Homeowners with birdbaths are being urged to add a simple item this summer to keep water clean and attract a variety of birds, including robins. The trick involves placing a copper 2p coin, specifically those minted before 1982, into the water. Specialists at Gardening Know How say copper pennies are "one of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep your birdbath clean so you can attract more birds to your garden."
How Copper Pennies Work
As the coin sits at the base, it slowly releases small amounts of copper into the water. This prevents algae from developing, making the water safer and cleaner for birds. Copper has gentle antimicrobial properties that discourage algae and bacterial growth in still water. Rocky Trifari, bird enthusiast and owner of The Rocky Safari, explains: "Copper is a natural biocide with properties that interfere with the biological processes algae and other microorganisms rely on. When copper ions leach into the water, they promote an environment that discourages the growth of green algae."
Choosing the Right Coins
Only one or two-penny pieces produced before 1982 are effective, as they contain enough copper to trigger the chemical reaction. It's crucial to check for rust or deterioration before placing them in the birdbath, and a thorough clean using natural techniques is recommended, avoiding harsh chemicals.
Expert Advice on Birdbath Maintenance
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, says: "It's easy to assume that since it's cold, birds don't need or want a fresh water supply but this isn't the case at all. Just like us, birds need regular access to a clean and fresh water source so it's important to keep filling bird baths. A clean birdbath is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases." He adds that placing a 2p coin at the bottom after cleaning can slow algae growth, allowing longer intervals between cleanings.
Important Precautions
Prolonged or excessive exposure to dissolved copper may pose a health risk to smaller bird species. It's strongly advised to use only a small number of coins, and this method should not replace routinely providing fresh water. Regular cleaning remains essential, especially during summer when rising temperatures accelerate stagnation and contamination.
Summer Heat and Wildlife
Placing one or two copper pennies into your birdbath this summer could be a welcome addition to your garden routine, particularly as the UK continues to endure persistent heatwaves, pushing more wildlife to search for fresh water sources. Maintaining clean birdbaths is crucial to prevent disease spread and attract birds throughout the season.
