Should suet/ fat be fed year round or just in winter?

[dc2009]

Hi everyone,

Have had a look online but can't find an answer as to when fat/ suet should be fed... Currently feeding suet pellets on table/ ground tray, and fat balls/ suet cake in holders but am I right in thinking I can stop feeding this once spring arrives and resume next autumn/ winter? From previous experience I know they can melt/drip, become mouldy etc in warmer weather so presumably they're really designed for cold weather feeding?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[kezzer]

Info in this link regarding your question....

The RSPB: Advice: When to feed wild birds

[Paul mabbott]

I work on the assumption that in late spring/summer we're feeding nestlings and they'll certainly benefit from soft, fatty stuff but, of course, don't need vast amounts of it - therefore put out in small doses.

On the other hand, I've never found it hanging around long enough to go mouldy!

[Swindoom]

During the recent freeze, about four weeks, I used about 15Kg of suet pellets, in the summer 1Kg would last a month, the main eaters being starlings. The birds were mainly interested in them, especially for breakfast and just before nightfall. I have suet balls and blocks but they have been generally ignored, in the summer the blocks\balls do not last very long, there normally eaten within a few days. Now it has warmed up the birds have gone back to their normal food as first choice.

[John]

I feed throughout the year. They go far quicker in the winter but still get used up fairly quickly at all times of the year in my garden.

John

[dc2009]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It's funny how in different areas, different birds have different preferences. Only the starlings and squirrel seem keen on the fat products here really, and unfortunately the squirrel hasn't been around in a few weeks now... Think am probably going to stop offering the fat when the weather gets warmer as expect they'll end up going off in our garden and being a waste... Can always reintroduce them later in the year when they may be more likely to eat it again...