Homemade Bird & Wildlife Feeders

Putting out bird and wildlife feeders can be a lifeline to many birds and animals such as deer throughout the year. It helps provide food during winter when food sources are scarce and can be a back-up food supply during a springtime food shortage caused by a late frost and wet weather. Summer droughts and flooding can also diminish the food supply for birds and wildlife, which the bird and wildlife feeders can supplement.

  1. Fat Cake

    • Birds need fat to keep warm in sub-zero temperatures and get energy to survive the long winter months. Fat cakes are feeders that provide both fats and nutrients. Cut up vegetable suet or lard and mix with dry bird seed in a mixing bowl. The amount of fat and seeds depend on how big you want to make the fat cake. Once combined, transfer the mix to saucepan and heat until the fat melts down.

      In the meantime, find small plastic containers such as old yogurt cups and make a hole in the bottom large enough to thread through garden twine. Knot the twine so it doesn̵7;t go through but make sure enough twine has gone through so it can be tied to a feeder or tree branch.

      Transfer the melted fat and seed mixture into the containers and allow to sit in the fridge overnight to solidify. Once solidified, cut off the plastic container and hang outside.

    Pine Cone Fat Feeder

    • Collect large pine cones, and attach them to pieces of string. Dip the pine cone into melted fat and roll in wild bird seed. You can also use peanut butter for the fat, which you would spread over the pine cone with a butter knife before rolling it in bird seed. Once covered with bird seeds it is all set to be hung on a branch.

    Deer Feeder

    • With some sturdy plastic tubing at least 5 or 6 inches in diameter and half bucket, you can create a wildlife or deer feeder. Attach the plastic tube securely to a tree using plastic ties. Make sure the tube is at least 5 feet high so that the animals cannot reach the top. Next, cut a bucket in half and place on the ground beneath the tube. The back of the bucket should be between the tree and the pipe so that it is held in place. The opening of the pipe should be a few inches above the bottom of the bucket so that the feed comes out. Buy deer or wildlife feed and fill the pipe. As the animals eat the feed in the bucket, more feed will travel down the tube until it̵7;s all gone. You can also cover the top of the tube with a plastic cap to keep rain out.