DIY Suet Cakes for Hungry Wild Birds & Backyard Chickens (extra protein for winter!)

suet

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable shortening

Coconut oil provides a similar texture while being plant-based.

currants

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: raisins

Dried cranberries add tartness and are often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often cheaper.

spices

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: ground spices

Fresh herbs can enhance flavor while ground spices are often more economical.

Melt 4 cups of lard on the stovetop over low heat until smooth.

Mix 2 cups of all-natural peanut butter with the melted lard until smooth.

Add 5 cups of mixed bird seed to the peanut butter and lard mixture and stir to combine.

Add 2 cups of cracked corn to the mixture and stir.

Add 3 cups of quick oats to the mixture and stir.

Add 2 cups of unsalted peanuts and 2 cups of dried chopped apples to the mixture and stir.

Add approximately 4 cups of frozen cranberries to the mixture and stir until well combined.

Pack the mixture into various containers, ensuring it is tightly packed to prevent falling apart.

Place the packed suet cakes outside to harden, as it is colder outside than in the freezer.

Cut a piece of suet to fit the suet feeder and hang it up for the birds.

Store any remaining suet cakes in the freezer with parchment paper between layers.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens