Affordable Method for Maintaining Bird Bath Cleanliness: Only a Penny Required
Keep Your Bird Bath Clean: The Penny Trick
Hey there! Got a bird bath in your backyard? Summer's here, and that means algae season too. But don't fret! Wildlife experts have got a clever trick up their sleeves to keep your bird bath clean and algae-free: just throw a penny in it!
A bird bath is a fantastic way to attract feathered friends to your garden, but maintaining a clean bath is crucial for the birds' health and safety. An algae build-up can be off-putting for birds and create an unsanitary environment. Now, experts are urging you to drop a copper penny into your bird bath to keep algae at bay—here's why.
The Science Behind It
Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it's not! Ever heard of copper's biocidal properties? Turns out, it's a natural algicide—a substance that inhibits the growth of algae.
'Copper pennies are safe for birds and an effective way to reduce algae growth for a cleaner bird bath,' explains Helen Nyul, Group Head of Biodiversity at David Wilson Homes. 'This is because copper—the primary material in a penny—can slow down the growth of algae in water.'
A bit of algae can be positive for birds, but don't be fooled into thinking that algae isn't an issue. Blue/green algae, or cyanobacteria, can be toxic and even deadly for birds[1].
The Benefits of Using a Penny
Adding a penny to your bird bath is a great preventive measure. But remember, it's an additional tool to help combat algae, not a replacement for regular cleaning practices.'A penny should be replaced every 3-4 months. During the warmer months, I'd recommend changing it more frequently to keep algae build-up at bay,' says James Ewens, a gardening and wildlife expert at Green Feathers.
If you reuse the same penny, give it a good scrub to remove any green tarnish, rust, or corrosion that could release unwanted metals into the bath. 'A quick soak in vinegar and salt, or a scrub with lemon juice and baking soda, followed by a good rinse, will ensure we're leaching copper, not contaminants that could harm birds,' James adds.
Keep Your Birds' Hangout Clean
Want to ensure a welcome and safe environment for birds in your garden? Adding a penny is an easy solution to reduce algae growth. And the best part? It'll barely cost you a thing!
Kezia Reynolds, News Writer at our platform, is here to help you stay on top of the latest home news, trends, and deals, making sure you never miss a thing!
References:1. Effect of copper on algal growth2. How to maintain a bird bath3. Algae and bird safety
Adding a penny to your bird bath is a simple and cost-effective way to reduce algae growth, providing a cleaner and safer environment for birds in your home-and-garden, including your garden where you might enjoy gardening activities. However, it's important to remember that a penny should be replaced every 3-4 months and thoroughly scrubbed to remove any corrosion before reusing, to ensure it's not releasing unwanted metals into the bird bath.
