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February is National Bird Month, a great time to learn more about the birds visiting your backyard and how to support them. One of the most effective ways to attract various birds, especially in winter, is by offering suet. This high-energy food is a bird favorite, but there are some important guidelines to follow. To help you maximize the benefits of feeding suet, here’s a comprehensive list of Do’s and Don’ts for feeding suet to birds.

Do’s: Best Practices for Offering Suet to Birds

Know Which Birds Enjoy Suet

Suet attracts a wide range of species, making it a fantastic option for birdwatching. Woodpeckers, chickadees, wrens, and nuthatches are just a few of the birds that enjoy it. Understanding which birds frequent your area will make it more exciting to see who visits your suet feeder. You might even be surprised by the occasional warbler, jay, or goldfinch!

Consider Making Your Own Suet

If you’re feeling crafty, why not try creating your own suet mix? Making suet allows you to tailor the ingredients to the birds in your area, offering a nutritious, high-fat treat that helps them thrive. There are plenty of recipes available online, and experimenting with different combinations of peanut butter, lard, and seeds can be a fun and rewarding activity.

Store Suet Properly to Maintain Freshness

Suet can be an investment, especially when purchased in bulk, so proper storage is essential. Keep your extra suet in an airtight container to prevent spoilage or contamination from pests. Proper storage ensures that your suet stays fresh and remains attractive to birds when you place it outside.

Invest in a Durable Suet Feeder

A well-made suet feeder can make a big difference in the quality of your bird feeding experience. Opt for a sturdy metal feeder, as plastic models can break easily. If squirrels are a problem in your area, consider getting a squirrel-proof design, which usually comes with a cage or baffle system to keep unwanted critters from accessing the suet.

Refresh Your Suet Regularly

Just like any bird food, suet can lose its appeal if it becomes stale or exposed to the elements for too long. Keep an eye on your suet feeder and replace old suet as needed. A fresh block of suet will attract more birds and keep them returning.

Offer Multiple Feeders for More Variety

To increase your chances of attracting different bird species, consider offering more than one suet feeder. Having multiple feeding stations reduces competition and allows birds to feed comfortably. Plus, the more feeders you provide, the more birds you’re likely to attract.

Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Suet

Don’t Expect Instant Results

Attracting certain species of birds can take time, so don’t get discouraged if your favorite bird isn’t showing up right away. Birds are often unpredictable, and it may take a few days or weeks for them to find your suet. Keep your feeders stocked and be patient—the birds will come when they’re ready.

Don’t Use Sugary or Low-Quality Ingredients

While some suet recipes may call for sugary ingredients, these are not ideal for birds. Instead, focus on high-fat ingredients like peanut butter, lard, or nuts, which provide essential energy—especially during the colder months. Avoid recipes with added sugars, corn syrup, or fillers with little nutritional value.

Don’t Leave Suet Exposed to Critters

Squirrels, raccoons, and other critters may be tempted by your suet offerings, so it’s essential to store and hang your suet feeders in ways that prevent these pests from reaching them. Use squirrel-proof feeders or hang suet from poles with baffles to discourage animals from stealing the food.

Don’t Store Suet Improperly

If you’re buying suet in bulk, it’s essential to store it properly to avoid spoilage. Do not leave suet exposed in warm or damp areas. Always use an airtight container to prevent contamination, and keep the suet in a cool, dry location to extend its shelf life.

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Feeder

When refreshing your suet, remember to clean the feeder thoroughly before adding a new suet cake. Old, moldy suet can be harmful to birds and may deter them from visiting. Keeping your feeders clean creates an inviting and safe bird environment.

Don’t Offer Suet in Hot Weather

Suet is excellent in cold temperatures, but it’s not ideal during hot weather. When temperatures soar above 90°F, suet can melt, creating a sticky mess that won’t attract birds. If you’re experiencing a heatwave, it’s best to hold off on offering suet until the weather cools down.

Enhance Your Backyard Birdfeeding with Strader’s

At Strader’s, we carry a variety of wildlife-friendly products to enhance your backyard bird-watching experience. In addition to a great selection of suet, including all the individual flavors and the 8-pack value wild bird suet, we also stock Wildlife Sciences feeders designed to complement your suet offerings. For those who want to provide extra nourishment, we offer mealworms, a perfect high-protein treat for many bird species. Stop by Strader’s to find everything you need to support your local wildlife—whether it’s suet, feeders, or mealworms, we’ve got you covered!


By following these essential Do’s and Don’ts, you can ensure your suet offerings are both beneficial and enjoyable for the birds that visit your backyard. Offering suet is a great way to celebrate National Bird Month, helping birds thrive while you enjoy watching them in action. Happy birdwatching!