Homemade Bird Suet

I don't think there is one bird in my garden that doesn't eat this suet. We are having a mild winter so it's not going quite as fast this year, but most winter's I go through a block just about every day.  One year I was having a hard time keeping up with the demand, so I thought I would put out some store bought suet instead. THEY WOULDN'T EAT IT!! Talk about spoiled birds!!!

I got a recipe out of Birds and Bloom years ago but lost it along the way, but I have made it so often, I pretty much just dump my ingredients in a bowl without measuring. So these measurements are approximate and can be adapted to your needs.

First melt your lard and peanut butter together, then add remaining ingredients.

You want it to be a little moist and slightly doughy. If you get it too dry, it won't hold together. If that happens don't despair. Just put it out in a platform feeder or a pan. They will still eat it.

Press firmly into a pan with the back of a spoon.

It's easier to cut it before it firms up. After it's chilled layer the blocks between wax paper or foil and freeze.

Homemade Bird Suet

These measurements are based on a 9x13 pan and are approximate. 2 1/2 cups lard, bacon grease, shortening etc. 1-1/2 cups chunky peanut butter 1 cup quick oats 1 cup flour 1/2 cup sugar opt. 4-5 cups yellow corn meal, it might take more depending on what extra ingredients you add....don't use corn meal mix. 1/4 cup raisins soaked in hot water till softened Extra ingredients you can add are, chopped berries, bread/cracker crumbs,sunflower chips, stale dry cereal etc. Melt your lard/shortening and peanut butter together. Add remaining ingredients. You don't want to get it too dry or it won't stick together. It should be just a bit doughy. Press firmly into a 9x13 pan. I press down with the back of a spoon. Cut into desired sized blocks then let chill for several hours. After it's chilled take out of pan and freeze between wax paper or tin-foil. printablerecipe