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German Shepherd
- By David Beart
- Published Today
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The German Shepherd is a breed that brings different views from people Some say they are fearsome, threatening dogs that should be banned - and, unfortunately, in some areas this has been the case
Golden Retriever
- By David Beart
- Published Yesterday
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The Golden Retriever is a perennial Top Ten popularity breed for many reasons The normally calm demeanor, active but gentle nature and eager to please attitude combine with intelligence and trainability
7 Puppy Naming Tips
- By Jennifer McVey
- Published Yesterday
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You’ve picked out the perfect puppy You spent hours on the internet, researching the right breed for you and your family
Your New Puppy: Must Haves For Your Dog
- By Jennifer McVey
- Published Yesterday
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Now that you’ve decided to get a puppy or dog, the next few weeks will be busy and at times, more than a little bit crazy That’s why it’s important to plan in advance for the arrival of your new pet
A General Examination of Common Solar Run Bird Baths
- By Trevor Price
- Published September 14, 2008
- General
- Unrated
Trevor Price
For helpful information about pet supplies, please visit petsuppliestips.com, a popular site about needs for your beloved pet, such as a patio pet door, solar bird baths, and many more!
View all articles by Trevor Price
Solar bird baths let you enjoy frequent feathered visitors and a lovely garden ornament but without the hassle of running power to a water pump. The sound of moving water is not only tranquil - it also attracts birds, who listen for water sources as they migrate.
Read on for an overview of some popular solar bird bath fountains, along with a few tips and tricks on how to care for your fountain.
ITEM and PRICE: Bird Bath; $190; Plow and Hearth - plowandhearth.com
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Solar powered bird bath with a small fountain
REVIEW: The fountain pump is invisible and recessed, but provides a constant source of moving and bubbling water that attracts birds. However, there is no battery in case the day turns cloudy or shade puts an end to your bird party. Finally, this popular bird bath is made from solid copper, and while it's attractive - it may be too slippery. Try filling the bottom with rough stones or sand.
ITEM and PRICE: Frontgate Solar Fountain - $299 (frontgate.com)
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Two-tiered, solar-powered, pedestal bird bath with fountain
REVIEW: Definitely pricey. Also, the pedestal style is attractive, but may dissuade some birds that prefer water sources which are closer to the ground. The fountain is built using Stonecast, a synthetic material that has a non-slippery surface and is durable enough to leave outside all year. Like most solar fountains, this model does not store power and won't work on a shady or overcast day.
ITEM and PRICE: Solar Bird Baths by Guildford - $129
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Two-tiered, solar-powered, pedestal fountain bird bath
REVIEW: The Guildford solar bird bath is made from a durable material with a rough, stone-like surface that's easy to grip. Birds will love the burbling water and the security of a non-slippery surface. The Guildford fountain is sold as a pedestal, but the two-tiered basin can also be removed and placed on the lawn.
Caring for a Solar Bird Bath
The best thing you can do for your solar bird bath after purchase is coat it with an outdoor sealant before using it. A spray-on sealant will protect the finish from wear and tear and keep your bird bath looking great for years to come. Once you've applied the sealant, make sure it's completely dry prior to setting it out for flying visitors - this is to prevent the inadvertent poisoning of the water source.
The next key factor in maintaining and caring for solar bird baths is to watch the water levels on very windy or sunny days. The heat and wind can cause your low water levels to quickly dissipate, eventually evaporating it all. If the pump is still running, it could burn out. To avoid this problem, look for a bath that's shallow, but also large and slightly deeper in the middle.
With those caveats in mind, providing a bird bath run from solar power is a great option for conservation-minded people who want to provide a friendly perch for their feathered visitors while saving on energy costs.
Read on for an overview of some popular solar bird bath fountains, along with a few tips and tricks on how to care for your fountain.
ITEM and PRICE: Bird Bath; $190; Plow and Hearth - plowandhearth.com
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Solar powered bird bath with a small fountain
REVIEW: The fountain pump is invisible and recessed, but provides a constant source of moving and bubbling water that attracts birds. However, there is no battery in case the day turns cloudy or shade puts an end to your bird party. Finally, this popular bird bath is made from solid copper, and while it's attractive - it may be too slippery. Try filling the bottom with rough stones or sand.
ITEM and PRICE: Frontgate Solar Fountain - $299 (frontgate.com)
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Two-tiered, solar-powered, pedestal bird bath with fountain
REVIEW: Definitely pricey. Also, the pedestal style is attractive, but may dissuade some birds that prefer water sources which are closer to the ground. The fountain is built using Stonecast, a synthetic material that has a non-slippery surface and is durable enough to leave outside all year. Like most solar fountains, this model does not store power and won't work on a shady or overcast day.
ITEM and PRICE: Solar Bird Baths by Guildford - $129
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Two-tiered, solar-powered, pedestal fountain bird bath
REVIEW: The Guildford solar bird bath is made from a durable material with a rough, stone-like surface that's easy to grip. Birds will love the burbling water and the security of a non-slippery surface. The Guildford fountain is sold as a pedestal, but the two-tiered basin can also be removed and placed on the lawn.
Caring for a Solar Bird Bath
The best thing you can do for your solar bird bath after purchase is coat it with an outdoor sealant before using it. A spray-on sealant will protect the finish from wear and tear and keep your bird bath looking great for years to come. Once you've applied the sealant, make sure it's completely dry prior to setting it out for flying visitors - this is to prevent the inadvertent poisoning of the water source.
The next key factor in maintaining and caring for solar bird baths is to watch the water levels on very windy or sunny days. The heat and wind can cause your low water levels to quickly dissipate, eventually evaporating it all. If the pump is still running, it could burn out. To avoid this problem, look for a bath that's shallow, but also large and slightly deeper in the middle.
With those caveats in mind, providing a bird bath run from solar power is a great option for conservation-minded people who want to provide a friendly perch for their feathered visitors while saving on energy costs.