Best Suet Feeders – Attract Birds With These Top Picks (2024)

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As the days grow shorter and winter looms, an incredible phenomenon takes place – birds flock to suet feeders! With just one simple addition to your outdoor space, you can witness a flurry of activity as feathered friends feast on these nutritious treats.

For those looking for the best suet feeder that will attract all sorts of birds, we’ve got you covered with our top picks. From classic double-cage designs to upside down models made from cedar wood and window varieties perfect for close-up birdwatching, this list has something for everyone.

Get ready to experience an avian explosion courtesy of your very own best suet feeder!

Best Suet Feeders for Attracting Birds

With so many suet feeder options for attracting backyard birds, it can be tricky to determine the best choices. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 based on quality, value, and bird preferences: More Birds Double Suet Cage Feeder, Cedar Suet Upside-Down Feeder, Birds Choice Recycled Double Cake Feeder, Woodpecker Window Suet Cake Feeder, Woodlink Single Suet Cage, Pine Tree Farms Peanut Butter Suet Cake, Droll Yankees Green Peanut Tube, Woodlink Platform Feeder, St.

More Birds Double Suet Cage Bird Feeder

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You’ll attract tons of lively chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers with this durable steel double decker that securely holds two suet cakes. With its simple yet sturdy construction, this feeder is specially designed to accommodate clinging birds that relish suet.

The shingle roof smartly shields the suet from rain and snow, while the tight grid deters squirrels.

Go ahead, indulge your feathered friends’ cravings this winter by loading up on suet cakes and mounting this rugged feeder in your yard. Rest assured that its durable powder-coated finish will hold up to the elements so you can continue refilling it all season long.

Cedar Suet Upside Down Bird Feeder

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Take a seat and delight as songbirds cleverly flip upside-down to snag the suet, while pesky grackles simply scratch their heads below. This rust-resistant cedar feeder’s upside-down design naturally deters nuisance birds.

Sturdy construction with stainless steel screws allows small woodpeckers, chickadees, and titmice to cling upside-down, tails resting on the vinyl-coated cable.

Enjoy watching birds puzzle out access to the solitary suet cake. Some struggle to open the lid initially, but the view of birds conquering the feeder is reward enough.

Birds Choice Recycled Double Cake Suet Feeder Taupe Green

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Experience woodpeckers thriving as this durable green-topped feeder nourishes their souls. The recycled-plastic body, rust-free aluminum hinges, and tail prop make this habitat for wild birds soaring free.

At ease, the legend Pileated Woodpecker dives from its nest to perch proudly upon this feeder. Powerful beaks crack suet nutrition from the two cake dispensers. The recycled materials promote sustainability.

Feeding families of orange-breasted Northern Flickers, downy feathered Hairy, and rosy-breasted Red-bellied woodpeckers arises intensely through this feeder.

Woodpecker Window Suet Cake Feeder

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Mount the Kettle Moraine Woodpecker Window Suet Cake Feeder and you’ll enjoy hours of up-close bird watching as chickadees, nuthatches, and even woodpeckers cling to the vinyl-coated wire mesh to nibble the suet treat just inches from your window.

Expertly designed with sturdy suction cups and a durable wire mesh cage, this eco-friendly feeder allows you to observe birds up close while providing essential energy and nutrition during frigid winters.

Simply prep the window surface, secure the cups with a bit of vegetable oil, and fill with suet to create your own private aviary.

With dimensions tailored for small clinging birds, you can attract a diversity of species and delight in their antics right at your window.

Single Suet Cage Bird Feeder

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Put suet cakes in your affordable steel single suet cage feeder to attract woodpeckers, although you may want to replace the U-hook for better security. This functional, no-frills feeder offers easy refilling and cleaning thanks to the large handle and removable top.

Small mesh holes let in desirable birds while keeping squirrels at bay. Sturdy steel resists rust and weather. Hang it 5-6 feet up and refill with suet dough or cakes to satisfy chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers all winter.

Pine Tree Farms Peanut Butter Suet Cake 12 Pack Made in USA

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If your backyard birds get excited over Pine Tree Farms’ peanut butter suet cakes, you’ll draw in some rare species while keeping regulars energized. These nutritious cakes attract an array of birds like woodpeckers, jays, and songbirds.

The rendered beef suet and chopped peanuts offer high-calorie sustenance for cold winter days.

