Make Your Own Suet and Feed the Birds!

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Suet: A Favorite Winter Bird Food

Do not make your own suet unless you are prepared to do it often. The birds (and squirrels if they can get at it) will love this stuff and it will disappear almost before the the next batch is made!

If you have a little time and want to help the birds make it through a cold winter, (and save money!) it's easy to mix up a batch of healthy suet.

Like most homemade items, you determine what is in this suet- and be creative! The stuff in stores contains lots of fillers that suet eating birds don't really care about. You'll feel good about doing something nice for wildlife- Really!

***Want to continue feeding suet during the summer months? I have some information for you farther down this lens.

 

Want to do more? Count birds for science. Check out my link to Project FeederWatch below.


 

My Suet Recipe 

I just wing it...no pun intended.

Buy a chunk of fat- beef is usually what I find available- from the local grocery store. It's very inexpensive.

I Chop it up because it melts better, but that's your choice, and melt over low heat- fat has a lower burning point- with any other grease (such as bacon grease) that you might have saved. A Lot of chunks will remain, and you can strain them out or not.

By the way, you can just put the store bought fat into a mesh bag or wire feeder as it is. It's okay to skip all the fun of melting and mixing if you don't have the time. (only do this in cold weather!)

**Suet will melt and go bad in warm weather (See my links further down for Summer suet feeding).

Bears could be a problem as the weather warms, if you live in bear country. I write about the bears further down in this lens.

Low Heat!

Melting fat must be done over LOW HEAT and keep an eye on it, stirring often.

Melting The Fat ~ At a LOW heat

Adding More Protein and Their Favorite Foods 

Choose by watching what the birds in your area like to eat...

Once the fat has cooled a bit, start adding whatever your birds seem to enjoy eating the best.

In my area of the Northeastern US, that means the Woodpeckers- Downy & Hairy, Chickadee and Nuthatch. These are the birds I see frequenting my suet feeder.

Woodpeckers especially love suet and since the other birds eat sunflower seeds, peanuts and various seeds, and Woodpeckers like to eat bugs, which are pretty hard to come by in the depths of winter, I primarily gear my suet making to the needs of the Woodpecker.

Here are some examples of what I add (and I never measure, just mix in whatever you have until it looks good). Remember that the suet will harden in the refrigerator.

**After the fat and bacon grease (if you have it) are melted, stir in some peanut butter. A couple of big spoonfuls should be enough.

**Now you should add something to hold it together, like bread, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, crackers, flour, etc.

I save old bread, muffins, rolls, pancakes, and any baked goods and store them in baggies in the freezer, and use them for adding to my suet mix. (This is how I save a little money and stretch my bird food budget. I also feel good about not being wasteful.)

I like to throw in some old cereal, granola bars, raisins, popcorn or peanuts if I have them.
Whatever the suet eating birds don't want will fall to the ground and be eaten by other birds or squirrels.

I don't add seeds to my suet mix because I have plenty of other feeders for seeds and I want my suet to be just what it's suppose to be-tasty fat.


**Keep the feeders filled all winter once feeding begins. The birds will depend on having food available at your feeders. Add a heated birdbath and you'll be the hit of the neighborhood!

Winter Holiday Project For Kids

Once the fat is melted have older kids mix in the extras and younger ones can help with the wrapping and filling of the feeders. Maybe they have a teacher who would like a suet cake gift?

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My Two Suet Feeders are the Tail Prop, and Upside Down

Perfect for Woodpeckers 

They are not fazed by eating upside down

The advantage to using this type of feeder is that the squirrels will have a hard time eating from it- as will the Blue Jays. Woodpeckers and nuthatches are the birds in my area who use this type since they are able to eat in awkward positions. One section of the top opens and the suet cake slides in.


Birds Choice Single Cake Upside Down Suet Bird Feeder with Hanging Cable

Making the Mold 

Foil pans are the right size and make clean up simple

You have many choices for molding your suet cakes. Last year I simply let the mixture cool and plopped spoonfuls onto wax paper and froze them in freezer bags.

Most suet feeders I've seen take basically the same size suet and I've found that using an 8x8 or 9x9 foil, or aluminum, cake pan I can let it harden and then cut the piece into quarters which fit the feeders perfectly.

Wrap the extra pieces in saran wrap - separately- and store in a freezer bag in the freezer. When you need to re-fill the feeders there is no need to thaw it first.

