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11/01/2007: "watering animals"

I was rereading John Dennis's classic Guide to Birdfeeding and noted his advice on watering wild birds. In these days of diseases among wildlife and scarce water resources, his notes seem even more relevant. "If you have an old fashioned bird bath the first step in improving it is to remove the pedestal, then locate the bath near the ground in a shady or semi shady part of the yard.The side of the bath should slope gradually toward the middle and ...the deepest portion could be up to 3 inches...bird baths should be cleaned frequently and kept filled. John K. Terres(sic) recommends cleaning and refilling baths daily. This is good advice. Baths should be scrubbed or hosed out at frequent intervals if birds are to be safe from exposure to salmonella and other disease organisms. On busy days when birds are drinking and bathing a great deal, it may be necessary to refill the bath several times daily. Even in rainy weather it is a good idea to clean baths occasionally in order to rid them of leaves and other debris."-editor