Farm Innovators HBI150 Tan Finish All Season 150 Watt Heated Bird Bath with Deck Mount | List Price: $69.95
Discount Price: $46.31
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Brand: Farm Innovators
Binding: Lawn & Patio
Release Date: 2005-08-01
Features: - All-season 20" diameter heated bird bath with thick plastic bowl, center feeder reservoir and deck rail mounting clamp
- Optional matching pedestal is available - sold separately, FIPED2.
- Features a built-in 150 watt heater with thermostat control
- Thumbscrew deck mount feature for easy installation without tools or drilling holes in deck railing
- Hidden electrical connection - simply plug an extension cord into the built-in connection underneath the unit
Hot stuff [Posted on 2005-12-18]
Yes, it works, but is badly overpriced. A few issues that I'd be willing to overlook if it were $20-30 less:
1. Water temperature routinely hits 70-80°F, measured with a digital thermometer, when ambient is above freezing. Mfr says this is normal. Basically, the thermostat isn't sensitive. If you don't mind paying to run a hot tub for birds, here you go.
2. Difficult to level. The bath is made of two pieces, a base that screws to the deck railing, and a bowl that screws to the base. If you're hoping to level the base with a torpedo and screw the bowl on it, lots of luck. I think you might be able to assemble the whole thing, fill it, and then level it.
3. Emptying it is difficult. It doesn't tilt like some others. You have to unscrew it, which means you're going to get bird bath water all over yourself. I've found letting the water freeze and then heating it enough to lift the block of ice out is effective.
4. There doesn't seem to be much clearance under the bowl. If your extension cord had a heavy duty plug, it may or may not fit.
5. I'm not happy with the quality of the plastic. You're probably going to have to fuss with the base and it can only take so much. Ditto for the bowl's threads.
Anyhow, if you need a high-powered bird bath for a frigid climate, this could certainly fill the bill. Suggest you look at competing models, though.
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