How to Make a Suet Log Feeder 2018

[@markb8954]

Good having another ShopSmith builder out there. I drilled all sizes of holes in mine, some 1 inch, some less. Some all the way through, some not. You are leaving a lot of empty space by rotating & dropping down so far.. more holes & suet the better.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I can barely keep the feeders full. The birds go crazy for this stuff. Glad to hear you are doing the same.

[@dianeleblanc2970]

I have the resin suet log from wildbirdsunlimited and starlings grab onto the holes and eat from holes next to it. I had a wire mesh on top folded half down and it kept crows and grackles off but not starlings. I don't want the red bellied woodpeckers excluded.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Starlings seen to be able to cling to anything. Some swear by upside down suet feeders.

[@dianeleblanc2970]

@Backyard Birds I can't use my upside-down suet feeder have one and they had no problems clinging upside-down eating away.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

They are just too intelligent.

[@IowaKim]

Just got 3 appropriate sized branch-logs from the timber and was going to use the eye screw, but serendipity gave me an idea. One of the logs had a 8 inch branch near the larger end that made a "Y" shape. It hangs perfectly on a branch of my favorite bird feeder tree! No eye screw needed. So we cut 2 more logs to be like that shape. I figure I'd give it a go. I am hoping to attract the pileated woodpecker, as he is around my current suet feeders are too small for him. Thanks for your well thought out videos.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

This sounds pretty cool. Pileated woodpeckers would be awesome.

[@stevestudley4060]

I put a spade bit in my drill and drilled my holes all the way through. I used a 4X4 peace of wood. It works great. Thank you for the excellent video.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Do you like the hole all the way through?

[@RoeRoe123]

Just don't use treated wood because of chemicals

[@tedr.richardson4655]

No pressure treated lumber, never.

[@IowaKim]

Nice build. Going to make some. Love your channel! New subbie.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. Made my day.

[@MrSteve280]

I do the same with larger diameter driftwood. Larger woodpeckers like Flickers and the Pileated need something more substantial to land on and take off from. Thanks for the suet recipe.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

That's a neat idea and I bet the result is beautiful.

[@dreed1058]

New subscriber - love the suet log!! Best wishes, here's to the woodpeckers, and brown creepers!😂❤

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. I'm still waiting for a brown creeper at my new location.

[@tico78742]

Good information. Just built my third suet log feeder. The woodpeckers really like it and the grackles and blackbirds have left it alone.

[@Joe_Friday]

How did you source your logs? Do you just walk through the woods until you find something you like?

[@tico78742]

Joe Friday I have a few trees around my house and it’s not too hard to find trees down around here. Always on the lookout.

[@Joe_Friday]

@@tico78742 I'm going to look for a suitable log this weekend as I want to make one for my girlfriend. I guess you just sawed the ends off to make them even then you installed an eye screw or something equivalent on one end?

[@tico78742]

Joe Friday Yep. Just an hook or eye bolt. Have used both. My wild bird store sales them but you have also purchase from hardware store. Depends on how large you want to go.

[@Joe_Friday]

@@tico78742 That's funny you just replied. I got my log a bit ago and I just found an eye screw and a hook a few minutes ago. I was gonna use some paracord I have lying around. Do you use a rope or cord or do you place the eye directly on a hook?

[@bartk85622]

Great job Jeff! I was hooked all the way. Your instructions were comprehensive, clear and easy to follow. Nice job on the editing as well!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thanks Bart. I appreciate it. I spent 3 days on just recording and another 2 on editing. I think it's thorough but not too full of fluff.

[@bartk85622]

Not full of fluff at all, it was a little more than 10 minutes, but all that time was well used!

[@ale_the_ia9033]

@@BackyardBirdsUS Your suet log feeders are gorgeous, so much nicer than those sold by places like Duncraft, Wild Birds Unlimited, Best Nest, etc, not to mention the cost these places want for them. I have to use capsaicin treated suet, as squirrels are the least of my worries. Raccoons, deer, bear, you name it, I got it. I add capsaicin treated seeds to treated spreadable suet because most Hot suet cakes sold in stores have peanuts as the one seed ingredient. I love offering the birds a variety of seeds, nuts, mealworms and fruit with the suet. But like I said, hot pepper/capsaicin treated suet sold in most stores tends to focus on just one or two yummy ingredients. It’s mostly about the hot pepper flavored beef fat. So I mix my own. And now I’m going to try making my own log feeder (>ᴗ•)

[@michelekennedy515]

What a great project! Thank you so much for sharing. I will be making a few of these this weekend.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Glad to hear. They really are awesome.

