A solar birdbath fountain has been one of the best additions to my yard's bird habitat, attracting birds of all kinds. They drink and bathe, and watching them in the bath is great fun to watch. Here's some hints on how to operate your solar fountain.
1. Keep the pump clean.
Pumps can clog from bird and organic debris. Most pumps have a plastic sponge-like filter inside that can be cleaned with a good blast of the hose. If it is particularly scummy, use a weak bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) to clean, rinse well, then let air dry. The housing can get scummy so make sure you clean the housing as well.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a self-cleaning pump, but a quick clean up now and then will keep the fountain flowing nicely.
2. Keep the water clean.
Don't let the water become filled with bird waste and debris. This is not good for the birds or for the pump.
Clean the birdbath often with a stiff-bristled brush that is used only for birdbath or feeder cleaning. If the bath is really dirty, clean it with a weak bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach), rinse well, and let air dry before refilling.
3. Don't let the water get too low.
Pumps that run dry will burn out and kill the pump.
4. Use a sufficiently deep birdbath.
Running a fountain will increase the rate of evaporation of the water in the bath. Having a deeper bath with a higher volume of water will help.
At a minimum, the birdbath should be able to hold enough water to cover the pump.
5. Put it where you can enjoy the show.
Moving water is like a bird magnet and you wouldn't want to miss the show!
Besides your regular yard and feeder birds that could use the fountain, the moving water might attract other birds like tanagers, warblers, and more.
I love my solar-powered birdbath fountain. Follow these tips and your fountain can provide years of bird enjoyment!
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Michelle, the solar fountain is available at Wild Birds Unlimited Saratoga Springs NY http://www.saratogasprings.wbu.com
or try checking the Wild Birds Unlimited shop nearest you https://maps.wbu.com/
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 11, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Where did you get this fountain from? The manufacturer etc. I would love to get one for my birdbath.
Thank you for this information here!
(*_*)
Chelle
Posted by: michelle | May 10, 2013 at 03:45 PM
Brad, thanks and good luck with that new solar fountain!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | March 11, 2013 at 12:48 PM
Hey, thanks! I was just looking into getting a few solar fountains for the garden. I'm hoping that the birds that enjoy flying around my house will enjoy what I have to give them.
Posted by: Brad Hoss | February 13, 2013 at 08:02 PM
SLE - thanks much.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | September 10, 2012 at 08:21 PM
I Really Enjoyed The Blog of solar birdbath fountains. I Have Just Bookmarked. I Am Regular Visitor Of Your Website I Will Share It With My Friends Thanks and I promises I will visit your blog again.
Posted by: Sugar Land electrician | September 01, 2012 at 07:07 AM
Solar, thank you!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 10, 2012 at 03:35 PM
Fantastic as always, keep up the radical work!
Posted by: solar | July 06, 2012 at 02:41 AM
Marlene, good to hear you have a dripper to provide moving water. I'm sure your birds appreciate it!
ps, the sound of the solar fountain IS calming for me and also attracts the birds. A win-win!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | June 22, 2012 at 07:49 AM
My birdbath has a dripper. There is no pump with this set-up. It is connected to the faucet and constantly provides fresh water to the birds. Sometimes they drink right from the dripper! I still have to scrub the bath though - about once a week. More in hot weather.
Posted by: Marlene | June 21, 2012 at 10:43 PM
These solar birdbath fountains are a great add on to your house. The tranquil aura would reflect the water gushing through the fountain.
Posted by: p.s. | June 21, 2012 at 08:53 AM