February 4, 2026, 7:22 am | Read time: 3 minutes
When it gets cold outside, birds need not only food but also water. Especially in freezing temperatures, it’s not easy for birds to find suitable water sources. However, there’s a simple trick to keep the birdbath ice-free even in winter.
Birds Need More Than Just Food in Winter
Whether on the balcony or in your own garden, feeding birds is a tradition in the cold season. But what is often overlooked is that birds also need regular water in winter. Most species need to drink at least twice a day to meet their fluid needs. Seed-eaters, in particular, rely on this as they get little moisture from their food.
Lukewarm Water and Shallow Bowls
“Even in winter, you can help birds with a drinking spot if no water is available during frost,” informs NABU Leipzig on its website. A first tip: adjust the water temperature in the birdbath to the winter conditions. “If you fill it with lukewarm water, it takes a while to freeze, during which time it’s available to the animals.” Alternatively, you can occasionally check the birdbath and break or remove the ice.
NABU recommends shallow water bowls that are easy to clean and set up, such as on the balcony or in the garden. Suitable options include saucers for clay plant pots, which can be purchased at hardware or garden centers. “The water level should not exceed three centimeters to prevent young birds and small animals from drowning,” advises NABU. Additionally, a small stone placed in the center serves as an exit aid.
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Heated Birdbath with Grave Candle
A heated birdbath is particularly practical during prolonged frost—and it can be easily made with little effort. The necessary materials might already be at home or are available at a low cost:
- 1 larger clay pot
- 3 clay shards or flower pot holders
- 1 clay bowl
- 1 grave candle
The instructions are straightforward:
- Place the three clay shards or spacers on the ground.
- Set the grave candle in the middle and light it.
- Invert the clay pot over it. It should rest securely on the shards or holders.
- Place the clay bowl on top of the pot and fill it with water.
The rising heat from the candle prevents the water in the bowl from freezing. Important: Do not use plastic containers—they can melt from the heat. Also, ensure adequate oxygen supply so the flame doesn’t go out. However, since the clay pot is not directly on the ground due to the shards or spacers, an air supply is ensured.
Alternative: Frost Guard from the Store
For those who prefer something more stable and durable, a so-called frost guard can be used instead of the clay pot—a small “radiator” made of clay, originally intended for greenhouses. A clay saucer can also be placed on it, and it is heated by grave candles or other suitable heat sources.
With these simple methods, an important water source for local birds can be secured even in freezing cold, making a valuable contribution to species conservation.