[@tonysokaleoralvsky2640]

Jeff you just helped me this fall and winter

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I'm very glad to hear it.

[@adamogle9462]

Thanks! Very easy and simple!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Glad you like it.

[@galinswigart]

Do these work in the warmer months or does the suet become too soft when it warms up?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I only feed in the winter. In the summer it's better if the birds giraffe for insects and the like. This really is a winter time food.

[@jerrydempsey5428]

Really great video. I had something else in mind but after seeing your video, I'll be using your method.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you times 10. So glad this helps!

[@smyrnasstory]

Brilliant idea!!!. I will make it and will let you know how it went. Thank you!!!!!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

It really works! Best of luck.

[@jcorden6089]

Excellent video!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. You make my day!

[@stevestudley4060]

I learned something new today. I am in your debt.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Glad to help!

[@dvdny]

This is great. So Starlings can't cling to it?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Unfortunately starlings can cling to it... But not easily.

[@teresaperlick3321]

Great video, thank you! I have an aging father who is a very skilled woodworker and I’m going to ask if this is a project that we could do together. What do you think about making the back side flat to be able to screw it to a tree then taking some kind of caging material to lay over it, keeping it maybe an inch out from the log to keep the squirrels out? The sides could attach with open eye hooks for easy removal for filling? It could be longer to make up for the lost holes on the back side. Would love to hear your thoughts on how to do this? I don’t have any low hanging tree limbs to hang anything and this would give a solid launching pad for the large birds to take off from. Thanks so much!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

What I would suggest is getting a shepherds hook with a squirrel baffle. That way only the birds will get to it. Your idea could work but sounds more involved. Squirrels can drive a person crazy can't they!

[@teresaperlick3321]

@@BackyardBirdsUS Id do that if I could. But nearby structures allow squirrels to jump to the feeder. This is why I was looking for a way to make your feeder squirrel-proof

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

The only squirrel proof feeders I know of are the kind where the squirrel gets on it and the feeder closes up. Is it possible for you to trim your trees back. That might be an option. I know it's very frustrating to deal with squirrels. They are so incredibly persistent and intelligent.

[@hdtripper1]

I just now asked a similar question. earlier before scrolling down. I'm thinking about using the hot pepper based suet that squirrels aren't supposed to like but doesn't bother the birds. C&S makes some and then either not drilling holes in back and attaching right to a tree or just hanging from a hook away from the tree or just a hook so you can flip it around to use the other holes when needed.???

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Sounds like that could work.

[@MissouriBirds]

Unfortunately-The starlings became a huge issue for me with these log feeders. I modified the feeders twice-but the starlings still found a way around that. Even moved to 2 different upside down suet feeders from 2 different companies-and the starlings cling upside down and eat just fine from those. There is only ONE feeder I’d recommend that I’ve noticed starlings don’t like very much-while still attracting the red bellied and downeys. Walmart sells it-it’s an upright rectangular shape, green metal with a metal roof. Caged. Walmart also sells the woodpecker seed cake for it. I highly recommend this as I’ve tried it all and the starlings have actually broke 3 of my feeders-AND they are responsible for much of the seed scatter on my basic platform feeders for my cardinals. It sucks as I like them but there are just too many and they are pure chaos.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you for the information. I know starlings can mob a feeder. Didn't know they could also break it. How does the Walmart feeder work. Excludes the starlings?

[@MissouriBirds]

@@BackyardBirdsUS hey! No problem. I am not sure-it may be the mere fact that the seed is in a “cake” form, and upright in the cage which makes it less accessible for them? It seems the starlings do better with the “softer” foods.

[@MissouriBirds]

@@BackyardBirdsUS this is the seed cake. I couldn’t find the feeder online-but whenver I visit the store it is there year ‘round Pennington Woodpecker Bar Wild Bird Feed and Seed Cake, 11 oz., 1 Pack

[@MissouriBirds]

@@BackyardBirdsUS I will have to post a few videos of the crazy starlings lol. It’s easy to see how they can break feeders because they all get on a feeder at the same time and just bounce and go crazy lol. You know what tho-I think they are called “European starlings.” They make some of the cutest noises-but it’s too much destruction 😂

[@MrMrannoying]

Wow that is awesome! Do you sell custom feeders, or take requests?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I did make a bunch and sold them locally. I have a few people wanting them. Maybe i should make a few. They are actually quite involved to make, but they work so well.

[@TheBloodtobone123]

how do I keep grackles away from my log feeder

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I just let them eat. They generally only come during migration or do you have them all year?

