Make a Homemade Holiday Feeder for Wildlife Birds

Make a Homemade Holiday Feeder for Wildlife Birds

Make a suet feeder from cardboard egg carton. Suet is the fatty tissue that surrounds the kidneys of cattle and sheep. It is a great energy source for insect-eating birds, especially in winter and early spring when insects are scarce. This is a fun project to do with your kids, brownies, girl scouts, church groups etc.

Supplies Needed

• cardboard egg carton
• green acrylic paint (washable when working with children)
• mixing bowl and spoons
• needle nose pliers
• newspaper of magazine ad booklets
• paint brush or painting sponge
• painting apron or old t-shirt can work
• 2 thick rubber bands (like the ones wrapped around broccoli stems)
• scissors
• suet (about 3 cups) or homemade filling made from ingredients below
•  heavy gauge wire 
• Optional- Red Ribbon for decorative bow.

Suet Recipe

• 1 part peanut butter (crunchy is better)
• 1 part shortening
• 1 part flour
• 3 parts cornmeal
• 1 part cracked corn
• 1 part sunflower seeds and/or mixed seed

1. Cut holes on the bottom of the egg carton
2. Paint the carton green for the holidays with washable paint
3. Mix the suet mixture and it will look like greasy cookie dough
4. Spread Suet mixture inside carton oozing out slightly
5. Close the carton and secure with two heavy duty rubber bands (broccoli stem bands)
6. Use heavy gauge wire to Secure the carton to a tree with branches for the birds to stand on while eating the suet.
7. Add red bow at top of carton (optional)
8. Remove carton and put in freezer if the weather warms up or if it rains.

*This recipe found on the National Wildlife Federation website.

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