Do you have a good recipe for fat balls

[Barbara]

The birds in my garden are going through fat balls like there is no tomorrow even the squirrels have taken a liking to them. I would like to make my own and would be very grateful if someone could tell me how to make them, it's just that I don't know which sort of fat to use. They also like wild berry feast, I have some blackberries and raspberries in the garden and wonder if I just squash them up and put into some fat whether that would be okay or not.
Thanks
Barbara

[honeybee]

I was going to make some a while ago but couldn't find suet anywhere, just veg suet or lard. If you can find it just melt it and add seed I spose? Not sure about putting fresh fruit in, don't think it would hurt. I get the smart price dried fruit/sultanas etc. Got no birds at the mo anyway following sparrow hawk attacks.

[honeybee]

P.S save your fruit nets to hang them in or put them in coconut shells

[Gwenhwyfar]

I found this recipe a while ago and have always be meaning to try it. If you try it and it's any good let me know!!

1. Melt down beef fat (suet) to get liquid.

2. Allow the fat to cool down to a pasty state.

3. Mix in nuts, seeds, cooked bacon or anything else you think insect-eating birds might like.

4. Form the mixture into a ball.

5. Place the ball inside a mesh bag.

6. Put the ball into the freezer to solidify.

[Barbara]

Originally Posted by honeybee

I was going to make some a while ago but couldn't find suet anywhere, just veg suet or lard. If you can find it just melt it and add seed I spose? Not sure about putting fresh fruit in, don't think it would hurt. I get the smart price dried fruit/sultanas etc. Got no birds at the mo anyway following sparrow hawk attacks.

Thanks honeybee, I just thought it would be less expensive than buying all these fat balls and the prices vary so much from shop to shop. I will try to get the veg suet I think. Yes I get the sultans and also raisins. Sorry to hear about your sparrowhawk attacks, but sure your birds will hopefully return soon
Thanks again
Barbara

[Barbara]

Originally Posted by Gwenhwyfar

I found this recipe a while ago and have always be meaning to try it. If you try it and it's any good let me know!!

1. Melt down beef fat (suet) to get liquid.

2. Allow the fat to cool down to a pasty state.

3. Mix in nuts, seeds, cooked bacon or anything else you think insect-eating birds might like.

4. Form the mixture into a ball.

5. Place the ball inside a mesh bag.

6. Put the ball into the freezer to solidify.

7. Hang it from a nail on a post, or from a tree branch close to the trunk. This placement will allow woodpeckers and other insect- and seed-eating birds to feed.

8. Watch the birds and enjoy the winter entertainment!

Brilliant thanks for that Gwenhwyfar, I won't be able to get any beef fat suet until Saturday but will definitley try that recipe, It sounds so good I may eat some myself I have a small log with holes right through it which I normally use for fat balls and I shall pop them in there. I will keep you informed
Thanks again
Barbara

[Little Firewall]

I just use Lard softened in the microwave and add some raisins and bird seeds.
Put a hole in the bottom of a yogurt pot and thread string through it and tie a knot in the string at the bottom. Fill the carton with the mix packing it down firmly and leave it in the fridge for a few hours. Cut away the carton and hang the 'feeder' up on a fence.
Hope the birds in your area like it.

[Barbara]

Originally Posted by Little Firewall

I just use Lard softened in the microwave and add some raisins and bird seeds.
Put a hole in the bottom of a yogurt pot and thread string through it and tie a knot in the string at the bottom. Fill the carton with the mix packing it down firmly and leave it in the fridge for a few hours. Cut away the carton and hang the 'feeder' up on a fence.
Hope the birds in your area like it.

Oh what a clever idea, my tree is going to look like a xmas tree with fat bells hanging from it, I love it.
Great idea thankyou
Barbara

[Little Firewall]

Yippee I've done it! Helped someone on WAB after only a week. Never thought I'd manage it.

[Barbara]

Originally Posted by Little Firewall

Yippee I've done it! Helped someone on WAB after only a week. Never thought I'd manage it.

Well done Little Firewall and I'm more than happy to be the first one that you helped, and I'm sure I won't be the last
I shall name my creations 'Little Firewall Bells'