written 6/17/24, updated 6/27/25

Overview

Materials and Cost

Process

This originally started as a birdbath, but not only was it too small to be a birdbath, but none of the animals used it as that. They were more interested in drinking the water, so now it’s a Wildlife Waterer. Occasionally, the camera aimed at it will catch a bird bathing in it

Schematic

Drill Holes in Upper Tray

Drill Holes in the plastic bird bowl (smaller holes for water passage, big for the tube), and a notch for the power cord.

You can place the water hose in the center or offset depending on your preference

*3D Printer

Easiest and cheapest method if you happen to own a machine

If using 3D printer, I’d recommend this BOWL customized to your specifications (reduced the thickness). You can add a little notch for the power cord.

When in doubt choose a dark color (prevents light penetration which allows algae to grow). My design allows for the system to be easily taken apart and cleaned. The reason there’s a reservoir of water that houses the pump underneath the tray is that offering animals toxic algae or fungus-infected water can kill them.

Paint

If using clear saucers/bowl, paint outer layer (use 3 or 4 layers as they are so thin). Darker are better colors to prevent algae.

Note: Apparently, birds are attracted to either their own plumage colors or for the shy birds, neutral colors like drab green, gray, and brown. Birds supposedly dislike white.

Assembly

Because I was using cheap saucers, I stacked them 3 or 4 deep (for strength). Then, the submersible pump goes on the bottom. On top of that, place the drilled bowl to create separation from the motor, passing the tube and cords through their respective holes

Fill with water

By the Power of the Sun

Connect the male USB of the submersible pump to the female USB on the solar panel (or however your power hookup is) and test out the water flow.

Interesting Note: there must be enough light to start the motor, but subsequent power requires much less (physics!). Meaning, even though direct sunlight is needed to start the pump, indirect sunlight (part shade) is okay for continuous operation

Tube Orientation Options

• Cut the tube shorter
• Place a little aerator on the end and drill small holes in the top of the tube to create a sprinkler effect
• No tube, just pure aeration

The aerator is just a random thing I found outside on the ground while walking the dog. It just so happens to be the right size and flexibility for the hose. If you look up “Rubber Silicone Round Plugs” you’ll see several of them. Like THIS

Additions

Place decorative rocks or plain rocks so that bees and smaller birds can perch safely

Get (or 3D print) fountain nozzles for fun sprays

Cleaning!!!

You MUST clean these! As stated above, algae blooms are toxic to animals. Similarly, if too much debris rots in the waterer, fungus can also infect the animals. Warm water and soap. If using rocks, I’ll brush them with a brush. Let them air dry, then return them to the critters

Nasty algae. When cleaning, my paper towel turned red. Red algae blooms are extremely toxic. Not just for the wild critters, but also my dog who likes to lick stuff all the time

Finished!