Hang them in any open feeder at least 5 feet up to allow easy access and enhance the chances of rare sightings.

Droll Yankees Green Peanut Bird Feeder

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The rugged Droll Yankees Green Peanut Bird Feeder’s heavy-duty metal mesh construction withstands the frequent visits of your feathered friends, so you can enjoy refilling it for years. This made-in-USA feeder provides an open mesh design that allows you to easily monitor seed levels while also enabling multiple small birds like finches to cling and feed simultaneously.

The sturdy steel tube and base prevent bending and breaking, while the spring-loaded flip top permits effortless one-handed refilling. Users appreciate its durability and squirrel deterrence, making it a quality peanut feeder for conveniently nourishing your backyard birds.

Woodlink Platform Bird Feeder

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You’ll love how this versatile wood platform feeder from Woodlink can hold several pounds of seed to satisfy different backyard birds. With its sturdy construction of inland red cedar, you can mount this feeder on a pole or hang it up.

The large platform design gives jays and other larger birds plenty of space while the removable metal screen tray lets smaller birds easily access seeds too. Blue jays will relish the bountiful mix of peanuts, seeds, and fruit you can offer in this generous feeder.

And the easy-slide tray simplifies cleaning when it’s time to refresh the buffet.

This quality, made in the USA feeder built to handle your area’s weather will attract a happy flux of feathered friends.

St Albans Bay Suet Plus High Energy Suet Cakes

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You can get melt-resistant St Albans Bay Suet Plus cakes made in the USA to attract lots of chickadees, woodpeckers, jays, and more to your yard. These 11 oz suet cakes contain rendered beef fat, corn, sunflower seeds, and grain byproducts.

They’re formulated to stay solid in hot weather over 100°F. The thin plastic wrap makes them easy to use.

Hang them 5-6 feet up to deter squirrels and raccoons. Birds seem to love them once they try it.

C&S Hot Pepper Suet Dough Pack

Got a picky eater? C&S Hot Pepper Suet Dough Pack attracts over 25 species while squirrels take a hike. Discerning birds adore this no-melt suet. Rendered beef fat, roasted peanuts, and fiery peppers create irresistible energy.

Chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, jays, juncos – they’ll all come running. Squirrels? This suet sends them packing.

Central Garden Pet perfected the proprietary formula since 1986. Whether June or January, C&S maintains form and drives squirrels berserk.

Liberate your yard from greedy rodents. Let birds rule the roost with this crave-worthy suet.

How to Choose the Best Suet Feeder

When choosing a suet feeder, consider factors like durability, design, capacity, and ease of cleaning.

1. Material and construction – Choose metal and sturdy plastic. Wood can rot.
2. Capacity – Larger feeders hold more suet cakes to feed more birds.
3. Tail props – Essential for woodpeckers. Look for feeders with built-in tail props.
4. Ease of filling and cleaning – Hinged roofs or doors allow access without disassembly.

The best suet feeder depends on your needs. If squirrels are a problem, choose a feeder with small mesh openings. For winter birdfeeding, select a sturdy and weatherproof feeder that holds multiple suet cakes.

Place the feeder in partial shade and clean periodically to avoid suet spoilage.

Choosing the Right Suet for Your Birds

As a bird enthusiast looking to provide quality suet for your backyard feeders, you’ll want to check out Heath Citrus High Energy Suet as a top natural suet cake option. We also highly recommend the irresistible C&S Orange Delight Suet Dough for attracting the greatest diversity of wild birds.

Best ‘Natural’ Suet Cakes: Heath Citrus High Energy Suet

Hornworms devour Heath Citrus High Energy Suet faster than a tornado in Kansas. This suet’s premium blend of rendered beef fat, cracked corn, peanuts, dried citrus, and other wholesome ingredients makes it irresistible to woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and more.

When the weather turns cold and natural food is scarce, your feathered friends will thank you for providing this high-calorie treat. Offer it in a tail prop feeder to give woodpeckers easy access. Birds of all sizes benefit from this nutritious suet in winter.

Our Favorite Suet: C&S Orange Delight Suet Dough

You’ll adore C&S’s heavenly Orange Delight suet dough. Each soft, mold-resistant batch attracts woodpeckers, chickadees, and titmice. Nuthatches go nuts for the zesty orange flavor and high-fat content. Offering suet variety keeps backyard birds satisfied and aids in feeder maintenance.

