frozen water

[Learning Finch]

I was just wondering if I could give my outdoor finches frozen water to drink. I live in AZ and think that the water wouldn't get warm as quickly if I froze it and let the birds drink as it melts threw out the day. would the extremely cold water be bad?

[delray]

Hmmmm. I'm not sure. The extreme cold might not be so great for them. What does everyone else think?

[Sally]

Can't say I've ever tried it. It certainly wouldn't stay frozen or even cold for long in Arizona.

[MiaCarter]

I'd give it a try.
In hot conditions, I think the cold water would be refreshing. And it won't stay extremely cold for any length of time, especially if it's in direct sunlight.

I'd also keep a second, unfrozen water nearby in case they need more water before it's melted sufficiently.

I know they make special bowls that keep water warm in the winter.
I wonder if they have the opposite? Bowls that keep water cool in the summer?

[Olympic_Aiairies]

I'd suggest like Mia said. Have two bowls. One frozen and one not. That way they can drink from the unfrozen one if they don't want the really cold water and as the day heats up and the frozen one melts and they'll have cool water when the unfrozen bowl gets really warm. Would save you some time.

[Nerien]

Saw a bowl in the Bed, Bath & Beyond flyer today that was one of those freezer bowls to keep your ice cream (or whatever) cold. You know, just like the mugs that you freeze and then put your drink in to make a slushy?

Something like that would help keep the water cooler, longer. Unfortunately I threw out the flyer and now am spacing out on the name of the bowl. It's been quite a day.

[KarenB]

If you can keep the water moving, such as with a mini fountain, that also keeps water cooler. It will evaporate quicker, but it will knock it down several degrees. Conversely, in the winter, moving water does not freeze as fast.

[MiaCarter]

KarenB --- That's a great idea. You're right, it does keep it much cooler when it's moving.

Also, Nerien made me think of this:
http://www.myfrobo.com/

I had one (no idea what happened to it. Add it to the list of things that got lost in the move! LOL)
It does work nicely. It's rather large, so it does stay cold for a while.
But if it's super hot or in direct sunlight, I think frozen water would work better, although I'm not sure the benefit would last very long. Here in Florida, you could literally melt an ice cube on the sidewalk in a couple minutes during the day. I imagine AZ is the same way.

I looked briefly but I couldn't find any sort of bowl that offers a continuous cooling effect, but read that Drinkwell is working a patent for one. (They make pet fountains).

If your goal is to keep them cool, I might try one of those misting systems. My mum has one on her patio and would be fabulous for an outdoor aviary! They're quite affordable if you opt for a low pressure misting system; I was looking at one the other day that was $59.95 (twice the price of that bowl, and much more worth it, in my opinion!)
http://www.cool-off.com/cool-summer-misting-kit-20ft

[Colt]

Zoos often provide ice to the animals for enrichment and to cool them down. Some even freeze treats like fruit, etc in the ice so as it melts there are more things to keep them entertained. I wouldn't see a problem giving them frozen water at all. Although I would still provide a regular dish or two of liquid water. ;)

[Learning Finch]

Thank you for all the great advice. I have two glass bottle drip type that I wouldn't freeze. But on the ground I have a large quale type plastic water jug. I was also considering insulating the plastic and duct taping the outside.