Your backyard birds have enjoyed splashing, drinking, and bathing in your birdbath all year.

But as freezing temperatures set in, you might wonder: Should you keep the birdbath outside or pack it away until spring?

The answer depends on factors like the material of your birdbath, your local climate, and the effort you're willing to make to support your feathered friends.

Even in the coldest months, birds need water to survive. While they might not bathe as often during winter, a reliable water source can be a lifesaver. Here’s how to keep your birdbath functional and safe when temperatures drop.

Understanding the Risks of Winter Birdbaths

Many birdbath materials aren’t designed to handle the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. Expanding and contracting water can lead to cracks, crazing, and brittleness, potentially damaging your birdbath and creating hazards for birds.

How Different Birdbath Materials Hold Up in Winter

Concrete Birdbaths

Concrete birdbaths are durable in most weather but struggle with freezing temperatures. Because concrete is porous, water seeps into tiny cracks. When it freezes, it expands, causing damage over time. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can lead to crumbling or leaks.

Glass and Ceramic Birdbaths

Glass and ceramic birdbaths are particularly prone to cracking in extreme cold. These materials don’t tolerate sudden temperature changes or freezing water, making them a poor choice for winter use.

Metal Birdbaths

Metal birdbaths, such as those made from cast iron, are more resilient to freezing conditions. Dark-colored metal can also absorb heat from the sun, helping to thaw ice faster during the day.

Plastic and Resin Birdbaths

Plastic and resin birdbaths are lightweight, resilient, and resistant to cracking in freezing temperatures. However, their light weight makes them prone to tipping over in strong winter winds unless properly secured.

Preparing Your Birdbath for Winter

If you’re using a birdbath made of concrete, glass, or ceramic, it’s best to store it indoors before temperatures plummet. Drain and clean it thoroughly, then cover it with a tarp or move it to a shed or garage to protect it from winter damage.

How to Keep Water Accessible for Birds in Winter

Add a Water Heater: Use an immersion-style heater in metal, resin, or plastic birdbaths to keep water from freezing. Always connect it to a ground-fault interrupted circuit to prevent electrical hazards.

Use Dark-Colored Stones: Place dark stones in the birdbath to absorb solar heat. They’ll help thaw ice and provide birds with a perch while they drink.

Rotate Plant Saucers: Keep multiple resin or plastic plant saucers on hand. Swap them out daily with fresh, unfrozen water.

Choose a Sunny Spot: Position the birdbath in direct sunlight to encourage ice to melt faster and keep the water slightly warmer.

Winter Birdbath Maintenance Tips

Frequent Cleaning: Clean birdbaths weekly to prevent bacteria buildup.

Check for Cracks: Regularly inspect the bowl for any signs of damage.

Keep It Full: Maintain a high water level to slow down freezing.

Add Perches: Place stones or sticks in the birdbath so birds can drink without getting their feet wet.

Provide Windbreaks: Place the birdbath near a shrub, porch railing, or wall to shield it from harsh winds.

With a little preparation, your birdbath can be a winter oasis for your feathered friends. Whether you choose to invest in a heated setup or simply switch out water daily, you’ll be helping birds thrive during the coldest months of the year.