A heated bird bath could be the best thing yet to happen to your birding experience. Maybe even life-changing if you've never even used a regular bird bath.
And it's even more potent during the harsh winter months. A season that sends chills down your spine as you realize the number of birds in your yard may dwindle, or worse, disappear.
So...
It's during these hard times a heated bird bath swoops in to save the day, offering water in your yard. You will then see even birds that won't take a second look at your feeder dropping in for a drink.
Essentially, all birds need water, and a heated bird bath makes your yard one of the few places to find one during the cold season.
Here's what I did for you:
I did some thorough research and came up with a list of some of the best heated bird baths you can find. You’ll find your pick whether you're on a budget or want an option that also beautifies your yard.
The list comprises of the five of the best heated bird baths, including our deluxe pick, the Songbirds Essentials Heated Bird Bath.
Relax, if you still can't wrap your head around heat bird baths, a brief guide explains all you need to make an informed decision.
Let's go!
Page Contents
Five of The Best Heated Bird Bath Reviews
#1 Songbirds Essentials Heated Bird Bath – Top Pick
At the top of the list is the classic Songbirds Essential heated bath. Its classy wooden frame sets it apart from other heated baths.
Here’s why:
The frame is made from a glossy and sturdy cedar that would remain standing for many seasons to come. Its beautifully crafted octagonal bath mount opens up to hold the plastic bowl.
Not only is this design aesthetically pleasing, but it's also functional.
The resin bowl un-mounts from the frame for easy cleaning. It's about 1 3/8" deep and 14 ¼ "in diameter. So, while the bowl is wide, its shallow depth is safe for all types of birds. But you may need to refill every other day...
The bath uses a powerful 60-watt heated foil to keep the water thawed in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit. It's safely sealed out of sight and heats every inch of the bowl.
The thermostat control keeps your power bill at just pennies a month. It only comes on when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unlike other products in this review, you may need some basic DIY skills to set it up. Also, it has a short power cord, which isn't a surprise, but still longer than many with its 12" length.
So, you may have to plug it into an extension cord to install it in a desirable location.
Nevertheless, I still like how the power cord runs discreetly through the middle of the stand.
All in all, it's a premium heated bird bath that comes at a premium cost.
Pros
- Durable and aesthetically-pleasing cedar frame
- Easy to clean
- Heats up the whole bowl as long as its -20 degrees Fahrenheit outside
- Great for attracting small birds
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires frequent refills
Takeaway
If you want a classy and functional bird bath and don't mind splurging, this is a worthy option. It has a frame that would beautify any porch or yard, when it's not frozen.
The only thing is, it has a shallow bowl, so you may have to refill every other day. If this isn't a deal-breaker, you'll have no regrets about your investment.
#2 Farm Innovators All Seasons HBC-120 Heated Bird Bath – Best Mounted Heated Bird Bath
The design of the Farm Innovators All Seasons is arguably the best among deck mounted heated bird baths.
Its white plastic basin has scalloped edges that make it look like a classic water fountain. Regardless, the basin is durable and sure to last for years.
The basin can be easily mounted on deck railings about 5 ½" wide. The basin easily comes off the "twist on" latch attached to the mount.
If you ever get tired of having the birds up close on your porch, you can decide to buy its "Ped I" pedestal attachment. But it costs almost as much as the basin itself.
The basin is heated by a powerful 120-watt thermostat-controlled heater that gets the water as cold as -7 degrees. So, you can expect to see the water thawed on even the coldest nights. At the same time, this also means the increased heating power would evaporate water faster.
Its power cord stores underneath the basin and hidden. This keeps it out of sight when it's not in use during summer.
Overall, it looks better than most deck-mounted baths. Better yet, it costs just as much as these regular baths.
Pros
- Good bang for the buck
- Unique scallop design
- Plastic won't shatter when it freezes or falls
- Hidden power cord
- Powerful heater
Cons
- Its powerful heater evaporates water quickly
Takeaway
This is the best deck mounted heated birdbath for the money. It's aesthetic, long-lasting, and heats powerful. The only thing you have to deal with is refilling as its heater evaporates water in the bowl fast.
#3 Farm Innovators Four Seasons Heated Bird Bath – Best Ground Heated Bird Bath
The Four Seasons heated ground bath is affordable and invites more birds to your yard. It's open ground design mimic how the birds drink in the wild, so they feel secure and comfortable.
