I see that a Downy Woodpecker has landed on my wire feeder as I am watching from my kitchen window. He makes a cheerful and quick ‘peek’ call before getting on with the feeding. It is already heating up and will reach over 80 degrees by noon to the summer sun.
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Check PriceOur backyards come alive with all the summer birds and they especially love chickadees, fledgling woodpeckers and nuthatches. Since these birds have very active and high energy lifestyles, they love to eat the food we provide. Backyard bird watchers face challenges in the summer as feeding bird suet feeders pose a challenge as commercially available ‘suet’ (feed) cakes cause them to melt in the heat as they contain animal fat.
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While making these types of suet feeders is a challenge in the summer there is a way to resist the heat! You can easily make non-melting suet that looks like the commercial cakes by simply keeping a high ratio of dry ingredient to fat. The best part is that using bulk ingredients will cost you only pennies per block!
Why Melting Suet is a Hazard
To keep our visitors safe, we need to keep the food we offer steady. For example, if a suet block begins to leak, it needs to be removed immediately. The goal of a summer suet recipe is to try to get the necessary fats mixed with enough dry ingredients to raise the melting point as high as possible.
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The Secret to Heat-Resistant Suet
The secret to a no-melt recipe is the dry binders. While we do still use high-energy fats like lard and peanut butter to lure the birds, we have added a thick base of plain cornmeal, quick oats, and whole wheat flour to the mixture as well.
These dry ingredients act like sponges. When the mixture is stirred, the melted fats are absorbed by the cornmeal and quick oats. Once the mixture cools, the cornmeal and oats lose the fat and gain a dry, crumbly texture. Even when it gets hot outside, the cornmeal and dry oats will keep the mixture from liquefying and dripping out.
The 40-Cent Suet Block Breakdown
No-melt suet cakes from the store usually sell for 2 to 4 dollars each, but you can make your own for much cheaper by purchasing normal bulk ingredients from feed stores or warehouse clubs. If you want to make a large batch that yields ten 8-ounce blocks, here is a cost breakdown.
| Ingredient | Bulk Price Estimate | Amount Used | Cost per Batch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lard | $6.00 per 64 oz tub | 2 cups (16 oz) | $1.50 |
| Crunchy Peanut Butter | $6.00 per 64 oz jar | 1 cup (8 oz) | $0.75 |
| Plain Yellow Cornmeal | $15.00 per 50 lb bag | 6 cups (30 oz) | $0.56 |
| Quick Oats | $20.00 per 50 lb bag | 4 cups (12 oz) | $0.30 |
| Whole Wheat Flour | $3.00 per 5 lb bag | 2 cups (8 oz) | $0.30 |
| Total Cost for 10 Blocks | $3.41 | ||
| Final Cost Per Block | $0.34 | ||
No-Melt DIY Suet Recipe
This recipe makes a very stiff, dough-like mixture. Ideal molds are empty plastic suet containers from the store. Other options include square food storage containers, or a lined baking dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pure lard (do not use shortening with butter flavoring)
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter (ensure it contains no xylitol, which is toxic to birds)
- 6 cups plain yellow cornmeal
- 4 cups quick oats
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
Instructions
- **Melt the fats:** Using a large pot, set the stove to low heat, add the lard and peanut butter, and stir until the ingredients have fully melted and combined into a smooth liquid. Carefully take the pot off of the heat.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk the cornmeal, quick oats, and whole wheat flour together.
- While stirring with a robust wooden spoon, pour the dry blend gradually into the melted fats. The mixture will be thick and crumbly, like wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the molds that you have selected. To do this, you may use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the mixture evenly and firmly. It is crucial to pack the mixture tightly to make sure that the blocks don’t crumble apart.
- Set and store: Place the molds in the freezer for at least two hours to set. Once frozen solid, pop the blocks out of the molds. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag in your freezer until you are ready to use them.
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Check PriceSummer Feeding Best Practices
Even if you have a heat-resistant recipe, you should take some extra precautions to make sure your summer bird feeding is safe for your feathered friends.
- Find deep shade: Always hang your suet feeders where the protection of shade is maximum in your yard. The deep shade of a mature tree protects the suet from afternoon sun.
- Consider offering smaller portions: Instead of putting a full block out, try putting out a half block instead. Birds will finish a smaller portion quicker, and will help keep the food from sitting out in the humidity for too long.
- Clean feeders weekly: Summer heat accelerates bacterial growth. Wash your wire suet cages with hot, soapy water at least once a week. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry completely before refilling.
Enjoying the Summer Flock
One of the best parts about summer birding is seeing parent woodpeckers bring their babies to the feeders! If you take a few minutes to prepare this easy recipe, you will provide a safe source of energy for the birds. Listen for cheerful bird calls and have your binoculars ready to watch the birds in your backyard! Keep your binoculars close by
