How to feed suet safely

Suet is a super food for our garden birds. It’s packed full of fat and protein, and has plenty of calories required to help birds weather a harsh winter. It also fuels their metabolism, maintains healthy feathers needed for insulation, and supports all their nesting and breeding activity in spring.

However, not all suet is equal and the way in which we provide it should be carefully and considerately done.

What is suet and how does it help our garden birds?

Suet is made from animal fat – usually beef tallow – but at F4WB we also offer one made from insect oil, which is closer to a bird’s natural diet and more sustainable.

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Suet  is really high in calories and helps small birds such as tits, wrens and robins survive bitterly cold winters.

Suet’s high fat and protein content gives a nutrition boost to birds as they rear chicks in spring, and when growing new feathers during their annual moult in late summer.

High quality suet is a great source of nutrition all year round. Many varieties come with some tasty additions such as insects, seeds and berries.

How do you  feed suet safely?

Always place suet blocks, pellet or fat balls in a secure mesh feeder to keep them secure and prevent large birds or rodents from taking the food.

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Never put fat balls or loose suet out in plastic mesh bags. They pose a dangerous hazard to birds who can easily become tangled in them. Always remove the suet from netting before placing it in a feeder.

Avoid cheaper suet feeds as they can melt or go rancid in warm weather.

Sprinkle a few suet pellets on the ground for fledglings and ground feeders such as robins. Doing this little and often ensures that none is wasted and garden hygiene is maintained.

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To avoid the spread of bacteria and diseases, clean your feeders on a regular basis with a bird-friendly hygiene spray. Don’t forget to sweep the ground under the feeder to remove spilled food and debris.

Shop Wild Bird Care Hygiene Spray

Only put out as food as required. It is far better to fill feeders with just enough food for a single day. Little and often keeps suet fresh and tasty for the birds.