Suet Feeders

Suet Feeders: A Comprehensive Guide
Bird enthusiasts know that suet feeders are a fantastic way to attract a wide variety of birds, especially during colder months. Suet, a high-energy, high-fat substance, often comes in the form of cakes, balls, or plugs, and is particularly loved by birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, jays, and more. A suet feeder, usually a cage or mesh bag, is a specially designed feeder for holding this suet while allowing birds to cling and feed.

In this guide, we bring you a list of some of the top suet feeders available on Amazon and other websites. These feeders offer a simple and efficient way to attract a multitude of birds to your backyard and provide them with a crucial energy source, especially in winter.

1. Stokes Select Double Suet Bird Feeder
   The Stokes Select Double Suet Bird Feeder, available on Amazon and the Stokes Select website, offers a durable metal construction with a weather-resistant finish. It’s designed to hold two suet cakes, and its double-locking closure system ensures that the suet stays put while birds feed.
2. Woodlink Going Green Suet Bird Feeder
   Available on Amazon, the Woodlink Going Green Suet Bird Feeder is made from up to 90% recycled plastic. It’s designed to hold one suet cake, and the roof overhang keeps the suet shielded from harsh weather. Its green and brown color scheme blends well into any garden setting.
3. Droll Yankees Suet Feeder
   Found on Amazon and the Droll Yankees website, this suet feeder stands out with its simple and practical design. It features a front-opening design for easy suet loading and is made of durable, coated metal that can withstand the elements. The feeder can hold one suet cake.
4. More Birds Squirrel-X Squirrel Proof Double Suet Feeder
   Sold on Amazon and the More Birds website, the Squirrel-X Squirrel Proof Double Suet Feeder features a durable steel cage design that keeps squirrels out while allowing birds to feed comfortably. It holds two suet cakes, and its roof protects the suet from weather while providing a comfortable perch for birds.
5. Perky-Pet 50301 Wren Home Fruit and Suet Bird Feeder
   Available on Amazon, the Perky-Pet 50301 Wren Home Fruit and Suet Bird Feeder combines functionality with charm. It holds one suet cake and can also accommodate a piece of fruit, offering variety to visiting birds. Its unique house design adds a touch of whimsy to your yard.
6. Audubon by Woodlink Suet Cage Feeder
   The Audubon by Woodlink Suet Cage Feeder, available on Amazon, offers a no-frills, straightforward solution for offering suet. It can hold one suet cake, and its small mesh is designed to make it easy for birds to cling and feed while preventing large chunks of suet from falling out.

The purpose of a suet feeder:
A suet feeder is designed to provide a high-energy food source for birds, particularly during colder months when other food options may be scarce. Suet is a dense, fatty substance that can be easily consumed by birds and provides them with the necessary energy to stay warm and maintain their activity levels.

Birds that eat suet:
Suet feeders are popular among a wide variety of bird species. Common suet-loving birds include woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, jays, wrens, and many others. These birds have strong beaks and are adapted to cling to the suet feeder while feeding.

Messiness of suet feeders:
Suet feeders can be messy, especially during warmer weather when the suet can soften or melt. The fatty nature of suet can cause it to smear on birds’ feathers or on the feeder itself. However, some suet feeders come with cages or grids that help minimize mess by restricting the access of larger birds and preventing them from pulling out large chunks of suet.

Duration of suet in a bird feeder:
The longevity of suet in a bird feeder depends on various factors such as the ambient temperature and bird activity levels. In warmer conditions, suet may soften or melt more quickly, reducing its lifespan. Generally, suet can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks in a suet feeder, but it is recommended to check the feeder regularly and replace suet that has become rancid or spoiled.

Squirrel interference with suet feeders:
Squirrels are notorious for their ability to access bird feeders, including suet feeders. They are agile climbers and can jump significant distances to reach the feeders. To deter squirrels, consider using squirrel-proof suet feeders that employ mechanisms like baffles, cages, or weighted perches to prevent access.

Ideal placement for suet feeders:
The best location for a suet feeder is in a quiet and relatively sheltered spot, preferably near trees or shrubs that provide cover and perching opportunities for birds. Placing the feeder at varying heights can attract different bird species. It is important to ensure that the feeder is easily accessible for cleaning and refilling.

Suet vs. bird seed:
Suet and bird seed serve different purposes and attract different types of birds. Bird seed is a staple food for a wide range of birds, including ground-feeding species, whereas suet is especially appealing to insect-eating birds, insectivores, and birds that require high-energy food. It is beneficial to provide a mix of both suet and bird seed to attract a greater variety of birds to your yard.

Each of these suet feeders is an excellent choice for supporting a variety of birds throughout the year, especially in the cold winter months when natural food sources are scarce. Remember to regularly clean your suet feeders to maintain good bird health and prevent the spread of diseases. With a suet feeder, you can attract a diverse array of bird species to your backyard, enhancing your bird-watching experience and creating a lively hub of activity for you to enjoy. Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature in such a gratifying way with these excellent suet feeders.