Facts about Suet Bird Feeders

Birds that winter over in states that endure harsh weather conditions face difficulties in finding food, but when homeowners help them out by hanging suet bird feeders, they face a much better chance of survival.
 
There are a variety of bird species that do not migrate to warmer climates when the snow and cold temperatures approach. Nature provides a buffet for their survival that includes seeds, winter berries and insects; however, the supply of these foods can be limited or difficult to find under heavy mounds of snow. Because birds are warm blooded, they can generally adapt well to the changing temperatures around them. When a sudden drop in temperature occurs, though, birds that are experiencing difficulty in locating food may be unable to maintain their body temperatures. Hanging feeders for wintering birds can be especially beneficial for them to endure whatever winter may impose upon them.
 
Rich, nourishing foods are the best choices for birds in winter. Higher in fat content, these foods provide the “weatherization” the small frames need to withstand cold. Suet bird feeders are the perfect choice for several reasons. First, the suet holds up well in the cold weather. Warmer weather will actually melt the suet, which is made of raw fat obtained from beef or mutton. Its cohesive structure allows other foods to be mixed in with it to provide more protein for the bird’s health; often, peanuts, sunflower and other seeds are added to the suet to enrich the diet of the birds. Birds love the suet, and the homeowner can enjoy the sight of numerous birds visiting their feeder to feed off from the nutritious fat.
 
In order to preserve the rich meal for the birds, there are a variety of types of feeders from which to choose that will discourage squirrels. Pole feeders equipped with baffles can generally keep the rodents away from the suet. Bird feeders can also be monopolized by larger, more aggressive types of birds, pushing away smaller birds that need the energy and nutrition to survive the winter’s cold. There are special designs of feeders that enable these smaller birds to access the suet without allowing the larger ones to feed. For those individuals who wish to provide food for all of these creatures, setting up an assortment of feeders containing suet will allow all creatures to have a healthy winter season.
 
Winter can be a long, harsh season; one that can be made much easier for our small feathered friends by supplying suet bird feeders for their nutritional needs.