"Feed the birds all
winter and don't run out of
food ~ Keep homemade suet
in the freezer"

My Recycled Suet Feeder, Buy it at Amazon (using the link below)

The Tail Prop Feeder 

Made of recycled material, this one is very sturdy and easy to clean

Woodpeckers use their tails for balance while eating bugs from trees so it makes sense to have a feeder like this one.
It's very easy to fill. The top lifts up and the suet cake just drops in. If you make your own suet in a square foil pan, like the one in my picture, and cut it into 4ths, each section will fit nicely into this feeder.


Birds Choice
SNTPG
Weatherproof Recycled Poly-Composite Tail-Prop Suet Bird Feeder


Make Your Own Feeders - Free On-Line Plans 

Some advice and links to building your own feeders

If you are handy and want to save money, then make your own feeders and bird houses.

My Backyard Plans is a good site to use for finding blueprints to build feeders. They have a feeder pictured and directions, but also provide links to other plans for making other types of feeders including a Suet Feeder.

Each link contains stars to rate the feeder projects.

*I've never made my own feeder and the one pictured here is store bought, but the SUET IS HOMEMADE !



Want a book to show you how? Check out the links below.

The Cheap Way to Go 

Start off with one of these or keep it as a spare

The square green suet holder is the cheapest to buy. This one holds 2 suet cakes - presumably - or maybe one fat homemade one. These are not as easy to use and tend to not stay closed very well. They come with a chain for a hanger which usually breaks. I use a long twist tie to hang mine now. They are good to have as a spare in case a bear takes off with your nice feeder! Or if you don't want to sink much money into feeder.


Heath Outdoor Products S-2 Double Suet Feeder

Little Books With Recipes and More 

Stocking stuffers maybe?

These little books hold useful information on all kinds of subjects.

Bird Food Recipes: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-137 (Storey Publishing Bulletin ; a-137)

Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $2.50

Usually ships in 24 hours

Attracting Birds: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-64

Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $0.01

Usually ships in 2 to 5 weeks

Easy-to-Build Bird Feeders: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-209 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-209)

Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $3.53

Usually ships in 24 hours

Building Nestboxes for Backyard Birds: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-206 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-206)

Amazon Price: (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $18.86

Another Suet Feeding Idea 

This is quite simple with no melting and mixing

My friend @ flandrumhill (Nova Scotia blogger) says: The homemade suet I offer the birds is very popular with the chickadees and woodpeckers. I pour cooled bacon fat into an empty plastic yogourt container that's kept in the freezer. When it's full, I run it for a moment under hot water and it easily slides into a recycled mesh onion or garlic bag which I then knot and string to a tree branch.

Tray Feeders For Hanging or Ground Feeding 

This one is made of recycled material

HANGING PLATFORM FEEDER QT

Amazon Price: $34.31 (as of 12/20/2009)Buy Now

Versatile, inexpensive and easy to clean. Hang it under a tree or from a shepherd's hook.

Ground Tray Feeders - Sunflower Seed Shells Can Kill The Grass 

Mostly used for feeding seeds to ground eating birds such as Cardinals

If you want to get rid of your suet fast, chop it up and put it on a tray feeder. I only do this with the little left over bits that I dump out when re-filling the suet feeders. Be aware that any dogs or wildlife can easily come along and eat it too, but most likely the birds will have it gone in no time.
I use this type of feeder more for feeding sunflower seeds to keep the shells off the grass. The hulls of the sunflower will kill the grass.


Ground Bird Feeder Tray, 16" x 13" Brown

Bears and Bird Feeding 


Where I live, in the northeastern US, the end of winter signals the return of the Black Bear...and he/she is hungry! Every feeder I own is dented, twisted, or in some way mangled by a bear. Not to mention the ones I've lost because they weren't saved in time.

I've had bears walk into my yard in the middle of the day to swipe a Thistle feeder and sneak in at night to mangle a sunflower hopper- and they are expensive!

Although they cost me money by having to replace feeders, the bears and cubs are beautiful and I do enjoy seeing them.

However all feeders should be brought in once a bear is spotted in the yard. They should be deterred from returning.



Some helpful advice for discouraging unwanted visitors can be found here at the Cornell University site.


I didn't get a good shot of the bears, but here is one of the footprints I found in the yard the next morning.
Bear Track Poster print

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You Can Help Cornell University Track Birds Through "Project FeederWatch" 

This is a lot of fun and every bird watcher should get involved!

Become part of a scientific study of bird populations and trends by joining Project FeederWatch.

For a small fee - I believe it's around $15, and includes a research kit and identification poster- you can join the thousands of people who count birds species in their backyards and submit the data to FeederWatch by mail or internet.

The folks at Cornell University collect the data from all over the US and Canada from November through April, each year, and use this information to study our bird population.

One of my favorite things to do, is check out the map of count sites. When you become a member you will be able to see your own area of the country and compare your counts with some of your neighbors.

