Making Your Own Bird Suet

The colder the weather here in mid-Illinois, the more the birds in my yard like suet combos.  

Real suet is hunks of solid fat cut from meat during the processing.  I don't use animal rendered fat as it spoils easier and the birds aren't as fond of animal suet.  I use fat such as Crisco which is made from palm or soybean oils.  

 I never put my recipe out in weather above freezing because it will melt and over time it could spoil which will harm wildlife.    

I make a version of the packaged bird suet packages.  I don't have measurements because it all depends on what and how much I have on hand.

I start with Crisco or other similar brand.  Melt in a microwave safe large measuring cup until it is just melted but no need to make it any more hot.

I always add a goodly portion of sunflower seed hearts, old fashioned oatmeal and corn meal.  Not only do the birds love these but it helps hold the concoction together.

Then I add whatever I have on hand - some of those are:

Any uncooked firm grain (not ground flours) such as mullet, kasha, quinoa and etc.  Recipes seldom use all the amount of grains I have so I throw the bits of leftovers in a zip lock bag/put in freezer to use for this purpose.

Jelly/jam/marmalade that I never liked all that much and bits that are too old to still be very tasty.  I don't use any that has hot peppers or hot spices.

Dried fruit (such as cranberries/raisins) and chopped fresh fruit (such as apples.)

A bit of sweets such as sorghum or molasses.   Again, it's usually the bottom of the jar - not enough for a conventional recipe.

Nuts and whole grain cereal.  

NEVER use anything with salt, chemicals, additives or artificial flavoring/sweeteners.  The more pure or natural the ingredients, the better. In our effort to add nourishment to the birds' diets, we don't want to harm or kill them.  Plus, they can be a bit picky even if they're starving.  NEVER use meat or milk products (such as cheese).  Plus, these just attract varmints.  If you wouldn't use in your compost heap, don't put in the suet.     

Why suet concoctions?  The fat helps birds stay warm.  Not only the melted suet but there's fat in most grains, seeds and nuts.  

Once the mixture is combined, I ladle into containers that the mixture will perfectly fit.  Usually, I use the saved bought packaging and freezer containers of the exact size.  Refrigerate until solid.  Extras can be placed in the freezer in zip lock bags to use another day.  Because of the high fat content, they will pop right out.

I have a metal suet feeder that I hang from my plant hanger.  Having it hanging helps keep the squirrels and raccoons from eating it all in one big meal.   Sometimes I hook a container onto a tree.

If you like to feed mammals, then I suggest you put their's in another part of the yard.  If they have their own devoted feeding station, they may leave your bird feeders alone.  Theoretically.  Maybe.  Hopefully. 

 Woodpeckers are the first to catch on there's suet in the area but most of the other birds are right behind them.  

   

If you enjoy bird watching or promoting their good health during the winter, suet packs are a pretty easy and fast way to up the game. Bon appetit little ones.