#Suet feeder starling proof windows#

Who is it for? Depending on the type of bird you want to attract, you may want to offer specialized blends.Look for high-quality brands that contain actual bits of fruit, or you can always add your own. The smell is thought to attract birds, but the quality may not keep them there. Lower quality suet can often seem to contain fruit, but may only contain berry flavors. The higher the protein content, the better. Ranging from approximately 4-13% protein, suet is designed to offer high energy nutrition, especially valuable in cold weather. Read the ingredient list to find the highest quality and the best ratio of fat, fiber, and protein for the birds you want to attract. Basic suet recipes include fat and assorted seed or grain and can include additions from nuts to fruit. Choose high-quality formulations to ensure the best nutrition for your birds. Ingredients can vary greatly, resulting in a wide range of nutrition and quality. Adding a suet feeder to another feeder (hopper or open tray) can also offer an alternative to attracting suet eating birds. Cages, logs, and bags can all be hung on a tree or in nearby bushes providing both protection and a resting place for birds but unfortunately offering easier access for squirrels and raccoons.Feeders on poles, complete with nuisance baffles, offer the best protection against squirrels and other pests. Different locations offer different levels of protection from both bully birds and other wildlife.Both options give birds a better chance of survival, keeping them relatively safe from window collisions.

#Suet feeder starling proof windows#

Keeping in mind that to minimize birds hitting windows (a serious problem), feeders should be either 3 feet within a window or at least 30 feet away ( 2).

Leave new feeders up for a minimum of two weeks before trying another spot.

Don’t give up too early, though it can take several weeks for birds to find and test out your feeder locations.

While my woodpeckers will feed anywhere, my nuthatches are more prone to a log feeder in a protected area. When it comes to suet feeders – location, location, location is everything! Experiment until you find what works best. Vulnerable to bully birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, open trays can be a great way to introduce birds to suet if they aren’t used to it. Chunks, leftovers, and pellets can be spread about by larger birds, and entice different birds a chance to sample the suet. Open trays – Tray feeders can be a great way to introduce suet to a wider variety of birds. They can be filled with cakes, balls, or chunks without needing specific sizes, and offer the perfect spot for small clinging birds. Mesh bags – Ideal for small birds like nuthatches and tits, suet filled bags are a great way to recycle and offer a feed. As a bonus, they provide a more natural-looking environment for your feeders. They can be easily purchased or made, and are especially good at providing a natural perch for birds while keeping the suet dry and protected. Suet logs – Simple logs with predrilled holes filled with suet make a suet log feeder. Upgrades to the basic suet cage include tail props for clinging birds and covers to protect the suet from the elements and predators. Suet cages – Made of coated wire for ease of use, cages are best for independent hanging and to attach to other feeders. A combination of these feeders is your best bet for keeping bully birds and wildlife at bay while attracting more birds to your feeders.īuilt-in baffles are great at deterring squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife, while grills, mesh, and upside down designs can keep away larger and bully birds. Suet feeders come in four main variations, each offering a different solution to attracting suet loving birds to your feeder.