Copper's Effect on Birds and Bird Baths
Because of copper's biostatic properties, algae is less likely to grow in a bird bath that is either made of copper or has copper elements in its design. While algae will be repelled, however, it is important to note that copper will not completely eliminate algae and bacteria growth in a bird bath.
All bird baths, even those made of pure copper, must still be cleaned regularly to remove all unwanted growths.
Effective sources include …
- Pennies (US-minted before 1982; pennies after that date are mostly zinc, and zinc is much more toxic) or other copper coins
- Pipes, either vintage copper pipes or new copper pipes, fittings or joints purchased from home improvement stores
- Coils of wire, bound together to create a larger block; avoid small bits of wire that would be too easy for birds to ingest accidentally
- Bullets or copper bullet casings, but avoid any lead-based ammunition that is highly toxic even in small quantities
- Pendants, chains, rings or other jewelry pieces
