DIY Suet Recipe for Wild Birds
- Chirp Nook
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
When the temperatures drop, birds need extra energy to stay warm, and suet is one of the best high-calorie foods you can offer. It’s easy to make at home, budget-friendly, and the birds absolutely love it.
This is the exact suet recipe I use all winter long here in Michigan, the same one featured in my viral TikTok video. It’s full of protein, healthy fats, and ingredients that keep woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches coming back for more!
🪶 Ingredients
1 cup lard (rendered beef suet, or any plain lard works great)
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup cornmeal
3 cups birdseed (try a blend like Cool Birds “Nut & Fruit” or “No Mess”)
1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
🍳 Instructions
Melt the lard in a large skillet over low heat.
Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
Add oats, cornmeal, birdseed, and cranberries, mixing well until everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into silicone molds, small containers, or lined pans.
Let it cool completely, then store at room temperature or below.
I like to store mine in zip-top bags outside so they stay cool and firm.
🌻 Feeding Tips
Offer suet in a suet log feeder designed for soft suet, like a log feeder or pinecone! The log’s natural wood holes make it easy for birds like woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches to cling while feeding.
Perfect for cold months when birds need extra calories, but avoid using during hot summer days since it can melt.
Store extra suet in the freezer or outside in a shaded area until needed.
🐦 Birds That Love This Recipe
This suet mix is a favorite among clinging and perching birds alike. You’ll often see Woodpeckers (downy, red-bellied, red-headed, hairy, and more!), Chickadees, Titmice, and Nuthatches stopping by for a bite, along with Northern Flickers and Dark-eyed Juncos
💬 Final Thoughts
Making your own suet is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to feed backyard birds. Plus, you can tweak the recipe to include your favorite seed blends or fruit!
If you try this recipe, tag @chirpnook on TikTok or Instagram so I can see your birds enjoying it too!
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. It helps support Chirp Nook and allows me to keep sharing birdwatching content and DIY recipes like this one!
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