The Best Suet Feeders for Winter Birds
Updated: Oct. 02, 2020Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Winter will be upon us soon and your feathered friends need suet for energy. Check out the best suet feeders to attract winter birds such as woodpeckers.
As winter approaches, many backyard birders will offer suet to help their birds survive the colder months. Suet is a great source of fat for the birds and it helps them quickly refuel after cold nights when they’ve used all their energy trying to stay warm. When you’re picking out the perfect suet feeder for your yard, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
A square cage suet feeder will attract some birds. But there are better options that might help you convince your birds, especially woodpeckers, to stick around longer.
Look for a Tail Prop
First, I prefer to use a feeder with a tail prop and the birds seem to prefer it as well. The tail prop allows the larger woodpeckers to be more comfortable on the feeder. Species like pileated woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers are quite large and can have trouble staying on small feeders. Remember, the longer the tail prop, the more comfortable a pileated woodpecker will be. This 2-cake suet feeder from Amazon features an extra long tail prop.
Squirrel-Proof Suet Feeders
Second, if you have trouble with squirrels on your suet feeders, there are things that can help. First, consider an upside-down feeder like this cedar feeder from Nature’s Way, sold on Amazon. All of the birds that you typically associate with suet can hang upside-down. As an added deterrent, use hot pepper suet. The birds can’t taste it but the squirrels can and do not like it at all.
Try a Log Feeder
Finally, consider a suet log feeder. Birds seem to love these and they are so easy to use. These logs come with holes drilled through them and you just push in suet plugs. The birds seem to love the natural feel of the log over other suet feeders. Try this Recycled Suet Log from Duncraft. Or you can also make these yourself very easily! These are the 10 types of bird feeders you need in your backyard.
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