Nourishing Garden Birds: The Benefits of Suet and Fat-Based Foods
Suet and fat-based foods are excellent choices for feeding garden birds, providing essential nutrients and energy throughout the year. Let's explore the benefits of various suet products and how they can attract a diverse range of UK bird species to your garden.
Suet Pellets: A Versatile Option
Suet pellets are small, easy-to-handle nuggets of suet mixed with seeds, fruits, or insects. They offer several advantages:- Convenient for birds to carry away and eat
- Suitable for a wide variety of feeding methods
- Less messy than loose seed
- Provide instant energy boost for birds
Suet pellets can be offered year-round but are especially beneficial during colder months when birds need extra energy.
Suet Cakes: Long-Lasting Nutrition
Suet cakes are compact blocks of suet mixed with various ingredients like seeds, nuts, and fruits. They offer:- Sustained nutrition for birds
- Easy to hang in specialised feeders
- Attract a diverse range of bird species
- Ideal for winter feeding
Suet cakes are best offered in cage feeders or suet log feeders, which keep the food secure and accessible to birds.
Coconut Suet Bird Feeders: Natural and Attractive
Coconut suet feeders are hollowed-out coconut shells filled with suet. They provide:- A natural, biodegradable feeding option
- Attractive to woodpeckers and other clinging birds
- Easy to hang and maintain
- Added interest to your garden
These feeders can be used year-round but are particularly popular during autumn and winter.
Suet Balls and Fat Balls: Energy-Rich Treats
Suet balls and fat balls are spherical treats made of suet or animal fat mixed with seeds, nuts, and fruits. They offer:- High-energy food source for birds
- Easy to hang or place in specialised feeders
- Attractive to a wide range of garden birds
- Ideal for cold weather feeding
These balls can be offered throughout the year but are especially beneficial during autumn and winter when natural food sources are scarce.
Note: we do not recommend offering fat balls from plastic nets as they are potentially dangerous to your birds and wildlife - ONLY offer fat balls from a dedicated fat ball feeder, broken up on a bird table or from the ground.
When to Offer Suet and Fat-Based Foods
While suet and fat-based foods can be offered year-round, they are particularly important during:- Autumn and winter: When natural food sources are limited
- Early spring: To support birds during the breeding season
- Migration periods: To help birds refuel during their long journeys
How to Offer Suet and Fat-Based Foods
To make the most of these nutritious offerings:- Use specialised feeders designed for each type of suet product
- Place feeders in sheltered areas to protect from rain and direct sunlight
- Offer a variety of suet products to attract different bird species
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of diseases
UK Birds Attracted to Suet and Fat
Suet and fat-based foods attract a wide variety of UK garden birds, including:- Woodpeckers (Great Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Green)
- Tits (Blue, Great, Coal, Long-tailed)
- Nuthatches
- Starlings
- Robins
- Blackbirds
- Wrens
- Thrushes
By offering a variety of suet and fat-based foods, you can create a diverse and thriving bird population in your garden. These nutritious offerings provide essential energy and support for birds throughout the year, especially during challenging seasons. Remember to maintain clean feeding areas and offer fresh food regularly to ensure the health and well-being of your feathered visitors.