The cost of proper care for your dog or purchase of general pet appropriate products can run into an awful lot of money over the years. However, when your passion is simply the birds that come to visit, then the expense is fairly minimal.

That doesn’t mean, though, there aren’t some bird care costs and effort associated with something as simple as a solar powered bird bath.

If you’ve purchased a solar bird bath, you probably want to keep it running and beautiful for a long time. Well, keep reading for a helpful maintenance schedule and some great tips that will keep your bath looking great and attracting birds for years to come.

Start With a Sealant

Immediately after you purchase your solar bird bath, protect it with a sealant coating. Whether it’s concrete, plastic or stone, buy the applicable sealant to protect the bath and its finish from the elements.

Ideally, a good sealant coating should keep the color and finish safe and looking great for years, no matter what the weather or the birds do to it.

If you’re using a spray sealant, spray your bird bath from top to bottom and allow it to dry completely before you fill it with water. Otherwise, the still-damp sealant could seep into the water supply and potentially poison your feathered visitors.

Create a Rough Grip Surface

Just like humans, birds don’t like slippery surfaces - especially near their bath water. So, if your bird bath is slippery or smooth, you may want to fill the bottom with a bit of sand, a coat of concrete, a basin mat or even loose and rough stones from your garden.

Keep an Eye on the Water Levels

Because solar bird baths use sun power to fuel a water pump that runs water from one basin to another, it’s an important to keep an eye on the water levels. On a hot and windy day, you might see already low water levels evaporate completely. If there is not enough water running through the pump, it could burn out.

So, protect your bird bath by keeping an eye on the water levels during sunny and hot days. Try to check those water levels every few days, particularly during hot spells.

Clean the Bath Regularly

A clean bird bath will not only prolong its life, but that kind of care will also keep the birds coming back. First, remove all the water that’s in there. Avoid using any harsh chemicals and instead, simply clean the bath with a good brush or your hand. If you must, use a mild dish detergent, but rinse the basin out well as birds are sensitive to soap and chemicals.

You should be washing and refilling your solar bird bath at least once every 5 to 7 days. This will keep the water free and clear from algae and also mosquito eggs, which left unchecked could contribute to spreading diseases like West Nile Virus.