How to Make an Edible Bird Feeder

Bird watching can be a delightful hobby. If you keep your yard stocked with the essentials - food, water, shelter - you can create a haven that birds will, well, flock to! While there are several types of bird feeders available, and you can buy bird seed at almost any grocery, drug, or discount store, why not create a bird feeder at home that doesn't require refilling or cleaning? You can make several at one time!

Things You'll Need

  • 1 pound chopped suet
  • 1 cup wild bird seed
  • 1 cup black oiled sunflower seed
  • 3 oranges
  • Large saucepan
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Paring or similar knife
  • String or twine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place suet in large saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the suet is completely melted. Remove from heat.

    • 2

      Pour in the bird seed and the sunflower seed, stirring as you pour. Continue stirring until the seed and suet are thoroughly combined. Put the suet mixture aside, and let stand for twenty minutes. Stir a few times in between so that the suet does not harden completely.

    • 3

      Slice the oranges in half. Remove all of the pulp. Slice two small holes in each orange half, directly across from each other. The holes should be about a half inch down from the cut side of the orange halves.

    • 4

      Tie a length of string through the holes in each orange half, making a handle from which to hang the oranges.

    • 5

      Use a spoon to fill each orange half with the suet mixture. The oranges should be heaping with suet mixture. Place in the refrigerator and allow to set until firm. Hang from trees in your backyard and wait for the birds!