So now we arrive at bird baths guaranteed to rust. I would have placed an old rusty bird bath at the end of the driveway on trash collection Tuesday a few years ago. But why would anyone, including birds, want to bathe in or drink from a rusty tub? I would never have purchased one. However, since learning about bird supply stores, I’ve seen a lot of signs proudly stating, “Guaranteed to Rust,” on some models of display bird baths. What’s up?.
What comes to mind when someone says the phrase “rusty bath tub”? For me, it would be one of those vintage tubs with clawed legs that my grandmother had in her Chicago bungalow. Where do those claw-legged tubs go when those turn-of-the-last-century Victorian bathrooms get remodeled? The immaculate vintage bath tubs might find new life in upscale decors. Many a tub, I’m sure, gets a few rust spots they may not have previously shown in the gardens of people with an eye for antiques and a green thumb, where the less “gently used” of them might find homes.
That Victorian-tub look can easily extend to your garden with the addition of a graceful bird bath that is guaranteed to rust! It turns out that minerals released by the rust in those bird baths really are good for the birds! Yeah! They make them rust on purpose! Tin (not galvanized), steel, and iron (not coated with antirust paints) are not hazardous to birds, although certain metals might be. In all honesty, the birds don’t care either way. Just for fun, you might check for Victorian bird baths that are guaranteed to rust the next time you visit your neighborhood bird supply store. I’d love to have one in my atrium garden. However, I would adore having an atrium garden.
My mother purchased an iron bird bath, but it quickly rusted and turned the color of any water that was in it. When she wrote to the store where she purchased it, they informed her that the birds wouldn’t be harmed and that it is expected to rust. I find this difficult to believe. My suggestion was to coat the bird bath with a material that would prevent rust and be secure for the birds to use. Any advice or suggestions? Thank you!.
FAQ
Can I use a rusty bird bath?
Does rust hurt birds?
How do you fix a rusty bird bath?
Is it safe for birds to paint a bird bath?