The ground design also attracts other animals like deer, raccoons, and squirrels to drop by for a sip.
But what makes this product appear even more natural is its sand-coated basin. It blends well with rocks and plants in its background.
Also, its 70-watt powered heater is concealed beneath the basin. The bath is a favorite among birds because it has a deep and shallow part.
However, a handful of customers have had leak problems and complains about the coating peeling after some months. Plus, the rough texture makes cleaning a bit tricky.
Nonetheless, it works pretty fine. Besides, it's easy to clean without washing off the coatings if you spray it down with clean water.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sand coating blends well with surroundings
- Plug and play
- Its ground design and uneven surface attracts more birds
Cons
- Coating peels off after some time
- Some customers have complained about leakages
Takeaway
The Farm Innovators Four Seasons is an exceptional heated bird bath. It has a practical and stylish design that costs lower and doesn't put a hole in the pocket.
At the time of writing, it's available at a fantastic discount price, plus free shipping.
#4 API Heated Bird Bath With Stand – Affordable Pedestal Heated Bird Bath
The API Heated Bird Bath With Stand is an affordable alternative if you find the Songbirds Essentials bath too "extra" for your liking.
It's a weather-resistant plastic bath that resembles a ceramic or concrete fountain. Similar to most options, its basin is only about two inches deep, making it ideal for a variety of birds.
The sloppy sides of the basin allow birds to test waters before going all in for a bath.
This bird bath is not only a pedestal type, but can also be mounted on a deck railing. However, the bracket is flimsy and may cause some troubles during installation.
Also, the bird bath is lightweight, so it may get wobbly on windy days. Luckily, you can fill up the pedestal with sand or stones for increased stability.
It has a 150-watt heart that would make water available on frigid winter days. The power cord is concealed inside the hollow pedestal.
Pros
- Good value
- Sloppy basin gives different water levels
- Versatile
Cons
- Lightweight
Takeaway
If you want an affordable pedestal bath that won't be an eyesore, this is a great choice. It's not heavy-duty, but with some extra load, it'll stand strong and keep doing its work for several seasons.
Alternatively, you can opt for API Item 970 Heated Bird Bath, if all you want is the cheapest heated bird bath stand.
Factors To Consider When Shopping For A Heated Bird Bath
If this is your first time in the market for a heated birdbath, here are some things that'll help you make an informed decision, perhaps like what's the top-rated bird bath material with a heater on a typical set up, which is easier to figure out.
But before talking about materials and stuff, here are 3 of the more important factors to consider before you buy a heated bird bath.
Style
Typically, there are three different types of heated bird baths you can choose from.
Ground
Birds feel the most comfortable when they drink or feed on the ground. Also, it's a great option if you want to attract a variety of animals to your yard.
Deck Mounted
This type of bird bath typically attaches to a deck railing. It allows you to have a closer view of the birds while they use the bath.
Classic
This is your typical bird bath that has a basin and a pedestal. A lot of classic options will also double as a beautification edifice in your yard if you are willing to spend a couple of extra bucks.
Thermostat Control
Although a heated bird bath doesn't consume energy excessively, a thermostat-controlled type would conserve energy.
Typically, heated baths would consume an average of about 40-100-watts, but powerful ones can use up to 150-watts.
This consumption would drop down to pennies if it has a thermostat control.
Price
Cost remains vital for any purchase, so it makes sense to have a budget in mind. If you want the spend as low as you can, a ground heated bird bath is usually the least expensive.
These types of baths range between $50 - $70. Some simple classic types that are made of plastic may cost a similar price.
However, if you are looking for a spectacular piece and not just a bowl, you may have to spend upwards of $100 to bring home a true gem.
And in case you already have a bird bath setup without a heating element, we have our review of heaters for bird baths, compiled in full details to give you an option. Check it out. 😉
And now, let's watch some heated birdbath visitors for a few seconds before we wrap this thing up:
Takeaway
So that's a wrap.
A heated bird bath is economical and would attract a higher number of birds to your yard. More so, you'll be helping the birds survive in the harsh winter season.
I’d recommend the Songbirds Essentials Heated Bird Bath if you need help picking the right one for your yard. Its cedar construction is not only durable but makes an excellent backyard decoration.
Well, if it's not covered in snow!
Have you noticed any change in the number of birds in your yard since you purchased a heated bird bath?
