BestNest API 650 Deck Mounted Heated Bird Bath with Outdoor Cord Connector

I purchased this API 650 20" diameter heated birdbath as a gift for the in-laws this past Christmas. We've had one at our own house since last winter and are really happy with it. We have ours mounted on the rail of our deck and it took probably about a week or so for the birds to actually get comfortable enough to use it, being so close to the house, but they will now go to it regularly without hesitation. We leave it up all year, but I unplug it and tuck the short cord underneath the base during the warmer months to keep it from possibly getting chewed on by the squirrels and chipmunks that also seem to be visiting regularly at that time of year. The birdbath is made of textured beige colored resin plastic material and seems to be holding up to the weather and UV from sunlight. The unit has an imbedded thermostat in its base that shuts off the heating element when the outdoor temp is slightly above freezing. The metal tilt-up mounting bracket makes cleaning and refilling the birdbath quick and easy. When I purchased it, as an added bonus, the seller also included a Farm Innovators Model CC-2 weatherproof cord connector in the box, but that is not something normally included with the birdbath from the manufacturer. Overall, the birdbath seems decently made and functions as it should, so we are quite happy with it.

Made in MN I’m using it this winter (-25 last night) in MN. It keeps the water unfrozen down to at least -25. Each morning I add water to top it off from evaporation. Easily tilts (with one hand) to dump out old water for cleaning which I do every few weeks because algae starts forming. Scrubs out easily. Shape is easy for birds to perch while drinking. I’ve never seen so many birds drinking in the middle of winter. Some even bathing. Last birdbath was a standard ceramic with drop in heater. Heater never held up. This product has heater built into the synthetic bath. Great product and would buy again.

I originally tried unsuccessfully to mount this on a 4x4 post. This was very wobbly. Attaching a 2x6x12” cross piece, carefully leveled, allowed a perfectly stable mount. The mounting mechanism pulls the bath down onto the cross bar. Releasing a latch allows the bath to tilt and empty. It then can be lifted out of a slot to be stored or washed. The manufacturer says not to submerge the bath. The cord lock is ingenious, water resistant and easy to release with a twist. The bath does not overheat. So far overnight low temperatures have only been in the 20’s with no freezing of the water. Great directions. Easy to assemble.

Keeps water from freezing. I used the bowl without the included hardware because I already had a bird bath stand. It's snowing out but the water is not frozen. It's light weight so easy to tip out old water to add fresh. I like the plastic part that covers the cord connection. I might add a rock in the middle so the smaller birds can reach in better. The bowl is textured so little feet can grip. Very happy so far!

We had a smaller one and the mounting device was not made correctly and squirrels could easily tilt it. This one is far more stable and verdict is out for longevity. Birds are loving the warm water.

I had an older version of this bird bath of which the mounting hardware was different and shorter. I lost the hardware so I ordered this one. Mounting hardware is longer with extra long screws and short screws. It is practically impossible to make it stable on a more narrow deck rail. My old one was perfect, why do they not specify two different mounting hardware for different style rails. Like the birdbath, but not the hardware it comes with! 🙃

I am so enjoying this bird bath, the chickadees and nuthatches are also enjoying it. I get to see them up close and personal while they are feeding on a suet cake and then go for a drink : ) Very glad I purchased it.

We replaced our current model of this new version. The old one lasted more than 20 years and survived being hit by a tree blown down by an EF1 tornado and being reconstructed with silicone sealant. It was still working in our Minnesota winters, but looked terrible. I would recommend this product without reservations .