am now making my own fat balls.

[naturelover]

well folks i started this thread off and i am amazed at how many of you were interested,the fat balls i made have almost all gone, so over christmas i shall be saving all the dripping from the turkey and meats, to make the birds some yummy fat balls,why shouldnt they have a christmas dinner too.

[Susie]

They were making bird treats by rubbing lard over pine cones and dipping them into bird seed/peanuts/sunflower seeds the other day. I think someone on there must read WAB!

[paddy]

The Gardener's World special on Friday featured pinecones spread with peanut butter and birdseed - looked a pretty expensive option, if doing it in bulk.
Freezing them - particularly in yoghurt pots - works, by the way.... Just took the first load out. If you want starling revenge, hang them before they're defrosted!

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Susie

They were making bird treats by rubbing lard over pine cones and dipping them into bird seed/peanuts/sunflower seeds the other day. I think someone on there must read WAB!

Pine cones again ,just as a variation,I mixed off a ramakin of sunflower hearts
with a teaspoon of honey packing the mix into a pine cone.It sticks together well and the occasional seed dropping keeps the ground feeders happy
PS a Magpie has just made off with a fat laden cone feeder!

[dmclean2]

I Make my fat balls and also replenish the whole coconut fat mix feeder, it has 3 lovely holes on the side of the nut and hangs vertically from the milk holes, when I fill it with the mix I use foil to block up 2 of the holes then put it in the fridge overnight, it lasts arround 3 weeks and they all get a share , starlings included, it's funny to watch the starlings spinning arround when they land on the side of it,
I like the idea of the Pine Cones, I shall be trying that soon 'Cause it's time to replenish. thanks for the tips folks,
Duncan

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Originally Posted by dmclean2

I Make my fat balls and also replenish the whole coconut fat mix feeder, it has 3 lovely holes on the side of the nut and hangs vertically from the milk holes, when I fill it with the mix I use foil to block up 2 of the holes then put it in the fridge overnight, it lasts arround 3 weeks and they all get a share , starlings included, it's funny to watch the starlings spinning arround when they land on the side of it,
I like the idea of the Pine Cones, I shall be trying that soon 'Cause it's time to replenish. thanks for the tips folks,
Duncan

I've also done that, although I made my own coconut feeders, by using a hole saw and sawing 3 large holes in each side of the coconut and using one of the holes at the top to hang from I find it takes just about a whole block of dripping mix to fill it and lasts yonks

[naturelover]

hi i know what you mean by the starling on the coconut,i do the same as you refill them,and yes it is funny to watch them trying ti get a grip then it spinning.

[Bad bird watcher]

Just found this thread and I too have recently started to make my own fat mix with melted lard, crushed peanuts, seeds, sultanas and porridge oats and stuff it all into a half coconut. One question though - anyone got a solution to it melting in the warmer weather - other than not putting any out of course!

[dmclean2]

Hi! Bad Bird ,
Try using dripping instead of lard and put some suet into the mix along with your other ingredients, this will set a lot firmer and last a bit longer the birds have to work at it , but they win in the end.
Duncan

[paddy]

Yeah, the suet thing works - plus stale bread crumbs, oats, a few tablespoons of plain flour... anything that makes it solid. I don't think i've ever had one melt... However, i do tend to move away from fat balls in late spring - tends to be a winter thing to bulk the birdies up after a cold night...