You should then allow the bird fountain to dry completely before refilling it with water. But my husband wanted me to ask...about a possible solution...to our algae that would not harm our birds and animals that use it. Sure we can see the birds drink the fountain water with the bleach, how ever a small amount, the birds fly away and we think, all is well no harm done. They kill living things. Preventing Algae Growth in Bird Fountain Dead animals found in filtration systems are because they drowned, not because of Chlorine. Use Chlorine Only If Needed. Online stores regularly propose buying an algaecide, yet most brands use copper. Reply. Refill with clean water to increase the probability of birds coming back to drink, bathe, and enjoy the fountain. He lives on a tract of restored natural habitat and has a water fountain styled to look like a rocky cascade. How To Keep Fountain Water Clean For Birds? Many feathered creatures use the fountains to wash. However, most come to drink. However, with good cleaning, it won’t hurt or repel birds from enjoying the dives. Fountain pumps aren't designed to work with concentrated levels of chlorine, but if an algae bloom won't die down, add 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach for every 5 gallons of water, and run the pump overnight so it circulates long enough to disinfect the entire system. If I put bleach in my fountain to kill mosquitos will it harm the bird. Hence, it’s critical to keep up all attractions in the water included for birds, so the water stays protected to drink. I'm glad this thread got started as I am having the same problem and am tired of scrubbing. Thanks to a recirculating pump, a quiet gurgling attracts them from a distance. Need some plumbing help with your fountain? While many fountain-style bird baths do require a nearby electrical outlet to keep the water circulating, there are also battery-operated designs or bath accessories that can keep the water moving without a cord. birds and other visitors to the site. Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company, would love to lend a hand! Adding a simple homemade dripper to the bath can be easy and effective, with no power source needed. The amount you use determines what dies. Most have the sense not to drink it. gardener41/Flickr/CC by-SA 2.0. Well, of course, chlorine and bromine are poisons. Let me ask, do you watch the bird nests every day, do you see any damage to their eggs or babies? Helpful. You’ll wind up doing some type of balancing act in the long run because in order to kill the algae you’re going to have to poison it with something, and chances are what you use will be toxic to other living things, e.g. Be warned that blue fountain water can stain anything it touches over time. Pictured above, it has several pools shallow enough for warblers, chickadees, and other tiny birds. Ryan has seen 64 species in that birdbath. Check with a local trusted greenhouse, not a big box store, they will be able to give you suggestions that will not harm your birds. Although chlorine keeps swimming pools clean, it destroys portable fountain pumps and is harmful for the birds that love to splash and play in fountains. The chlorine levels would have to be near 50% to hurt us, but animals are much smaller (of course) and the toxic levels are directly proportional to size. No, we don't see that and we think all is fine - well it is not fine. The chlorine in bleach will evaporate in no time after cleaning and rinsing, especially if your birdbath is in the sun, and is not going to be around long enough to harm anything. To use pond dye in a fountain, add it at one-half the recommended strength for ponds to start, then gradually add more until you achieve the color you want. 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