Could someone tell me how to stop the water from rusting in my iron birdbath--the birds don't like murky water

Question

I replace the water every day but the rust returns quickly and the birds won't drink or bathe in it.

Answer 1

iron is going to rust, period.  try another birdbath: plastic or stone or concrete

Answer 2

Beat quick solution is rub out the rust with steel wool and paint with  Rustoleum flat black metal paint.  it will look excellent for years.

2nd Solution; rub out rust and spray with clear coat, a paint covering used on automobiles, seals the surface and lets the finish shine through.  A more expensive fix.

Answer 3

Thompson's water seal. The can doesn't say that it's for IRON... but it does work.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stor...

Answer 4

Are you sure it is rust?  Have you ever heard of Haematococcus (Bird Bath Algae).   Most iron baths have a cast aluminum bowl, to prevent the rusting process, as rust is simply oxidation of iron!

If it is in fact rust, at this point I would convert it to either a bird feeder, filling the bowl with seeds, or a nice plant holder, with a beautiful vine plant, like a  Caladiums, Grape Ivy or even Petunias or Million Bells.  

If you are certain it is rust I would move onto a new bath, researching the material in which it is made up of.   So sorry and best of luck!