Picture this: you’ve got a pile of scrap wood, a craving for bird-watching, and a backyard filled with hungry little feathered freeloaders. So, what better project than a DIY suet feeder? Let’s turn those scrap pieces into a rustic, one-of-a-kind bird buffet!
Step 1: Assemble Your Materials
First, find some scrap wood. We’re talking that random chunk from your firewood pile or a fallen branch from the most recent wind storm No need to fuss over the quality—birds are not the type to complain about decor.
Grab a saw, drill, and a few dowels from the dollar store, and remember, nothing too fancy! This isn’t HGTV, and the birds aren’t judging. Add some wire or strong twine for hanging, and you’ve got all you need.
Step 2: Cut, Sand, and Drill (Not necessarily in that order)
Chop up your wood to about 12″ long. Hang onto your branch or log tightly because anything that isn’t completely flush against your mitre saw fence can and will kick. Don’t have a mitre saw? In this instance, a handsaw is actually probably a safer option anyways.
If precision isn’t your thing, don’t worry. A crooked suet feeder just adds to the “rustic chic” look! Sand down any splinters because we don’t want our birds thinking your feeder is a medieval torture device.
Drill a small hole through what will be the top of your simple suet feeder, and thread some wire, or sturdy twine, through the hole for hanging.
I know, this wormy wood is kinda gross – but where do you think birds go to look for food? (Plus it has so much character!)
Step 3: Drill holes for the suet
For this I used my drill press and my largest spade bit, which is 1 ½”. You can totally do this with your drill and a spade bit, but if you are using hard wood (oak, walnut, maple), it’s very likely you’ll wrench your wrist if you aren’t two-handing the drill itself.
Step 4: Add a place to land
No one goes to a restaurant to stand and eat right? Birds (maybe with the exception of hummingbirds) are the same – set your feathered guests up for a relaxing meal by drilling dowel-sized holes under each of the suet holes you just made. If the fit is tight, you can just tuck the dowels in and snip the ends to length with wire cutters. If the hole is too loose for the dowel to fit snuggly, add a dab of outdoor-appropriate glue to the hole before tucking the dowel in.
Step 5: Smear the Suet (a.k.a. The Bird’s Breakfast of Champions)
Now, it’s suet time! Either buy a ready-made suet cake, or if you’re feeling brave (or just like kitchen chaos), try a homemade mix. Suet recipes usually involve melted fat and a few bird-friendly treats like nuts or seeds. Just smear and smush it into your suet feeder, give it a moment to set, and voilà—bird gourmet!
Step 6: Find the Perfect Hangout Spot
Locate the best viewing spot in your yard, somewhere you can peek from your window without scaring off the birds. Loop some twine or wire through your feeder’s top and hang it at a squirrel-defying height (about 5-6 feet up). If a squirrel still finds its way there, don’t worry—just watch the hilarious acrobatics and consider it part of the entertainment.
Step 7: Sit Back and Enjoy!
Pat yourself on the back, because not only did you upcycle scrap wood, but you’re now the proud owner of a custom, rustic suet feeder. It’s like a Michelin-star restaurant for birds, with a side of squirrel comedy. Grab a cup of tea, sit back, and watch your feathered friends flock to your scrap wood creation.
And there you have it! Your very own DIY suet feeder, crafted with love, laughter, and absolutely no pressure for perfection. Because if birds have zero standards about pecking at backyard leftovers, then really, neither should we.
