Bird Safe?

[romeoandjulietlovies06]

I'm taking a pottery class at my school and i was going to make my two lovies a bird bath. I was wondering if the glaze that is used on things to eat and drink out of would be safe to use on a bird bath?

[Tapestry]

I wouldn't have thought it would be hazardous, but I did some searching and came up with a few links:

http://www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/publications/pottery.html

http://www.azom.com/materials.asp

http://www.noel-arnold.com.au/uploads/resources/IS13_Ceramic_Hazards.pdf

Information contained within is based on human consumption. To ascertain whether any of the substances are more toxic to birds would require more specific searching.

I suppose it will depend on the properties of materials and substances you use (ask at your school), and how they are prepared.

[bird_luver24]

When we glazed our pottery in school a few years back they told us that the glaze "we were using" was non-toxic Including for Animals. I had a Very Crazy Art Teacher who had a love for animals and would spout off the weirdest things sometimes lol.
But, anyways...Back on track. I would Definately ask your school. and if the glaze is toxic maybe you can order some that isnt for animals. I did find ALOT of lead free Glazes on the net. But, im not sure if this is the only Ingredient in Glaze that is Toxic.
Also, not to likely but, if the clay were to chip is this totally non-toxic to birds to?

[Kathryn]

Tapestry gave reference to three nice info sheets.

As a potter and former art teacher, let me assure you that most glazes used in the classroom will be non-toxic. The School Reference Guide is used by most schools for both art and technical classes. The fluxes used to melt the glaze are what can be toxic. Schools should not use lead or mercury flux glazes for anything which will hold food or water.

The package labels on the glazes in the classroom will give the necessary information you need to confirm the non-toxicity of the glaze.

If you are in doubt, and want to add color to your bird bath, then you might try engobes. These are colored clay slips that can be painted on the leatherhard clay piece. After the first firing, you can glaze the piece with a clear glaze. Once your piece is fired the second time, this will give you the waterproof coating you want.

[romeoandjulietlovies06]

ok thank you all for answering my question and thank you for giving me such great links to look at.

[Tapestry]

No problem. :)

I'm just glad someone who knew what they were talking about came along to help. :p

Enjoy!