Do you have a good recipe for fat balls

[spacemouse59]

Try saving the foil trays your takeaways come in as they are just the right size for the fat blocks holders.

[kathateria]

Originally Posted by spacemouse59

Try saving the foil trays your takeaways come in as they are just the right size for the fat blocks holders.

Great idea! I will go and get one out the bin!

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by spacemouse59

I have used lard in the past to make fat balls when I couldn't get suet. BUT
Please everyone don't hang up fat ball in mesh. The birds can get caught in the mesh and not be able to escape. They can be put in a special feeder which are not expensive.

Put a strings on a few pine cones and press the mixture into the gaps

[Purplepixii]

Just been reading this thread as I bought 4 suet-filled coconut halves 2 days ago and 1 is already empty!

I'm going to have a go at making my own using some of the ingredients suggested in this thread so thankyou all

One thing I did notice on reading the RSPB's advice page about feeding birds is their advice about using fat from Sunday roasts - do NOT use it (see below) which is a shame as it would seem to be a good way to recycle the fat but I'd rather follow the RSPB's advice on this aspect.
Sarah



Fat from cooking is bad for birds. The problem with cooked fat from roasting tins and dishes is that the meat juices have blended with the fat and when allowed to set, this consistency makes it prone to smearing, not good for birds' feathers. It is a breeding ground for bacteria, so potentially bad for birds' health. Salt levels depend on what meat is used and if any salt is added during cooking.

Lard and beef suet on their own are fine as they re-solidify after warming and as they are pure fat, it is not as suitable for bacteria to breed on.