DIY: Making Birdbath from a Frisbie

The summer is a dry hot time for birds, and if you are an avid watcher, then you know that most are on the hunt for a cool comfortable place to bathe. If your budget is limited perhaps a birdbath that is made from a Frisbee would be just the necessary item to give your feathered friends a little refreshing break without breaking your budget. This simple concept can also double as a bird feeder in the winter months.

Finding a Frisbee should be the simple part. Almost everyone has a Frisbee around the house, in the lawn, or even on the garage roof. If you don't, ask a neighbor or go to the local discount store to purchase one, they are relatively inexpensive. While you are there, get six feet of wire to hang the birdbath. If your budget is severly under the gun, use three thin metal wire coat hangers.

Punch three holes around the rim of the Frisbee. They should be large enough for the wire to go through. An ice pick is one tool that could come in handy. You could also drive a three penny nail through with a hammer. No matter which one you choose, wear gloves and be very careful not to puncture yourself in the process.

Cut three 2' long pieces of wire using a pair of wire cutters. If you are substituting three coat hangers, cut off the curved area and straighten out the coat hanger with pliers. Once they are straight, measure each one and cut it at the 2' mark.

You will need to now insert the wire that you have cut, into the hole in the Frisbee. You should insert it from the outside to the inside, pushing enough through to wrap and secure the wire to itself, without being too tight. You probably now understand why thin metal coat hangers was the terminology used. If the hanger metal is too heavy, it will be difficult to wrap.

Gather the three wires to form a pyramid, or teepee and twist together starting 6" from the top, clear to the top. You now have a pyramid with twisted wires going straight up. Because of this one step, I highly recommend that you use wire. It twists together much better and easier than the coat hanger, but a light weight hanger is doable. Be very careful when twisting the metal. The ends are usually quite sharp.

You will now need to bend the 6" braided section to form a hook and hang the Frisbee birdbath from a tree. Fill this with water and continue to check it and refill throughout the summer. Once winter blows its icy breath at your door, remove the water, dry, and add seed.