the price of K&H 9000 Ice Eliminator Birdbath Deicer here
What we liked
- Maintains open water to 20-degree below zero Fahrenheit
- Thermostatically controlled to automatically keep water from freezing
- Easy to clean durable enamel finish
- Natural color and 18-inch cord
- Uses only 50 watts
What we didn’t like
- Not the longest lasting deicer on the market
Diameter: 4.5 inches
Length of power cord: 18 inch
Great for birds: Most songbirds
Lowest working temperature: -20 degrees F
This thermostatically controlled all-season birdbath costs only pennies a day to operate and keeps your birds happy.
The compression molded scalloped design provides durability, stability and longevity and mimics concrete birdbaths in appearance.
With its hidden electrical connection, simply plug your extension cord into the built-in connection on the bottom side of the unit.
The basin easily removes from the “twist-on” deck mount for convenience and cleaning. An optional matching pedestal, model Ped I, is also available. Three year limited warranty.
This bird bath’s dish is shallow enough to enable even the tiniest birds to bathe in together with doves and robins. It could even hold roughly one gallon of water. It is surprising that it could keep the water more temperate than it needs to be.
Check the price of Farm Innovators HBC-120 Heated Birdbath here
What we liked
- Compression molded scalloped design provides durability, stability and longevity and mimics concrete birdbaths in appearance
- Simply plug your extension cord into the built-in connection on the bottom side of the unit
- Basin easily removes from the “twist-on” deck mount for convenience and cleaning
- Well designed bath for birds
What we didn’t like
- Depending on the usage, you will need to refill it with water quite often
Diameter: 4.5 inches
Length of power cord: 18 inch
Great for birds: Most birds
Lowest working temperature: -20 degrees F
The takeaway
If there were a winner among bird baths, the Songbird Essentials Heated Birdbath would reign champion. Although it has the highest cost of any bath listed, it is fully functional, comes with stand and basin which is effective way to attract birds, can be used in summer or winter, and is a very visually appealing feature to have in your yard or garden.
Reviewers have reported the highest amount of bird diversity with this bath, and the only negative point is that the basin is too shallow to hold water on hot summer days without being refilled.
The other products listed require a deck or additional purchase of a stand to mount them; and although the Allied Precision 600 Heated Bird Bath Bowl can be used on the ground, it is easier to see visiting birds when a bird bath is elevated.
Lastly, reviewers noted that the Farm Innovators Heated Bird Bath is difficult to keep level, another point that did not come up with the Songbird Essentials bath. The de-icer is a wonderful product if you already own a bird bath, but for customers seeking a good investment that will stand the test of time, Songbird Essentials is the way to go.
It’s important to provide a heated birth bath for your birds during colder months but they will work as a great attraction for birds all year along.
Do you recommend a battery operated or solar operated heated bird bath? I can’t have an electrical cord running through my yard.