Rotating suet cakes prevents mold buildup. Placing feeders in partial shade, twelve feet high, deters squirrels.

Understanding Suet Feeders and How They Work

You can find a variety of suet feeder designs to attract woodpeckers and other birds.

• Feeder size – Small for 1-2 suet cakes, large for bigger woodpeckers.
• Construction – Durable materials like steel mesh and recycled plastic.
• Roof coverage – Prevents suet from melting in sunlight.
• Squirrel deterrents – Small mesh openings and baffles.
• Mounting options – Branch, pole, or window mounting.

The right suet feeder, placed properly, can help create an ideal habitat for birds. Ensure suet has quality ingredients like beef fat without artificial flavors. Maintain your feeder by cleaning it with hot water to prevent mold buildup.

Tips for Hanging Suet Feeders to Keep Squirrels Away

Hang the suet feeder higher up to thwart those squirrels. Position your suet feeder at least 5-6 feet off the ground and 12-15 feet away from trees, poles, fences, or other structures squirrels can jump from.

The right placement and deterrents will allow birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees to enjoy the energy-rich suet while keeping pesky squirrels from raiding the feeder.

Proper setup leads to more birdwatching and less squirrel watching at your suet feeder!

How to Keep Grackles Away From Suet Feeders

Inverted feeders lacking perches effectively keep grackles at bay. Here’s what you can do to keep grackles away from your suet feeders:

1. Choose upside-down suet feeders. Since grackles prefer standing platforms, an inverted design prevents them from accessing the suet cake.
2. Use suet nuggets instead of cakes. Grackles dislike pecking at bits versus perching on a full cake.
3. Try suet feeders with cages or tail props. These make it harder for grackles to perch and reach suet.
4. Offer alternative foods grackles dislike. Safflower seeds, nyjer, and hot pepper suet drive grackles away.

With smart suet feeder selection and offering unappealing foods, you can enjoy suet feeding without nuisance grackles. Focus on feeders that attract desirable backyard birds like woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches.

Using Window Suet Feeders for Close-Up Bird Watching

Mounting a window suet feeder lets you watch birds like chickadees nibbling away right outside your window. For example, Jane positioned her window feeder so she could birdwatch while drinking her morning coffee.

Attaching a window suet feeder provides close-up views of birds feeding. Chickadees love clinging to the wire mesh and pecking suet morsels. Nuthatches scurry upside-down, gobbling suet bits, while downy woodpeckers clench the cage and drill for suet.

Ensure the suction cups firmly grip the glass. Avoid placing the feeder near reflective surfaces that may confuse birds. Sit back and delight as a diversity of species take turns at the window feeder. The show is captivating with suet feeder entertainment.

The Benefits of Including a Suet Feeder in Your Bird Feeding Station

When feeding birds, you’ll want to select the highest-quality suet cakes to provide the nutrition they need. The suet cakes I rely on have 12% crude protein and come in flavors like berry, peanut, and mealworm to satisfy even my most discerning feathered friends.

How to Choose the Best Suet for Your Birds

You’ll want to test out different suet cakes to find what your birds like best. It’s fun discovering which suet varieties entice different bird species to your feeder. Consider adding hot peppers or other squirrel deterrents depending on your feeder features.

Adjust suet selection seasonally, ensuring healthy fats for extra winter energy. When offering suet, observe bird preferences closely to choose the best suet for your feathered friends.

Here Are the Suet Cakes That I Mostly Use, Which Have 12% Crude Protein!

I prefer the 12% crude protein suet cakes to attract various birds.

• C&S Premium Blend Suet: This popular suet cake has the ideal balance of peanuts, cracked corn, sunflower chips, and beef suet.
• Perky Pet Suet Cakes: These have a blend of crunchy peanuts and tasty cranberry infused into the rendered suet.
• Kaytee Suet Blend: A nutritious blend of raisins, peanuts, and sunflower hearts baked into the beef suet cakes.
• Prestige High Energy Suet: This high-calorie suet has added cornmeal and sunflower hearts for maximum energy.
• Heath Outdoor Products Citrus Suet: The tangy orange aroma from real citrus peel attracts woodpeckers and chickadees.

