Birdbaths are an integral part of building a positive, livable environment for birds.
Most birds will expect food and water in their natural habitat. This is something you are going to want to mimic whether it’s time to set up a birdbath inside a home or outside in the garden.
You may wonder, how far should a birdbath be from a bird feeder?
A birdbath should be 10-15 feet away from a bird feeder. This provides ample space for birds to fly around, access both features, and ensure they don’t get cross-contaminated.
It’s also important to have the birdbath set up at an appropriate height for birds to access. Otherwise, it becomes difficult for birds to rinse themselves without becoming compromised due to nearby predators.
Added height for a birdbath will make life easier for birds.
This article will take a look at some of the tips for setting up a birdbath close to a bird feeder.
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Tips For Setting Up A Birdbath
1. Aim for a 10-15 Foot Gap
The first detail to think about will be the distance between both features.
You want to make them accessible to birds without overdoing the distance. There is a fine line between a sizable gap and something that’s simply too far to be a viable feature for birds in the area.
This is why the recommended distance is between 10-15 feet from the bird feeder. This will ensure the birds can remain in the same area when eating/washing without having to fly too much.
This is a gap that is perfectly designed to ensure cross-contamination isn’t an issue nor are potential predators that are smelling the food. Remember, predators might not care about the bird seeds but will want to go after the birds.
This gap allows the birds an opportunity to not always come to the same spot in the garden.
When you are doing this, it is smart to set up a guard for both the birdbath and bird feeder. The idea of doing this is to make sure other animals don’t try to take advantage of the features.
This includes squirrels, insects, cats, and other animals that would want to take a look at what is inside these features.
By taking the time to set up a guard, you will retain the full value of this feature in the garden. This is a must when it comes to setting up a birdbath close to a bird feeder.
2. Find the Right Height
The height of the birdbath is just as important as anything else.
You should take the time to position it within 10-15 feet of the bird feeder while also focusing on the overall height of the feature.
This means it should be higher off of the ground as you can make it. By doing this, you are going to ensure the bird doesn’t get hurt.
A lot of predators will want to get to the birds and by having a birdbath too low, it is possible they will get exposed.
This is a little detail you are going to want to think about.
3. Place Near a Tree
It is important to have the birdbath closer to a tree.
What is the reason for doing this?
The premise is to have a birdbath close to a tree so the birds can quickly hop/fly over to a tree branch when something is lurking nearby. It is a safety net for birds and is a good way to keep the environment as safe as possible for them.
You don’t want to be the reason the birds become sitting ducks for predators to eat.
Related Questions
1. What Is The Best Location For A Birdbath?
The best location for a birdbath is in the shade with trees nearby. This allows the water to remain cool, fresh, and ideal for birds to use while also providing a safety net in case a predator is lurking nearby.
2. Should Birdbath Be In Sun Or Shade?
A birdbath should always be in the shade to keep the water cool. Birds prefer cool water to rinse on a warmer day and keeping it in the sun will take away from this idea.
Final Thoughts
How far should a birdbath be from a bird feeder?
Studies show a birdbath should be 10-15 feet away from a bird feeder. This ensures birds can easily access the birdbath without having to fly too much or compromise their safety. It should also be positioned close to a tree to protect birds from predators.
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