Erva’s Copper Birdbath Disks

Last Updated on September 3, 2025 by Nancie

My birdbaths are staying cleaner longer now that I’m using Erva’s “Birdbath Purification Disks.”

I first saw these small copper disks made by Erva in my local bird store. I must admit that I was dubious. It seemed kind of gimmicky and even a bit pricey. But I wondered. So when I wanted to add something to an online order to get free shipping, I decided to take a chance. I added two copper disks to my order.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

What Are Erva’s Copper Birdbath Disks?

Erva describes their copper disks this way: “Help keep your bath clean and healthy with the purifying qualities of pure copper. Chemical-free, all natural 4″ diameter copper water purification disk is 99.9% pure American-made copper. It’s designed to sit up off the floor of the bath with 3 feet to ensure that the entire surface area of the disk is in contact with the bath water, maximizing its effect. The disk is made here in the USA with copper sourced from Revere Copper, Rome New York. Tarnished copper does not lose any of its beneficial qualities. Simply place in any bird bath for chemical-free water purification.” Note: The “feet” on the disks are actually three little bumps in the metal on the bottom side that keep the disk from sitting flush on the birdbath bottom (see above photo).

My Experience Using Erva’s Copper Disks

I typically scrub and swap out my birdbath water every few days because they tend to go green with algae quickly. So when the two disks I ordered arrived, I scrubbed out two of my birdbaths, one metal and one plastic, and placed one disk in the center of each. I did not clean them out with bleach or vinegar first. I simply used a birdbath brush to scrub out the obvious algae and and refilled them with clean water. And I waited to see what happened.

I have to say, I am impressed. Algae ALWAYS grows back in my birdbaths within a few days. But even with just that simple initial scrub, with these disks in the water, I no longer get the algae. At all. During my trial run, I was able to wait a full week before swapping out the water. Even then it was really just because heavy spring pollen was getting in the water.

September ’25 update: After using these for a few months, I’m finding that the metal birdbath continues to do really well and is not getting algae. The larger flat plastic plant saucer that I’m using for another of my birdbaths has however started to get algae again. I am wondering if it might be that one disk isn’t enough for such a large surface area or maybe it’s something do do with the plastic. I’m going to experiment with a second disk in this bath and/or try a disk in one of my Erva plastic birdbaths. I’ll report back once I’ve given this a try.

Will these keep you from ever having to clean your birdbaths again? No. While the disk seems to do the trick for algae, birdbaths get daily use. You’ll obviously still get bird droppings, leaves, grass clippings, petals, pollen, etc. in the water. They aren’t magic after all. But if you do struggle with algae, this might keep your birdbaths quite a bit cleaner for longer.

The copper is supposed to be purifying, but I’m not a chemist. So I can’t tell you if it keeps your birdbath free of things like bird flu germs. I’d still say that birdbaths need a scrub with bleach or vinegar at times, especially if you see sick birds around. But I think the disks are at minimum, a good first line of defense.

Where to Find Erva’s Copper Birdbath Disks

I’ve been using these for several weeks now and plan to purchase another one, this time from my local bird store. If you’d like to try these in your own yard, you can check in with your own local bird store, to see if they carry them. Or you can purchase them from Erva directly (Erva’s Retail Website) or purchase them on Amazon. (Amazon’s Copper Disk Page)

If you do try them (or already are using them), please feel free to share your experience with them in the comments below.

Good wishes,

Nancie

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