How to Make Bird Feed Blocks

Bird feed blocks are a popular method of feeding wild birds without the need for a bird feeder or loose bird seed. These blocks can be purchased in a number of different stores ranging from grocery and retail outlets to farm supply stores. Though the bird feed blocks that can be bought commercially are made with a rendered fat known as suet, similar blocks can be made at home using common lard. The process of making bird feed blocks will generally take between 10 and 20 minutes, plus time that is spent letting the blocks cool and harden.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2 lb. lard
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup bird seed
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup chopped dried fruit, cut into small chunks
  • Plastic or silicone container or mold
  • 12- to 18-inch string or twine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix the bird seed, sunflower seeds, raisins and dried fruit chunks in a glass or other heatproof bowl. Set the bowl aside, making sure you keep it near your stove.

    • 2

      Melt the lard in a saucepan or pot using medium heat, stirring gently to prevent boiling.

    • 3

      Pour the melted lard over the seed and fruit mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure that all of the mixture has been coated with the lard. The mixture should be sticking together well and might have a bit of liquid lard left in the bowl.

    • 4

      Melt a small amount of additional lard, and stir it into the mixture if the bird feed mix is too dry and is not sticking together, or add a small amount of additional seed and fruit to the mix if there is an excess of liquid lard left in the bowl.

    • 5

      Place your string or twine in the container or mold that you are using to create your bird feed blocks, making sure that one end of the string lies approximately in the center of the mold.

    • 6

      Pour the bird feed mixture into the mold, letting it cover the portion of the string that is in the center of the container. Lift the string slightly to ensure that it goes through the center of the mixture, but take care not to pull it very far out of the mix.

    • 7

      Repeat the pouring process with any additional molds or containers. Place the containers in the refrigerator for one to two hours or until the lard has cooled fully and solidified.

    • 8

      Remove the bird feed blocks from their molds or containers, making sure that you don't accidentally break them.

    • 9

      Use the string to tie the bird feed blocks to a branch or other hanging point.