Suet is identified as the raw fat from beef meat. This is usually found around kidneys and loins. It is rich in fat and a great source of energy for birds.
The making has to involve the rendering of this fat. But there is also suet made of plant fats. These are plant-based options, including nuts and oats.
Suet feeding is common all year round. But best recommended during winter and fall. This is because the birds need energy to generate heat during cold seasons. But it remains the most favorable food for the birds.
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Multiple species of birds love suet feed. It is, therefore, preferred to attract many types of birds. But there are dos and don’ts when providing suet feed for the birds.
One of these things is how to make a good suet log feeder. It is also more important to know how to use it better.
What is a suet log feeder?
Suet log feeders are a style of feeding that only allows birds to peck from a chunk of solid food. The log feeder is typically a wired cage with a suet feed cake. These logs can be in any shape, depending on the shape of the cage.
The suet log feeder is good for controlling any feed waste. It also allows control of damage to the feed. It is a beautiful way of presenting bird feed. But the feeder has to serve its purpose by delivering enough feed to the birds.
Among the birds most attracted to sue log feeders are the starlings, woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches.
They are considered the most frequent birds on suet feeders. This is because they are among the heavy feeders. They are also more daring in search of feed.
How do you fill a suet log feeder?
Among the important steps of filling the suet log feeder include:
- Cutting open the cage
- Warming the logs
- Fitting the logs into the holes
- Hanging the feeders
The filling is an important activity for the log feeder to be effective. That is why learning how to do it better is needed. The first step is to cut open the cage. This allows easier access to the logs. It also allows easier cleaning of the previous feed.
The next step is to warm the logs. It can be done using a microwave or in the open sun. This makes it easier to place the logs.
It also prepares the feed ready for the birds to eat. The logs should be warmed to soften. Avoiding a lot of heat that can damage the log shapes is good.
The next step is to fit the logs into the holes. The logs can be placed and gently pressed in these holes.
A push of the finger is recommended to manipulate the shape. It is wrong to leave the suet hanging outside the logs. They should perfectly fit to allow the cage to close.
The suet log feeder is now ready for hanging. But always make sure to check whether the cage is well closed. It can drop the sue feed if birds hang while open. A suet feeder can be filled regularly. The determinant factor is how fast the birds feed on the logs.
Best place to put a suet feeder
There is no specific place where a suet feeder should be placed. But ensuring that the area is visible to the bird is necessary. The suet feeder should also be above the ground. It should also be away from the shrubs. A 10 to 12 feet distance from shrubs is recommended.
There are suet feeders near windows in the backyard. Keeping them at least 5 feet away from the window is recommended. The goal is to keep the birds safe. It is also to avoid a lot of mess from the feeder.
The place to hand the suet feeder should also consider the type of birds in the area. Some birds do not like areas with human disturbance. The placement in the backyard can help reduce human movement.
Another factor to consider is the safety of predators. Sometimes predators can easily access the backyard. This is a risk to the birds. The squirrels are mostly known to feed on bird food.
The suet feeders should be hung where they cannot access the feed. It is also good to avoid noisy places when handling suet feeders.
Time of year to use suet feeder
Bird lovers have been known to use suet feeders all year round. But there are seasons when the feeders need help to work well. Experts argue that warm weather is not good for raw suet. It turns the sue rancid and spoils it.
Hot weather can also melt the suet feeder. It damages the suet and leads to more wastage. Sometimes this is a threat to the birds. The melted suet can stick to the bird’s feathers. It is a danger to their well-being.
That is why suet feeders are considered best used during cold weather. The weather preserves the feed in the cage. It also reduces the stickiness of the feed on the birds’ beaks. This is especially when hanged appropriately.
But any time of the year can only be good for the feeders with good management. There is a need to keep a close eye on the feeders. Cleaning the feeders often keeps the feeders safe for the birds. It also reduces the risks of running the feed rancid.
Does suet attract rodents?
Rodents are known as great predators of bird feed. That is why there is a correct way of feeding birds on suet. This is especially in areas where rats and mice are dominant. They quickly identify and smell feed on suet feeders.
The rodents easily attack unguarded suet feeders. The most common cases are when the feeders are placed in the open.
It is good to find a way of reducing access to the feeders. Stopping the feed from falling on the ground is also a good idea. The rodents cannot access well-hanged suet feeders.
Rodents are known to love calorie-packed foods. That is why they are attracted to suet with high levels of fats. It is good to select foods that the rodents do not like.
Hot pepper suet is only good for the birds. But the rodents hate spicy foods. Such food cannot attract rodents.
When should you stop putting suet out for birds?
It is always good to ensure that the birds have enough feed. But there are times when putting suet out for birds is not advisable.
It is time to stop putting suet out for birds when the weather is too hot. Hot weather melts the suet and can foul birds’ plumage. It also runs the feed rancid, making it unsafe for the birds.
It is advisable to take down the suet and place it in a cool place. It is also advisable to offer the suet for a shorter period on a hot day.
Establishing a routine is good for the birds. Early mornings can be a good time to put suet out for birds before putting it down when the sun is hot.
It is also good to replace the suet log feeder often. This is to avoid the birds feeding on spoiled feed. Freezing some logs is advisable to keep them fresh. This is warmed when the time for replacement is right.
Any noticeable unpleasant smell from the log feeder is a warning sign. It means it is time to put the log feeder down.
The feed should be thrown away and replaced with a fresh log. It is also time to stop putting the suet out during heavy rains. This is a time when birds cannot easily access the feed.
For bird lovers, the suet feeders are a great discovery. But making these feeders should be a major concern. It is important to make sure that they work effectively. Suet feeder filling and placement should be the priority information bird lovers seek.