How to Make a Suet Bird Feeder

Tools and Materials

Tools

Suet or beef fat
Wire cutters
Snips
Safety glasses
A mold for shaping the suet
Wire cutters or snips
Metal-edged ruler
Marker
Work gloves

Materials

7 Steps to Make a Suet Bird Feeder

Begin your DIY suet feeder project by choosing the right materials. You’re going to need some hardware cloth with a mesh size of ½-inch. This size is ideal because it allows birds to easily perch and eat the suet.

Alternatively, you can use different materials, such as sturdy wooden frames that offer a natural look, wire mesh or chicken wire (ensure the holes are small enough to hold the suet), or repurpose old plastic containers or jars for an eco-friendly option. These materials give you various styles and durability while keeping the suet safe for birds.

Grab your wire cutters or snips and cut a piece from the hardware cloth. A common size for a feeder is about 4 ¾ inches wide and 5 inches tall, but you can adjust this to fit your needs.

Tip

Always wear work gloves and safety glasses when cutting the wire to protect your hands and eyes from sharp edges and flying bits of wire.

Now that you have your piece of mesh cut, it’s time to outline the shape of your feeder on it. Usually, it’s a box-like design. With a marker in hand, draw a rectangle on the mesh. The usual measurements for this are around 4 ¾ inches in width and 5 inches in height.

But, if you think a different size would be a better fit for your garden and the local birds, then simply adjust these dimensions. What's important is that it suits your space and meets the needs of the birds you intend to feed.

Now, follow the lines you have marked and cut out the shape from the mesh using your wire cutters. Once that's done, grab a metal-edged ruler. This tool will help you fold the mesh neatly into the shape of a box.

The metal edge of the ruler is perfect for making sharp, clean folds, so the edges line up nicely without any wires sticking out.

Caution

Be careful when trimming any sharp pieces that stick out to avoid injury.

Your feeder is almost ready to go. The last step is to add the suet. You can either buy pre-made suet cake from a store or cook homemade suet for birds. Either way, simply slip the suet into the feeder and it's ready for the birds to enjoy.

Setting up your own suet bird feeder is a quick and rewarding project that adds life and beauty to your yard. In just a couple of hours, you can create a welcoming spot for birds, providing them with essential nutrients while enjoying their presence all year long. Follow these easy steps and get ready to enjoy the lively spectacle of nature right from your outdoor space.

Are Suet Feeders Good for Birds

Suet feeders are great for birds, especially in the winter when it’s harder for them to find food like insects and seeds. Suet gives birds the energy they need to stay warm and healthy in cold weather. Additionally, suet feeders can bring different species of birds to your garden, making it a lively and enriching spot for birdwatching throughout the year.