The 12% protein level provides a nutritious food source without overfeeding backyard birds.

Rotate suet cake flavors to keep their interest.

Important Considerations for Using Suet Feeders

Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, bluebirds, and other wild birds relish energy-dense suet, especially in winter. However, to best meet birds’ needs while avoiding problems, be sure to hang suet feeders properly, keep them clean, use quality suet, and take steps to deter hungry squirrels and nuisance species like starlings.

What Kinds of Birds Eat Suet?

Your heart swells as chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers flock to the suet feeder. Rendered animal fat appeals to insectivorous birds like woodpeckers and chickadees. They crave the high-fat content for winter energy reserves. Nuthatches and titmice join the party too.

Squirrel-proof cages allow access to small clingers only. Offering suet nourishes essential species, so try a tail-prop feeder that invites acrobatic antics from amusing avians.

When to Put Out Suet

Hang suet when temperatures drop below 40 degrees to prevent spoilage.

Choose no-melt suet cakes for summer feeding. They hold shape in heat.

Limit suet in warm months. It can turn rancid and harm birds.

Clean feeders every 2 weeks with soap and hot water.

Do not use harsh chemicals when cleaning feeders.

Offer fresh suet often, at least every 2 weeks. Old suet grows mold.

Monitor temperatures and adjust suet feeding accordingly.

Select no-melt formulas or limit suet in summer.

Provide fresh suet cakes routinely for birds to thrive.

With proper care, suet feeders attract desirable species year-round.

Should You Make Suet or Buy It From a Store?

With cold winds whispering of winter’s approach, the time has come to prepare sustenance for your feathered friends. Will you craft nourishing suet by hand, infusing it with care? Or rely on the provisions stocked on store shelves, convenient yet impersonal? Consider your time and effort; homemade allows creativity, but commercial cakes offer variety.

How to Keep Starlings Away

Try upside-down feeders to keep starlings away. These ingenious suet feeders have the opening on the underside, making it tough for nuisance starlings to perch and feed. Select feeders with a robust, heavy-duty design that clingers like woodpeckers can hang from.

Situate it high up on a sturdy pole, at least 5 feet off the ground. This allows small acrobatic birds access while deterring starlings. Monitor activity and relocate if starlings persist. Outsmarting clever starlings takes some trial and error! Proper feeder selection and placement leads to happy backyard birds feasting.

How to Keep Squirrels Out

Place plenty of natural food sources for squirrels away from the feeder to distract them from investigating. Position feeders at least 10 feet from trees, fences, or other footholds. Choose feeders with weight-sensitive perches that deny access when heavy squirrels land.

Consider using baffles above or below to block climbing. Select hot pepper-infused suet that squirrels dislike but birds tolerate. Check feeders frequently as squirrels are clever problem solvers. With care, you can enjoy bird feeders while managing pesky squirrels humanely.

Where to Hang Suet Feeders

Hang your suet feeder high and away from trees to discourage squirrels, yet allow easy access for birds. Mount it at least five feet high on a sturdy pole, aiming for the head height of target birds. Place it ten to fifteen feet away from trees, fences, or other launching points to obstruct squirrels.

Add a cone baffle for extra protection. Check and refill it often as suet is a high-energy food. Offer alternative foods nearby to distract squirrels, like corn on the cob. Proper placement allows for close-up views of acrobatic birds feasting on suet while preventing messy squirrel invasions.

How Often to Clean Suet Feeders

Clean your suet feeders regularly as needed when the house wren sings its evening tune atop the wooden fence post.

1. Inspect weekly and clean as needed.
2. Use hot, soapy water with natural cleaners.
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove residue.
4. Allow to dry completely before refilling.

   Maintaining clean suet feeders ensures healthy meals for your feathered friends. Scrub away dried suet, eliminate molds, and deter pests by washing thoroughly. With routine care, your backyard birds will continue visiting as the chickadee’s call echoes through the oak branches.

Other Things You Need to Know

Don’t forget to offer fresh water for bathing and hydration – it’s just as vital as energy-rich suet for backyard birds’ health. While suet provides essential fats for energy, birds benefit from other treats too.

Consider varying offerings with nuts, dried fruits, mealworms, or seed blends. Keep feeders clean, use quality suet cakes, and place a cover nearby. Most of all, sit back and savor the beauty as feathered friends flock to your yard.