Cat-proof Birdbath


In this Instructable we will make a birdbath that (hopefully) will be immune to unwelcome feline attention. To do this we will use:
1 tree
2 London taxi-style hubcaps, as found on the verge
1 bolt
1 washer
1 tube of silicone
Assorted standard tools
1 tree
2 London taxi-style hubcaps, as found on the verge
1 bolt
1 washer
1 tube of silicone
Assorted standard tools
Downloads
Cut Down a Tree




Well, not exactly 'cut down', but it certainly won't be buying you a drink next time you meet.
Essentially we're looking for a tall post that will prevent cat-pouncing, well anchored to the ground. Sounds like the first 10' of a birch tree... We had a suitable candidate, a beautiful tree, but sadly its root system was starting to destroy our pathway.
Essentially we're looking for a tall post that will prevent cat-pouncing, well anchored to the ground. Sounds like the first 10' of a birch tree... We had a suitable candidate, a beautiful tree, but sadly its root system was starting to destroy our pathway.
Trim the Tree


We need something vaguely horizontal, otherwise the water'll fall out, so trim the tree to give a nice, neat, horizontal post.
Drill a Hole in It



Now we need to drill a hole so that the bird bath can be securely fixed in place. Might as well drill a hole in one of the taxi hubcaps at the same time...
Cut the Hubcap Down to Size



This hubcap is the connection to the tree, it has a hole in it (so far), now let's cut it down to a frisbee-esque disc that'll form a good base for the other hubcap (oh yes, you'll need two)...
Wash the Hubcaps

You can't have a dirty birdbath: the wee sweeties'll sicken. So wash those hubcaps.
Make the Base Neat


Purely a cosmetic detail, but let's make it nice.
Base & Bolt

Base, bolt & washer ready to fix to the tree
Fix It to the Tree




Now bolt the base to the tree
Silicone the Base



The base gets siliconed generously, so as to adhere securely to the second hubcap
Squidge on the Second Hubcap


Press the second hubcap onto the remains of the first.
Use a spirit level to try and get it reasonably horizontal.
Use a spirit level to try and get it reasonably horizontal.
The Enemy

Know locally as the devil
Admire


Ok, it's a bit silver
Fill It With Water





It's time to fill the birdbath with water.
Postscript

It's a few months since the installion of the birdbath, it's been quite popular with the birds.
The main problem with it is cleaning & refilling it, which I need to do atop a set of steps.
The tree has regrown a surprising amount
The main problem with it is cleaning & refilling it, which I need to do atop a set of steps.
The tree has regrown a surprising amount