pdp1@EARTHLINK.NET on thu 24 jun 04
and so on, on principle...
Dear Norma, all...
Too, I had the thought to recommend to any as may not
already be so inclined...
To regard 'Bird Baths' with the same consideration we would
have for our Glazed vessels which people use for their
beverages and or foods...
Since the Water in a Bird Bath tends to sit even longer at
times without renewal, than it would for our
beverages and foods, and the Birds do drink it...as well as
sometimes 'bathe' in it...
Too, as the more-or-less stagnant Water as is in most Bird
Baths tends to be a very good method for transmitting
various Water borne or Water tolerant disease organisms (as
Birds may
contract from one-another if essentially
drinking communally out of static Water situations)...
Where, if it
were provided with some means of having fresh Water
replenishing and displaceing the 'old' Water more-or-less
constantly...it would be a little kinder to them...
All in all, unfortunately, especially for the Columbiforms
(Doves, broadly,) but for others too in their ways, a Bird
Bath is likely to harbor quite a few diseases which a fresh
Water source would not...both from Bird droppings getting
into the water, as well from the small amounts of Water as
may reflux when Columbiforms drink, which if they are ill,
can put germs into the Water merely from their
drinking...
Anyway...traditional Brid Baths were not such a good thing
for the Birds themselves, even if quaint in their way for
the 'Garden'...
If one may fill one for an hour, then drain it, and clean
it, and
let dry out thoroughly, and then disinfect with bleach...
Then repeat the next day or the day after maybe, as one may
these same steps again...it would be about ideal.
Otherwise, some little fresh Water conduced in a small tube
or
pipe, flowing into the smallest little sink from which the
Birds may drink, would limit the likely dangers down to
about not-much I think, and could be styled to retain all
the quaintness anyone might want, as well as nurture a dandy
'Mint' patch or the like with the run-off...
Best,
Phil
el ve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Norma Williams"
Hi all!
I know of a pottery that has been doing raku birdbaths on
sculptural steel stands. The pieces are a combination of
bare clay and some glazes.The raku is sealed with either
epoxy or some form of concrete/waterproofing sealant. I
know the epoxy peeled off after the first season, but I am
not sure about the sealant they are using now performs.
They recommend the pieces be brought in for the winter. I
love these pieces and would like to try something like this,
but have serious doubts about the durability and don't want
customers breathing down my back a year later. What do you
think????
Norma Williams
Mangum OK
| |
|
