Copper pennies work in bird baths because they release small amounts of copper ions, which prevent the growth of algae and other microorganisms. The ions act as a natural algaecide, keeping the water clear and clean for birds to drink and bathe in. This method is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy to implement.
To keep algae growth from your bird bath drop some pre-1982 copper pennies in. I have what I would call a normal size bird bath & I use 7 pennies. The reason for the pennies being pre-1982 is that before that year, the pennies contained copper, a natural algicide.
One thing to note is that copper pennies can be toxic to birds if they ingest too much water. It's not likely to happen apparently, but something to keep in mind. VERDICT: Good up to 3 days in shady spots with mild temperatures.
Copper has been used effectively for many years to control algae and fish parasites in freshwater and marine systems. Because copper does not discolor the water, it is a preferred treatment for use in display aquaria.
Adding 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar per gallon of water will help prevent algae from growing in your bird bath.
Because birds clean themselves and defecate in baths, the water needs to be refreshed and cleaned often. We recommend scrubbing the bowl with hot water and dish detergent such as Dawn.
If you have an algae problem, your best friend is white vinegar. White vinegar can quickly kill algae but is not harmful to birds, insects and the majority of plants. Use a mixture of one part water to one part white vinegar to spray down the area and kill the algae.
A high level of copper in your drinking water will leave a metallic or bitter taste. This water may not be safe to drink and you should contact your drinking water provider or have the water professionally tested. A low level of copper usually leaves a green/blue stain on taps, hand basins showers etc.
The potential sources of copper in the environment include domestic and industrial discharges, agricultural run-off, and leachate from metal-based antifouling paints [4]. The toxicity of copper is mainly related to free ions and its sensitivity varies among microalgae [1].
Copper sulfate is an inorganic compound that combines sulfur with copper. It can kill bacteria, algae, roots, plants, snails, and fungi. The toxicity of copper sulfate depends on the copper content. Copper is an essential mineral.
Copper pennies in bird baths are an easy and effective way to keep your backyard oasis clean and healthy for your feathered friends. Copper has biostatic properties that prevent the growth of algae and bacteria, helping maintain a fresh bath environment.
Adding stones to your bird bath will help birds gain a better footing when drinking or bathing. Wild birds tend to bath and drink at a low height, just off the ground or low down to the ground. This is where they would naturally find water so are more comfortable drinking and bathing at this level.
Any water is an improvement on a dry backyard, but moving water will attract more birds because the motion catches their eye and they can hear any dripping, sprinkles or splashes. Adding a Water Wiggler dripper, or mister accessory to a standing birdbath adds motion easily.
For extra hot days, consider adding ice cubes to the bath in the morning hours. Move feeders to shaded areas. Not only will this help birds stay out of the sun while feeding, it can also slow spoilage of food.
Place your birdbath in the shade if possible, to keep the water cooler and fresher. Having trees nearby will also provide branches on which they can preen. 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).
Birds like cover—it makes them feel protected and secure. So if you can place your bird bath near shrubs, trees, or other cover, there's a greater chance they will use it. In addition, it's best to keep your bird bath out of direct sunlight so the water doesn't get too hot and undesirable.
The copper is installed at the ridge of the roof. When water from rain falls on the roof and hits the copper, you get a natural process that puts a protective barrier on your roof. Water interating with copper releases ions that prevent the growth of organic invaders such as algae, moss, lichen and mold.
If there is free chlorine in the pool and it is green, copper is the likely culprit. If there is no free chlorine, suspect algae. If your pool turns green after adding shock, copper is the likely cause. Other minerals, such as iron and manganese can turn the water brown, pink or purple.
Ingesting higher than recommended amounts of copper every day over time, such as in water or in copper supplements, can lead to severe illness, such as kidney and liver damage. Breathing in copper dusts, sprays, or crystals can irritate your nose and throat, and cause dizziness and headaches.
While not all health benefits of drinking copper water are backed by science, the Ayurvedic practice of drinking water from copper vessels have been around for centuries. However, in order to reap the most benefits from storing water in your copper water dispenser, research suggest doing so overnight or up to 48 hours.
Drinking water with more than 1,300 micrograms of copper per liter of water (µg/L) * can be a health risk for everyone. Infants and people with Wilson's disease may need water with an even lower level of copper to stay safe. Copper can get into your drinking water as it passes through your plumbing system.
Let the water rest for 6 hours (minimum) to 8 hours (maximum) and then drink it. The Indus Valley's Recommended Golden Practice: Fill your copper bottle before going to bed every night. Once you get up drink the water from your copper bottle.
Bleach is great for killing algae (and other organisms that may lurk in your tanks) and for keeping it from coming back.
Barley straw is a natural way to fight algae. On contact with water, the straw starts to break down, and as it does so it releases peroxides into the water which combat algae. Available in mini bales, or as a concentrated extract of barley straw liquid, it's a natural way of chemically fighting algae.
Add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar per 1 gallon of water in your bird bath. This creates a more acidic environment that makes it harder for algae and bacteria to live, but it is still safe for the birds. Keep the bird bath water clean by changing it once a week.