For example one year I had a Carolina Wren hang out in my yard all winter. I live in New Hampshire and that bird is not a regular visitor to feeders in my area. I could go to the map and see who else had been seeing that same type of bird - if anyone- in my neck of the woods. (By the way, that Wren- loved Smartfood popcorn so I had to keep a supply just for him all winter).

Project FeederWatch is a lot of fun, easy to do, and educational. What a great way to get your kids involved in science and for all of us to appreciate and significantly help our feathered friends.

Buying Bird Feeders 

Ever wonder which ones are best?

Just as birds like to eat varying types of food, they also have preferences when it comes to how they eat.

The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible 

The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale Organic Gardening Book)

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/20/2009)Buy Now

Sally Roth knows a lot about birds and her book includes recipes for all kinds of treats. She has inspired me to pay closer attention to my own backyard birds.

Deck Railing Tilt-To-Empty Bird Bath 


Easy to install, easy to empty,
right height for viewing
and inexpensive!

API 645 Bird Bath Bowl with Tilt-to-Clean Deck Rail Mounting Bracket

Amazon Price: $39.84 (as of 12/20/2009)Buy Now

This 20 inch bird bath attaches to your deck railing without screws or nails and is made of plastic. Simply tilt the bowl and pour out the old water! It's inexpensive and has super saver shipping! (my favorite). Most birdbaths are not easy to view out on the lawn...bring the birds closer to enjoy them more.

Wanted: Advice and Input on Heating Birdbaths in Winter 

I don't have a birdbath heater...but I'd like to try it.

I'd really like to hear opinons and any advice on this subject and probably others would too, so please leave some words of wisdom here. Thanks!

For those who do it or have tried...Using a birdbath heater...Yes or No? Any Advice?

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Yes, it works out great and is often used by the birds.

Pastiche says:

We have a small pond and running stream in our yard, so we don't need a birdbath in winter. A source of water is important to wildlife all year long - a heater for the birdbath is definitely a good idea.

debbie davenport says:

But of course YES YES YES

I've tried it, but had these problems...

 

Bird Bath Heaters 

Water is hard to find in winter months...

Birds need water year round. Your feeder birds will love you for providing fresh water for them to drink in the coldest of winter days when all else is frozen solid ... please take my poll above!

Electric Bird Bath Heater

Amazon Price: $37.07 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

Nelson 6200 Gulf Stream Bird Bath Heater and De-Icer

Amazon Price: $48.95 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

API 300 200-Watt Bird Bath De-Icer

Amazon Price: $42.78 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

My Feeders ~ Seed, Suet & A Bagel

Suet Available at Amazon 

If it says "Delight" on the package, it's safe for summer feeding too.

C. & S. Prod. CS1250507 Peanut Delight Suet Cake, Pack of 12

Amazon Price: $14.28 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

Stokes Select STK8039-12 High Energy Suet (12 cakes)

Amazon Price: $28.27 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

Heath Outdoor Products DD-17 Nut AND Berry Suet

Amazon Price: $2.54 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

High Energy Suet -Case of 12

Amazon Price: $10.81 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

Suet For Summer Feeding 

Buy some or try making your own


I have never made suet for summer feeding myself because of the bears that tend to be around and hungry in the warm months. I stop all bird feeding because I live in the woods where birds are able to fend for themselves once the nice weather arrives.

But I have found some links for those of you who might be interested in making or buying the non-melting kind.

(When buying suet, look for the word "Delight" in the title, for the no-melt kind.)

Basically the suet has to be rendered, or melted numerous times before use. But suet should never be put out in the sun, and if it's hot enough to make the suet drippy...take it down.

Birds need healthy food, clean feeders, and clean water. Never put out raw suet in warm weather!

Summer Safe Suet
Talks more about suet and how it should be used. No recipes here, just fun to read facts and advice.
A Home For Wild Birds
Scroll down the page a bit for directions on "Rendering Suet". This site also has suet recipes.
Wild Birds Forever
This site offers many kinds of suet including "no melt" and the prices seem to be reasonable.

I Have to Include This: You Must Have Feeder Fresh! 

Not for suet, but a useful item for seed feeders

I use this most in the Fall when the cold rains can affect the thistle and sunflower seeds.
If you continue to feed birds into the Spring and throughout the summer months, you will really begin to use the Feeder Fresh because of the rain and dampness.

In the south where it is muggy and damp most of the year (I'm thinking Florida), you would use it year round.

Feeder Fresh 9 oz. Twin Pack

Amazon Price: (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

Sapphire Labs Feeder Fresh, 9 Ounce

Amazon Price: $12.39 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now

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