I had the same problem with a v. expensive terracotta birdbath that cracked during its first winter. I have used a clear sealant from your usual DIY store which seems to do the tricl. However, I do have to scrape it off and renew it each year. The base is now wrapped in bubble wrap and the dish is safely in the shed.
PS - I have replaced this for the winter with a few shallow (not very pretty) dishes around the garden that I keep filled.
Thank you very much for all your suggestions. I'm struggling to picture the drainpipe bit Buttercupdays but I wouldn't mind having a go because the only replacement bowls I have found are the wrong colour.
Next time I will use a sealant to prolong it's life. Another thing that occured to me was not to pour boiling water in but to use a pan with boiling water and sit it on the ice for a while. Thanks again all.
A forum friend recommended that I put a foil tray, turkey size, in my bird bath so each morning I can just throw the ice out and refill. Wonder if that would help as a temporary measure
We have the exact same birdbath as you but we are in NE Scotland and the cold weather here this last week has caused it to crumble to pieces. I'm guessing that it soaked up water and then freeze-thaw action has slowly broken it apart.
Next one we buy will be a proper granite one that can't possibly shatter in the cold.
A forum friend recommended that I put a foil tray, turkey size, in my bird bath so each morning I can just throw the ice out and refill. Wonder if that would help as a temporary measure
Do you think the birds would use something with such a shiny surface?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
May try that idea KEF till I get a new one. LordSteve a granite one does sound good but not being titled myself I may find the price prohibitive. We are also in Scotland but in the central belt.
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I had the same problem with a v. expensive terracotta birdbath that cracked during its first winter. I have used a clear sealant from your usual DIY store which seems to do the tricl. However, I do have to scrape it off and renew it each year. The base is now wrapped in bubble wrap and the dish is safely in the shed.
PS - I have replaced this for the winter with a few shallow (not very pretty) dishes around the garden that I keep filled.
Thank you very much for all your suggestions
. I'm struggling to picture the drainpipe bit Buttercupdays but I wouldn't mind having a go because the only replacement bowls I have found are the wrong colour.
Next time I will use a sealant to prolong it's life. Another thing that occured to me was not to pour boiling water in but to use a pan with boiling water and sit it on the ice for a while. Thanks again all.
When it's sorted I'll have to change my avatar
Use aquarium sealant it isn't toxic to fish so should be okay
A forum friend recommended that I put a foil tray, turkey size, in my bird bath so each morning I can just throw the ice out and refill. Wonder if that would help as a temporary measure
We have the exact same birdbath as you but we are in NE Scotland and the cold weather here this last week has caused it to crumble to pieces. I'm guessing that it soaked up water and then freeze-thaw action has slowly broken it apart.
Next one we buy will be a proper granite one that can't possibly shatter in the cold.
Do you think the birds would use something with such a shiny surface?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
May try that idea KEF till I get a new one. LordSteve a granite one does sound good but not being titled myself I may find the price prohibitive
. We are also in Scotland but in the central belt.