How to Make Suet Pinecones
Suet pinecones will attract wild birds to your yard for your viewing pleasure. Depending on the region you live in, you might see bluebirds, chickadees or warblers just to name a few. Once the birds become aware of the suet pinecones they will return for more. You can watch the birds come and go throughout the day without leaving your home.
Things You'll Need
- Pinecone
- 3-foot kite string
- Hot glue gun
- 2 lbs. suet
- 4-qt. skillet
- 2 lbs. cornmeal
- Spatula
- Wild birdseed
- Hook
Instructions
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Prepare the Pinecone
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1
Fold a 3-foot kite string in half. Place the loose ends together and tie a knot to join the ends; this will form a loop.
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2
Open the loop and place the opposite end of the knotted string 1 inch below the top of the pinecone. Gently pull the strings between the scales of the pinecone until the strings are pulled through to the opposite side of the cone. Continue to work with the string, arranging it between the scales until it reaches the top of the pinecone.
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3
Secure the string to the top of the cone using a hot glue gun; this will keep the string from slipping off the top of the cone. Leave the extra length of string intact, it will be used to hang the finished pinecone.
Fill the Pinecone
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4
Melt 2 lbs. of suet over a low temperature on the stove. Use a 4-qt. skillet or pan to melt the fat.
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5
Gradually stir 2 lbs. of cornmeal into the melted fat. The mixture will become thick and difficult to stir. Remove the pan from the stove.
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6
Use a spatula to pack the mixture between the scales of the cone. Roll the finished pinecone in wild bird seed for an extra bird treat.
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7
Hang the cone from a tree branch or hook with the remaining 1 foot of string, the length will vary depending on the size of the cone. Place the cone in an area where it can be viewed from your favorite window.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Suet can be obtained from a butcher. Lard can be substituted for suet.
Select a pinecone with open scales. Pinecones can be purchased from hobby stores if there are no pine trees in your area.
Melting suet can produce an unpleasant smell.
The mixture will be easier to spread while it is still warm. Wear housecleaning gloves to protect your hands.
Suet pinecones are less likely to go rancid when used during cold months.
References
- Photo Credit Frank Cezus/Photodisc/Getty Images
