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Wildlife gardening – how to make a bird bath

The unexpected way to make birds choose your garden

Published: Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 5:12 pm

Birds need water to drink and bathe in. Find out how to make a simple bird bath, using a terracotta pot and saucer.

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Birds not only use water to drink, but they also bathe in it, helping them fluff up their feathers to insulate themselves against the cold.

Experts have also found that clean birds are more streamlined, so can escape from predators quickly. Our bird bath is elevated, which will offer birds a better view of stalking cats.

Discover how to create this simple bird bath, below.

Our birdbath shopping list

You might already have what you need to get started on making your bird bath. If you don't, we've done the hard work for you with our handy shopping list.

You Will Need

Terracotta pot
Terracotta saucer
All-purpose glue or ceramic tile adhesive, suitable for outdoor use
Stones

Total time: 15 minutes

Step 1

How to make a bird bath - applying glue to the base

Scrub clean the base of your terracotta pot, then apply a generous layer of waterproof glue or tile adhesive to the base.

Step 2

How to make a bird bath - placing the saucer on the pot base

Place the saucer on the base of the pot, settling it into the glue. Leave it for 24 hours to ensure that the glue dries thoroughly.

Step 3

How to make a bird bath - adding stones to the saucer

Place the bath in a suitable spot, such as the edge of a border. Add stones so birds can perch to drink fresh, clean water. The stones will also enable thirsty bees to drink from the bath, without danger of drowning. Only offer water for wildlife if you’re able to change it every day and make sure it’s tap water. Bird baths should be cleaned weekly, following good hygiene practices.

Kate Bradbury says

Honeybees are also frequent visitors to bird baths, as they need water to regulate temperatures within the colony on hot summer days. They can easily drown in the water, however, so do ensure there are several pebbles or small stones in the bath to enable them to climb out if they get into difficulty.

Kate Bradbury

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