Don’t forget to put out water for birds!

[RaspberryHoney]

A reminder for those with gardens to please not forget to put out water for the birds, bees, butterflies, hedgehogs and insects! Many won’t make it otherwise.

It doesn’t have to be fancy bird baths, just any old plate, bowl or even a shallow oven plate is perfect for hedgehogs, so they don’t drown!

Appreciate bumping for this thread, thank you. ❤️🦋🦔

I have got my partner to do this tonight. Hopefully lots of people others do!

Does it need to be cold water? Or will the rain butt water do?

We have a ceramic plate of water always available. We call it "The Cat and Hedgehog" since it's like their pub!

Any water. For insects and bees put a leave, flower or stones in the bottom of a shallow plate so they can drink without drowning.

We have several of these in different places.

Not a pleasant question but how can I avoid also attracting mice/rats when leaving water out? Is making sure it’s not left out after dark enough?

Thank you for the reminder, just popped some shallow dishes out.

You can’t. But as long as it’s outside does it really matter too much?

We have filled a shallow dish with stones and water for the bugs and a larger one for the birds. We already have bees and wasps visiting regularly. Watching them is so relaxing.

I'd be glad the rats and mice could have a drink too if I'm honest.

You can’t. But leave the water out, hedgehogs usually come out when it’s getting dark and early in the morning.

Not a pleasant question but how can I avoid also attracting mice/rats when leaving water out? Is making sure it’s not left out after dark enough?

Why wouldn't you want them to drink too?? They are good for the lovely owls to eat if that helps .

Remember the poor Goths as well. Dishes of snake bite will help them on the heat.

I've been leaving about 10 bowls out. The starlings are loving a bath in the morning, magpies have taken over the paddling pool and I'm hoping our resident vixen has been taking advantage. Just got to remember to refresh them to minimise mosquitos

I put an old litter tray full of water on the lawn. The visiting fox has had a drink and the magpies come for a bath in it.

Done, we've topped up our pond and also put bowls of water around. Sadly our cat is missing which we are very anxious about in case she's locked in somewhere with no water

I would but I worry I'd just be tempting prey down for my cats!
Maybe out the front...

Yes absolutely. One of our bird baths was empty this morning and a wood pigeon sat looking at me until I filled it up, then hopped straight on for a drink. And we’ve topped up our pond - had a deer drinking from it the other day.

One of our hedgehogs as just been for some food and a drink. Must be hot as he is early!

The pigeons were drinking from our little pond today. Have shallow bowls out for hedgehogs and a couple of bird baths topped up.

Both ponds filled and several bowls of various sizes left around :)

Just done it.

Thank you for putting this thread up.

I have a few bowls and plant saucers dotted around for the wildlife. Leaf is a great alternative to stones, thank you.

Just did so thanks to this thread. Its not been that warm where I am but tomorrow will be hotter.

I have two little ones right now in my garden!