How to Build a Suet Bird Feeder with Kids

Creating a suet bird feeder with kids is a fun rewarding project that provides kids with an opportunity to study birds in a natural habitat. Many species of birds prefer suet to seed as a food source. During the winter suet bird feeders will provide protein for birds that hunt insects during the other seasons. Woodpeckers are particularly drawn to suet feeders.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cup bird seed (You may add whole wheat kernels or other unprocessed grains.)
• 1 cup raisin (crasins also work)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 cups cornmeal
• 4 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 2 cups lard (not shortening bacon grease works)
• 2 cups crunchy peanut butter
• Freezer
• Stirring spoon
• Pot
• Stove
• Mesh bag or suet basket (You can find suet baskets at most lawn and garden stores and some pet stores)
• Small plastic zippered bags

1. Stir the lard and peanut butter as you melt it in a pot over low heat.

2. Stir in the oats, cornmeal, sugar, raisins, and bird seed.

3. Scoop the mixture into plastic zippered bags.

4. Place the bags in the freezer to harden the suet. Once the suet has hardened you are ready to do the next step.

5. Remove suet from the bag and place in the mesh bag or suet basket.

6. Hang the mesh bag or suet basket on a tree outdoors, preferably one that you can see easily through a window of your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a bird identification guide to help your kids learn about the species visiting your suet feeder.
• Keep a journal or log of the species that visit your feeder.
• When the suet has all been eaten, wash the mesh bag or suet basket to prevent spreading illness among birds visiting your feeder.