What is a bird clock?
A bird clock is a type of novelty clock that features an animated bird that pops out of the clock to ‘cuckoo’ the hour. The clock runs like a normal clock but instead of chiming or buzzing on the hour, a little bird pops out of a door to ‘cuckoo’ the hour.
The bird is attached to the clock mechanism internally so that when the hour strikes, the door opens and the bird pops out while flapping its wings and making a cuckoo sound. After ‘cuckooing’ the hour, the bird goes back inside the clock and the door closes until the next hour.
Bird clocks come in many different styles but the most classic design is modeled after a cuckoo clock with a little house-like frame with a clock face and one or two doors that the bird pops out of. Some bird clocks feature colorful cartoon-like birds while others have more realistic looking birds.
Why would you need to change the time on a bird clock?
There are a few reasons you may need to change the time on a bird clock:
- Daylight saving time – If your clock does not automatically adjust for daylight saving time, you’ll need to manually change the time twice a year in the spring and fall.
- Power outage – A power outage that causes the clock to stop will require you to reset the correct time once power is restored.
- Replacing batteries – If the batteries run out, the clock will stop running and you’ll need to reset the time after inserting fresh batteries.
- Accidentally setting the wrong time – If you accidentally set your clock to the wrong hour, you’ll have to fix it by changing the time to the correct time.
- Traveling to a different time zone – If you move or travel with your bird clock to a location in a different time zone, you will need to adjust the clock to match the new local time.
Keeping your bird clock set to the right time is important if you want it to cuckoo properly on the hour.
How to change the time on a bird clock
The method for changing the time on a bird clock will depend on the specific model, but here is a general guide to the process:
1. Locate the time setting controls
On most bird clocks, the time setting controls are found on the back of the clock. There may be a small door or panel that opens to access the controls.
Look for a knob, buttons, or levers marked ‘time set’, ‘hour’, and ‘minute’. Some clocks have the time set buttons right on the front or side of the clock body.
Consult your specific clock’s instruction manual for details on finding its time setting controls if you are unsure.
2. Stop the pendulum
If your clock has a pendulum, you will need to stop the pendulum swing before setting the time.
There should be a lever, knob, or switch for stopping the pendulum. Move it to the ‘stop’ position before proceeding.
3. Set the correct time
Use the hour and minute setting buttons or knobs to set your bird clock to the correct current time.
Turning the knob or pressing the buttons will advance the clock hands until the desired time is reached.
Be sure to set both the hour and minute hands correctly. Use a watch or cell phone with the right time to help if needed.
4. Start the pendulum again
If you stopped the pendulum in step 2, move the control lever back to the ‘run’ position to start it swinging again.
5. Let the clock run
Once you have set the time, leave the clock alone and let it run for a few minutes.
Check that the time remains accurate and the bird cuckoos properly on the hour before resuming normal use of the clock.
Tips for setting a bird clock time
Follow these tips when changing the time on your bird clock for best results:
- Consult the instruction manual for your specific clock model.
- Make time adjustments slowly – move the hands slightly then check, repeat as needed.
- Take batteries out before moving the hands to prevent gears damage.
- Wait until just before the hour to set the minute hand to avoid disrupting cuckooing.
- Move the hands clockwise only to avoid spring damage.
- Let the clock run for awhile after adjusting to check accuracy.
Changing the time is usually a quick and simple process for most bird clocks. Just look for the time set controls, stop the pendulum, adjust the hands carefully to the correct time, restart the pendulum swing, and observe your clock for a few minutes to ensure proper functioning.
Troubleshooting time setting issues
If you are having problems getting the correct time set on your bird clock, check these troubleshooting tips:
Bird cuckoos at the wrong hour
– Make sure both the hour and minute hands are pointed exactly at the correct time. The cuckoo works based on the position of the hands.
Hour hand sticks or slips when setting
– The clock movement gears may be dirty. Try adding a small drop of clock oil to the turning posts of the clock hands.
Time jumps ahead or back after setting
– The pendulum may be hung improperly. Check that it can swing freely back and forth without touching anything.
Bird doesn’t pop out on the hour
– The cuckoo bellows may be obstructed. Carefully turn the clock around and gently tap the back to try dislodging any debris.
Consult a clock repair specialist if problems persist after trying these troubleshooting tips. Proper setup and adjustment is important for keeping a bird clock working on time.
How to take care of a bird clock
To keep your bird clock working properly for many years:
- Use a quality bird clock oil every 1-2 years to lubricate gears.
- Keep the pendulum swinging freely without obstructions.
- Gently clean the cuckoo bellows of dust using a soft brush.
- Replace batteries promptly when low.
- Have a professional clock repair service do periodic maintenance.
- Keep the clock away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and dampness.
With regular care and time setting adjustments as needed, a quality bird clock should provide years of charming and nostalgic cuckooing. Listen for the bird to cuckoo the hour and remember to reset the time promptly after daylight saving and power disruptions.
Interesting facts about bird clocks
- The first modern cuckoo clocks were made in Germany’s Black Forest in the early 1700s.
- Mechanical bird clocks have to be disassembled to insert the animated bird during manufacturing.
- Quartz battery operated bird clocks became popular in the 1980s.
- The cuckoo bird sound is produced by two reeds inside the bellows.
- Cuckoo clocks traditionally have fancily painted exteriors featuring natural scenes.
- Many bird clocks have music boxes inside that play a tune on the hour.
- collector’s bird clocks can have multiple birds, dancers, and turning gears.
The charming bird pop out and cuckoo call every hour gives these iconic clocks enduring appeal after 300 years. With proper care and time setting, they can continue tick tocking away providing a fun and decorative way to tell time for generations.
Conclusion
Keeping the correct time is essential for any clock but especially for the fun novelty of a cuckoo bird clock. By understanding where the time controls are located and how to carefully adjust the hands, you can easily change the time on a bird clock whenever needed due to daylight saving, power outage, new batteries, or traveling. Stopping the pendulum before moving the hands and letting the clock run for a bit afterwards helps ensure smooth operation. And performing regular maintenance and cleaning will keep your bird clock cheerfully cuckooing on time for many years to come.