How to Make Your Own Suet Blocks at Home

As the winter months roll in and many birds migrate south, there are still quite a few resilient feathered friends like Chickadees and Woodpeckers that brave the cold. These birds need high-energy snacks to survive the harsh conditions and keep their energy levels up.

Why Make Your Own Suet Blocks?

For years, I bought ready-made suet blocks from the stores. While they were convenient, they also came with a hefty price tag. That was until I realized I can make my own suet blocks at home using just a few simple ingredients. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also gives me the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into the food I’m offering to my backyard visitors.

Homemade suet recipe & Instructions

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb of lard
• 1 cup of peanut butter (creamy or crunchy is fine)
• 1 cup of birdseed
• Optional: Additional seeds, nuts, dried fruits for added nutrition and variety

Steps to Make Suet Blocks:

1. Melt the Lard and Peanut Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the lard and peanut butter over low heat until completely combined.
2. Pour into Molds: Spoon the mixture into molds or containers. You can use silicone molds, muffin tins, or even recycle old suet cake containers.
   • Note: It’s important to shape your suet based on the type of feeder you plan to use. I typically use small square plastic reusable food storage containers. In a pinch, you could also use mesh bags that onions come in for example.
3. Mix in Birdseed: You can add it in before you pour into the molds but I find it easier to distribute the seed properly once in the molds. I generally wait until its cooled slightly. Sometimes your seed will float to the top or sink to the bottom but that’s ok. Add the birdseed to the mixture and stir well to make sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Let It Set: Allow the suet blocks to cool and harden at room temperature. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator or freezer.
5. Store Properly: Once hardened, you pop the blocks out of the molds if you wish and store the suet blocks in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming rancid.

Hanging your Suet Feeder

Once your suet blocks are ready, place them in a suet feeder or mesh bag and hang them in your yard. Watch as Chickadees, Woodpeckers, and other winter birds flock to enjoy their high-energy snack! Choosing the right location for your suet feeders can make a big difference in attracting birds and keeping them safe. Hang your suet feeders in a spot that’s easily visible to birds but also provides some shelter from the elements and predators. Ideally, place the feeders near trees or shrubs where birds can perch and feel safe before and after feeding. Aim to hang the feeders at least 5 to 6 feet off the ground to deter ground predators like cats and raccoons. If possible, choose a location where you can enjoy watching the birds from a window. Remember, suet can attract a variety of birds, so ensure the feeder is placed in a spot that minimizes competition and allows multiple birds to feed comfortably.

Types of Suet Feeders

To make the most of your homemade suet blocks, choosing the right feeder is essential. Here are a couple of popular types of suet feeders that you might consider:

1. Cage Suet Feeders Cage suet feeders are one of the most common types. They are usually made of metal wire and have a hinged lid for easy filling. The suet block is placed inside the cage, and birds can cling to the sides to peck at the suet.
   • Advantages: Durable, easy to clean, and can hold standard-sized suet cakes.
2. Tail Prop Suet Feeders Tail prop feeders are designed specifically for woodpeckers. They feature an extended piece of wood or plastic that supports the bird’s tail as it feeds, providing extra stability.
   • Advantages: Ideal for attracting woodpeckers, offers better support for larger birds.
3. Suet Ball Feeders Suet ball feeders are made from metal and can be filled with suet nuggets, balls, or chunks. They allow multiple birds to feed at once.
   • Advantages: Versatile, allows for various types of suet, and supports multiple birds feeding at the same time.

Choosing the right suet feeder can make a big difference in attracting different types of birds to your yard. Experiment with different feeders to see which ones your local birds prefer!

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Temperature Considerations for Suet

While suet is a great high-energy food for birds during the winter, it’s important to be mindful of the temperature. Suet is best in colder weather as it can melt in warmer temperatures or become rancid which may be harmful to birds. Generally, suet should be taken down when temperatures rise above 70°F (21°C). Always keep an eye on the weather and remove suet feeders during warm spells. As always, we want to ensure the safety and health of our feathered friends.

Additional Tips:

In the past, I have also added in cornmeal to the mixture. It’s a great way to add extra bulk and nutrition. In this batch, I used just black oil sunflower seeds, but other times I’ve used a variety of wild bird seeds I had on hand. Feel free to experiment with different seeds and ingredients to see what your local birds prefer!

Making your own suet blocks is a rewarding way to care for the birds during winter. It’s economical, simple, and a fun project that you can involve the whole family in. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your backyard friends get the best possible nutrition to help them through the cold months.

Happy bird feeding!