What can I put in my bird feeder ball?

What can I put in my bird feeder ball?

You could also add in some raisins, currants, sultanas, small pieces of apple or pear, or grated cheese if you have any spare. Crushed peanuts are also an option, as long as they are unsalted and in date. You can use suet instead of lard, if you prefer, so fat balls are sometimes called suet cakes.

Do fat balls for birds attract rats?

yes – bird food may attract vermin but there are things you can do to help reduce long-tailed visitors and make it less of an issue. Mice and rats are scavengers and opportunistic feeders so we can’t blame them for taking bird food. You may have the odd mouse or rat pass though, but it might not develop into an issue.

When should I put out my fat balls for birds?

If you don’t have a holder, you can set them on a bird table*. Fat balls are most appreciated by garden birds in the winter when fatty food sources are hard to come by. However, you should not put fat balls out in the summer months.

Is it cheaper to make your own fat balls for birds?

Making homemade fat balls for birds is a cheap and fun way of encouraging more birds to visit your garden, and those extra calories could make the difference for winter survival.

Can birds have bacon grease?

Bacon drippings Not recommended. Bacon drippings are animal fat just like suet, and many birds will eat it.

How can I feed my birds without attracting rats?

Dealing With Bird Food on the Ground

1. Choose the right feeder. If you are feeding small seed such as Niger (loved by finches), make sure you choose a feeder with small holes or a seed catcher tray like this.
2. Avoid Seeds with husks.
3. Choose high-quality bird food.
4. Fill your feeders at the food bin.
5. Make a seed catcher.

How do I stop rats from eating my bird feeder?

Here are 5 things you can try to redress the balance.

1. Stop Feeding Birds For A Few Weeks.
2. Make Your Garden Less Rat Friendly.
3. Stop Using Incorrect Seed Or Feeders.
4. Avoid Seed Husks.
5. Move The Feeder Away From Branches.
6. Use A No Mess, Quality Seed Mix.

Is it OK to feed birds fat balls all year round?

Home-made fat balls can go soft and rancid in warm summer weather, and should be avoided. Commercially produced fat bars are suitable for summer feeding but discard any remains after three weeks.

Do squirrels eat bird fat balls?

Fat balls are another popular bird food. Fat balls contain dry foods such as nuts and seeds mixed with suet. This gives the answer to the question if squirrels eat fat balls – Yes, they do, as fat balls are made of their most favourable type of food. Squirrels will remove the core of the fat balls and consume them.