To paint or not to paint?

We bought a concrete bird bath last year. It does get used as I often find the evidence that it has been used, but it is a real pain to clean because of the porous nature of the concrete and just spraying it out is not enough. I usually have to break out the vinegar and the scrubby pads to get it clean. So DH and I are mulling the idea of painting it to make it easier to clean and a bonus would be that it would be much more aesthetic. My biggest concern, however, is if it would have any adverse effects on the birds. Can anyone tell me if we would be able to paint the bird bath and if so, what kind of paint could I use? Thanks in advance!

Try linseed oil. That's a natural vegetable oil and won't harm birds. Use 2 or 3 coats, and (if you can) bake it on to make it more durable.

Resin

Thanks! There is no possible way to bake it outside of relying on the hot Southern sun to do that for me.

DH keeps saying it would be fine since they drink water out of all kinds painted surfaces already. I just don't know if the chemicals could be harmful or leech into the water.