The National Audubon Society suggests using distilled white vinegar to clean a bird bath safely. This is a simple and safe method that won't harm birds or other wildlife. The recommended mix is 9:1 of water: distilled white vinegar.
Dump out any old, stagnant water. Remove any large deposits of spilled seed, feces, debris or other contaminants. Use a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to nine parts water to scrub the birdbath thoroughly.
Adding 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar per gallon of water will help prevent algae from growing in your bird bath.
Diluted vinegar is normally sufficient for removing algae, dirt, and other gunk from even an old bird bath. If you feel like you need a little extra cleaning power to tackle a tough stain, try using baking soda.
Bird baths are part of your home's outdoor ecosystem, so care should be taken to keep them safe for your feathered friends as well as for their environs. A stiff scrub brush and water, or a mild solution of diluted vinegar, is all that's needed to clean a bird bath of droppings, algae, and other pollutants.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used at a 1:1 ratio with water to help disinfect and deodorize the cage and its contents. Be sure to rinse all surfaces thoroughly after cleaning and let them air dry before returning the bird to its home.
Birds can be triggered by the harsh, unpleasant smell of vinegar and will avoid it. Citrus oil. Birds tend to avoid the smell of citrus because they don't like it. However, if you plan to use citrus oil as a deterrent – it must make direct contact with the bird in order to be effective.
White vinegar is one of the most common cleaning solutions used to remove bird poop from siding. You likely have distilled vinegar or some other type of vinegar at home.
Diluted white vinegar will also safely do the job and as with wood just mix up equal parts vinegar to water in a spray bottle. Apply it directly and leave it to work for a couple of minutes then carefully wipe it away with a soft damp cloth.
Distilled Vinegar: Mix nine parts water with one part vinegar. Fill the bird bath with the mixture and use a scrub brush to get rid of debris inside and outside the basin. Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide to one part water.
If you happen to have a deeper bird bath, you can make it more appealing by adding in a few rocks in the middle or along the edges. This will give birds a place to land so they can splash and preen themselves in the water.
Arrange stones (or branches) in the water so birds can stand on them to drink without getting wet (this is particularly important during freezing weather). The water should be no deeper than 0.5 to 1 inch at the edges, sloping to a maximum of 2 inches deep in the middle of the bath.
It is highly recommended to be used for parrots in moderation. “Apple cider vinegar contains calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamins C, E, B1, B2 and B6. ACV can treat fatty liver disease, renal failure, joint pain, yeast infections and mite infestations.” (Stephens, 2021).
Apple cider vinegar added to young birds drinking water encourages early weaning and healthy weight gain and they will feather out faster. Adding a little raw apple cider vinegar to the hand-feeding formula water can prove nutritionally beneficial and help to inhibit the growth of yeast, fungus and bacteria.
We are often asked whether tap water is safe for birds. The short answer is yes - generally speaking, if your tap water can be consumed by humans, it can be used in a bird bath. However, if you're still not sure, bottled spring water or filtered tap water will work too.
A disinfectant spray is a must for finishing off the area. We recommend Germ Clear™ Bird Droppings Disinfectant Spray as not only does it clean, but it kills off any bacteria that may be lurking.
To keep algae growth down and your bird bath clean, add 1 capful of apple cider vinegar or 1 teaspoon per gallon of water to the bird bath. The apple cider vinegar also provides vitamins & minerals to the birds.
Vinegar can keep animals out of your yard.
Deer, as well as other animals, “including cats, dogs, rabbits, foxes, and raccoons, [don't like] the scent of vinegar even after it has dried.
Every time you water your garden, direct the hose to the bird bath long enough to flush out the dirty water and refill. Don't forget to check your water features regularly — at least once a week — for debris, and continue to refill fountains to ensure that the water pump is always completely covered.
Organic apple cider vinegar mixed with water at a 1:1 ratio. Chlorhexidine solution in water (Be advised that once chlorhexidine is mixed with water, it is only good for 72 hours. So be sure to mix a new solution every time you clean rather than mixing it up all at once.) Detergent-free soap in water.
To clean your bird feeders you can either use a special sanatising solution or you can make your own using one part bleach or washing up liquid to nine parts water. Alternatively you can use a weak white vinegar and water solution.