Carol DM
Suet is essentially a solidified mix of fats, which birds eat to stay warm. Particularly in winter, suet is a valuable bird food. You can buy these suet cakes I have in the photo. Put them in a suet cage and hang in your trees. Many birds enjoy this especially in the winter when food is scarce.
Photo ©CarolDM
Woodpeckers are one bird I see a lot eating these cakes. Mockingbirds visit as well. You can also make your own suet.
- You can use almost any seed or grain, mixed with beef fat, lard, or natural peanut butter. A basic suet combines equal parts of beef fat and assorted birdseed.
- Put it in a tuna or cat food can to chill (or freeze) until it’s hard enough to hold its shape, then release it into a wire suet cage or sturdy mesh bag.
- For a fancier suet, add natural peanut butter to the mix. You can also bind cornmeal or oatmeal with natural peanut butter and spread it into holes drilled in a post or log.
- Birds also like dried fruits, so consider adding raisins, currants, apricots, or citron. Photo ©CarolDM
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Ever used suet cakes in your yard for birds?
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Yes
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No
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We use something similar but it’s in the shape of small balls. Some birds love it, other prefer seeds.
Yes I have seen those as well.
I have never heard of this before. our winters are so mild and there is enough food for them all around. Summer is the time when we make sure they have enough water to drink.
The birds have water in the yard year round and food as well.
In our country, we call it “cake” and can be bought at a pet store.
Yes many call it suet cake here as well. I have made my own before.
Here, too, we get similar bird cakes that you hang on a tree, dear Carol
That is good to hear my friend.
I have no birds and I am not familiar with the fat mix that birds eat.
I have them in my backyard and enjoy them every day.
No never used suet cakes
They are convenient in the winter for the birds that don’t eat from a feeder.
It’s a struggle here. Feed the little birds and then the big birds eat them. Feed the elk and deer. Feed the horsese. Feed the cows. Feed the cat.
I can imagine. I don’t live out like you seem to do, but i do see hawks circling around.