Black Algae in Birdbath - help please (1 Viewer)

[Lisa W]

I have a birdbath that all of the birds seem to love. Unfortunately it has gotten a bad case of black algae. I've gotten a replacement birdbath (had it out for about 3 weeks), but the birds wouldn't use it. They'll sit on the side and then fly away without trying it. I finally put the original, algaed one back, and the birds are waiting in line to get in. Does anyone have ideas on how to clean it that will be safe for the birds. :-C

 

[turkish van]

I have a birdbath that all of the birds seem to love. Unfortunately it has gotten a bad case of black algae. I've gotten a replacement birdbath (had it out for about 3 weeks), but the birds wouldn't use it. They'll sit on the side and then fly away without trying it. I finally put the original, algaed one back, and the birds are waiting in line to get in. Does anyone have ideas on how to clean it that will be safe for the birds. :-C

This is maybe a daft question, but have you tried just scrubbing it with a stiff brush or pad? It should just come off...

 

[Lisa W]

This is maybe a daft question, but have you tried just scrubbing it with a stiff brush or pad? It should just come off...

Tried and tried and tried. We even used bleach on it (made sure to rinse VERY thoroughly). No go. It has gone from a small black spot to covering the bottom of the feeder. I do scrub every day when I change the water, but there just seems to be more the next day. :storm:

 

[KC Foggin]

What about renting a high powered pressure washer Lisa. That might do it. If not, then you can do your sidewalks and porches so the rental is not wasted

 

[Lisa W]

I'll give that a try, KC. I actually own a pressure washer, will try next weekend. I'm heading off tomorrow for a few days of my second favorite activity - Golf. It used to be the number 1 but then I saw a bird I didn't recognize and curiosity got the better of me.
Now golf is a FAR distant second, but need to keep my partner happy some of the time. :-O

 

[wizard]

one 5ml spoon of bleach in a gallon of water does the birds no harm & keeps the drinker clean, also stops the spread of water born crawlies. I was told this by a vet who himself kept birds.
you could use less of a dose if the water is left standing in a bucket but DONT use more!!!!!!!!

 

[wizard]

PS;
you can buy all sorts of steralising Potions, but this is by far the cheapest
some may not agree but i have used this for 20 years on my own birds & won many shows.

 

[Sue Wright]

What about renting a high powered pressure washer Lisa. That might do it. If not, then you can do your sidewalks and porches so the rental is not wasted

Hi Lisa,

I agree with KC as pressure hoses/power washers (call them what you will) are brilliant at cleaning the Bird baths. Most Birders I know have there own too as they come in handy for quite a lot around the garden, I can truly recommend them to you. Good luck,

Sue

 

[Lisa W]

Bad news, my power washer is dead. I am currently fighting back the algae with a wire brush and some expensive solution from Wild Birds. I used to use a very minute amount of bleach in my bird baths and had no problems, but was told by a bird expert not to do that. So for now guess it's the brush.

 

[Sue Wright]

Bad luck about the power washer Lisa, how about getting another as soon as you're able. I think I'd also be a bit wary of using any amount of bleach, a little too iffy for my liking and I'd be frightened of killing or poisoning the Birds with it. Good luck again,

Sue.

 

[alcedo.atthis]

"So for now guess it's the brush."


Lisa, a quick search turned up this :-

http://www.poolstore.com/store1/welcome.html?chemicals/AppliedBioChemists/BlackAlgaetrine/index.html

and

http://poolcenter.com/algae.htm

Although they are talking about larger volumes of water, you may pick up some tips relevant to your situation.

Regards

Malky

 

[Lisa W]

Thanks Sue and Malky,
I'm a little afraid to try the algecide with the birds. I did get a bird friendly solution and a VERY STIFF wire brush, have gotten it down to where the algae is barely noticable. Have been scrubbing everyday for the past week and it is now not to bad. Will continue with the scrubbing and solution for a while. The birds seem happy at last! And I figure I can use some more muscles.

 

[polyphemos]

Unless black algae is harmful to birds (and yours seem to like it), why not leave well alone? They also drink from puddles, ponds, gutters etc., which presumably contain all sorts of flora and fauna. I agree with Sue: I certainly wouldn't give them bleach or any other disinfectant.

 

[Sue Wright]

Thanks Sue and Malky,
I'm a little afraid to try the algecide with the birds. I did get a bird friendly solution and a VERY STIFF wire brush, have gotten it down to where the algae is barely noticable. Have been scrubbing everyday for the past week and it is now not to bad. Will continue with the scrubbing and solution for a while. The birds seem happy at last! And I figure I can use some more muscles.

Well done Lisa, it's good to hear more about what goes on with problems we encounter so thanks for getting us up to date with your trials with it all. All so well worth the effort you've put in to it all. All the best,

Sue.