Simply Suet - Create and Design your Own

You've probably put out birdseed before. Have you ever tried bird suet?

Making suet for birds is a great way to provide them with a high-energy food source, especially during the winter months. Here's a simple guide to making your own suet:

Ingredients

1. Fat Base:

   • 1 cup of animal fat (beef fat or lard works well)

2. Dry Ingredients:

   • 1 cup of birdseed mix
   • 1 cup of unsalted peanuts, chopped
   • 1 cup of cornmeal
   • 1 cup of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)

3. Optional Additions:

   • 1 cup of oats
   • 1 cup of flour (to help bind the mixture)

Instructions

1. Melt the Fat:

   • In a saucepan, slowly melt the animal fat over low heat until it becomes liquid. Avoid boiling the fat.

2. Mix the Ingredients:

   • Once the fat is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.
   • Stir in the birdseed mix, chopped peanuts, cornmeal, dried fruit, and any optional additions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated with the fat.

3. Pour into Molds:

   • Pour the mixture into molds or containers. You can use silicone molds, muffin tins, or even small plastic containers. For easy hanging, you can insert a string or small twig into the suet before it hardens.

4. Cool and Harden:

   • Allow the suet to cool and harden at room temperature. You can also place it in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up the process.

5. Remove from Molds:

   • Once the suet is completely hardened, remove it from the molds.

6. Store and Use:

   • Store the suet blocks in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to use them.
   • To feed the birds, place the suet in a suet feeder or hang it in a mesh bag from a tree branch.

Tips

• Avoid Salt: Ensure all ingredients, especially peanuts and other additions, are unsalted as salt is harmful to birds.
• Tailor Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what birds are common in your area and their preferences.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially fats and seeds, are fresh and not rancid or moldy.

Making suet is a simple and rewarding way to attract a variety of birds to your yard while providing them with essential nutrients. Enjoy watching your feathered friends enjoy the feast!

You can buy unique holders at the store for suet, or you can hang it in the tree in a bag with holes like oranges come in or even toss on the ground if you have an area where birds frequent. Due to the fat content, though, it may draw dogs if left on the ground to be aware of that. 

Source of Information on How to make Suet for Birds:

https://www.tnnursery.net