Gardeners urged to follow this 1p bird bath trick this summer

Daily Record

10 hours ago

Householders are being advised to put copper coins in their birdbaths to protect wildlife.
Gardeners looking to protect the wildlife this summer are being urged to follow this cheap and easy hack. According to experts, popping copper coins in your garden bird bath will help deal with a common summer issue that many experience.
Bird baths feature in many gardens up and down the country. They provide fresh water for a variety of birds, including robins, magpies, starlings and crows, allowing them to keep hydrated and to also bathe. However, during the warmer months, particularly when temperatures are high, keeping the water clean can become difficult.
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This is a more common problem when you live in rural areas which have been transformed into housing estates and roads, meaning there is less natural habitats available for birds.
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Algae, a green plant matter, also tends to grow in bird baths. This can cause the water to become contaminated with bacteria, which can inevitably harm birds and cause diseases to spread. To prevent this issue, gardening experts are advising people to place 1p and 2p pieces, in their bird baths, reports the Express.
The copper coins help inhibit bacterial growth in the water, slowing down the spread of harmful bacteria.
Coins minted before 1992, which contain a higher copper content, are most effective, but newer coins can still have some impact. Prior to 1992, UK copper coins were made up of 97% copper, but this was changed to copper-plated steel in 1992.
Pergolux UK advises on bird bath cleanliness by stating: "Algae in bird baths can occur from debris falling into the water, which is why it's important to refill them every couple of days.
"If you notice algae is persistently coming back, then give your bird bath a thorough cleaning and place a copper coin into the fresh water. This can help slow down the growth of algae."
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House Digest provides insight into the underlying process: "The copper in the pennies releases ions, which slow the algae growth in water."
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They also note the precautions and attraction strategy: "While large quantities of copper can be harmful to birds, small amounts are safe, allowing you to use a few pennies in the bottom of your bird bath to keep the water clean and fresh.
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"Since many birds, like crows and blue jays, are attracted to shiny objects, the pennies can also help you attract them to your yard and garden."
Maintaining effectiveness requires regular care: "For best results, replace the pennies every few months. The coins are an excellent alternative to harsh chemicals and cleaners which can be harmful to wildlife and the environment."
They also recommend additional maintenance steps: "While the copper pennies will help keep the water clean, it still helps to switch out the water whenever you water your garden or yard, particularly in warmer climates."