Prevent Your Bird Bath From Freezing During Winter With A Tennis Ball

When temperatures drop, finding fresh water can be a struggle for local birds. Many bird lovers might assume that birds no longer need a water source when it's cold, but this isn't the case. Birds still need fresh water to drink, and in freezing conditions, that water is scarce. Unfortunately, without regular maintenance, your bird bath can quickly turn into a solid block of ice. Luckily, a simple tennis ball can help keep it accessible to birds during chilly weather.

The trick lies in the tennis ball's movement. When placed in the bird bath, a tennis ball will float on the water's surface, and even the slightest breeze will cause it to move. This motion prevents ice from forming a solid layer across the water, making it easier for birds to access a drink. On especially windy days, the tennis ball's constant movement will work overtime, breaking up any thin ice that starts to form and leaving open water available for thirsty birds.

As a bonus, the bright yellow color of the tennis ball may help attract birds to the bird bath, as it stands out against the typically gray, dormant winter landscape. It's also effective at signaling that the water is fresh and free of ice. For best results, add a tennis ball after ensuring the bird bath is clear of any pre-existing ice, as a tennis ball is unlikely to break through thicker ice.

In regions where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, a tennis ball might not be enough to keep a bird bath unfrozen. For more severe cold, there are a few extra tricks that can help keep your bird bath usable all winter. One easy adjustment is to place the bath in an area that receives plenty of sunlight during the day, as natural light will keep the water slightly warmer and reduce the chance of freezing.

If tennis balls aren't available, other floating items can provide a similar effect. For example, ping pong balls, wiffle balls, or even wine corks work well at stirring the water's surface and disrupting ice formation. These items float easily, withstand the cold, and require no maintenance beyond an occasional rinse to keep them clean. They're particularly handy if you live in a region where winter brings unexpected freezes rather than sustained cold, as they're lightweight and ready to be swapped out quickly if needed. If you want to go the extra mile, consider reusing an old egg carton for a DIY bird feeder, and place that in your yard, too, so your winged friends aren't just hydrated, but also full.

While these methods are excellent for providing safe water access to birds, remember that bird baths can also attract mosquitoes. Even in colder weather, leftover debris and stagnant water can give mosquitoes a place to lay eggs. Regularly refreshing the water in your bird bath will keep mosquitoes at bay while maintaining a clean, inviting space for feathered visitors. So, if you want to support your local birds during winter, a tennis ball and a few quick maintenance tricks are all you need to keep your bird bath accessible, clean, and ice-free all season long.