Wild birds are naturally attracted to the sound of running water in your yard. Fountains and sprays give them the water they need to bathe and drink. You can give the wild birds fresh water throughout the year with a heated birdbath. Many times it is difficult for wild birds to find fresh water during the cold winter months. 
 
By providing clean fresh water all winter you can help birds survive. You also get the pleasure of watching the birds frolic all year long. Heated bird baths should not be put right next to your bird feeder. The noise of the feeder can distract the birds from drinking and bathing. Your birdbath will be safer for the birds if you place it under tree branches. This will give them an escape route from any prowling cats. 
 
You can install a battery or solar powered heated birdbath almost anywhere you would like in your yard. If you select an electric powered heated birdbath it will need to by placed near a power outlet. Purchasing a heated fountain birdbath has many advantages. You will get longer use from a concrete or marble heated birdbath than one without a heater installed. A cold winter can lead to constant freezing and melting of water in the birdbath which can make concrete or marble crack and leak. Keeping the water warm helps to protect your birdbath from this process.
 
Heated birdbaths can be found in several designs from many different materials. Some common materials used for heated birdbaths include iron, concrete, marble, plastic, and copper. Copper makes an excellent addition to just about any garden, especially if you have other copper accessories. The water bowl of a birdbath should not be greater than three inches deep with a rough bottom to give the birds a secure footing.