[@MissouriBirds]

Unfortunately-The starlings became a huge issue for me with these log feeders. I modified the feeders twice-but the starlings still found a way around that. Even moved to 2 different upside down suet feeders-and the starlings cling upside down and eat just fine from those. There is only ONE feeder I’d recommend that I’ve noticed starlings don’t like very much-while still attracting the red bellied and downeys. Walmart sells it-it’s an upright rectangular shape, green metal with a metal roof. Caged. Walmart also sells the woodpecker seed cake for it. I highly recommend this as I’ve tried it all and the starlings have actually broke 3 of my feeders-AND they are responsible for much of the seed scatter on my basic platform feeders for my cardinals. It sucks as I like them but there are just too many and they are pure chaos.

[@dianabourke8439]

Do you have a recipe for homemade suet

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Yes. I have a video showing how to make it.

[@victorwadsworth821]

My future project once I find the materials. I search the curbs for discards I can use for projects just like this.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Wonderful that you reuse things!

[@victorwadsworth821]

@@BackyardBirdsUS It's best to reuse before recycling, a second life, wouldn't it be wonderful if we had as many life's as cats?

[@jbojm9]

Great information!

[@cindymillford1705]

Hi Jeff! I made my feeder, but it keeps getting moldy...i live in Texas i tried flame torching it., mold returned. I wiped out with a damp cloth...Help!!?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

What kind of wood? I've never had mold. It's it rainy there?

[@cindymillford1705]

Cedar, humid, has been raining on and off. But think we're done for a while.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I don't recommend suet in the summer. Not good for the birds. They need fresh insects this time of year. Wait until winter.

[@hdtripper1]

Has anyone tried C&S Hot pepper suet dough?The red pepper is supposed to repel squirrels. If it does. Can you just hang it from a tree with a hook and just flip it when the hole get empty on front and sides. Or shepherds hook it away from tree enough to let birds get all sides? First question is does the hot suet dough work?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I'm sure it works. But if you put on squirrel proof pole you don't need it.

[@HawksComedy]

good video, i may make one of those

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thanks. They are fun to make too.

[@cindymillford1705]

Hey Jeff! I decided to do this for Christmas but I don't have a drill press...HELP! I'm already behind...

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

You can probably do it with a hand drill bit be careful. You should put it in a vise so it doesn't move.

[@hdtripper1]

Did Santa get you a drill press?😆

[@cindymillford1705]

@@hdtripper1 no, I work for April Wilkerson at the Wood Shed, so I did it at work.

[@miabolte6575]

Thank you for this! Will cardinals like this? We have some here, and I want to be sure this is up their alley. :)

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I have seen cardinals eat it. But not from the log. I just sprinkle some crumbles in a dish or on the ground. Cardinals are interesting because they often come to feeders right at dawn and at dusk. Have you noticed that?

[@okedokie]

@@BackyardBirdsUS Same for the most part here as well, South Central PA, sometimes see them during the day though. I have a small platform feeder and the squirrels always seem to knock it over, anyway to combat that? At the end of the day the birds are still foraging what's left on the ground, but it's annoying. Thanks for sharing by the way.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

@@okedokie to keep squirrels off feeders I use a heavy duty shepherd's hook with a cone baffle. Check out my squirrel video one that managed to get past the baffle because the pole was leaning.

[@MissouriBirds]

No. The more platform feeders you have with black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds-that is all you need. This winter I had around 25 that would feed at once every day. But they require a lot of space to feed-and again, the more platform feeders you can get (look into seed catchers as that provides another platform)-the better off you are. Also-mine here in Missouri don’t like the sunflower hearts/chips-they prefer to eat the seeds. #1 favorite is black oil. #2 is a tie between the stripe and safflower. I use striped sunflower seeds exclusively in some of my platform feeders in order to deter the mourning doves and other birds that are messy and scatter the seeds too much. The one downside is-when the cardinals aren’t fully mature-they have difficulty opening those seeds because they can be too big for their beaks. For example, all of the cardinal babies I had from late last year-well it wasn’t until maybe 1-2 mos ago that I noticed they were able to break that seed.

[@victorwadsworth821]

My brother In Law I have found out is getting into Birds & gardening like I am, nice to have some other THING than Trump or Covid to talk about. I lost my sister, he lost his wife, were two old guys learning to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope this is therapeutic. It really does make you feel good to help the birds.

[@victorwadsworth821]

@@BackyardBirdsUS i get a lot of nurturing from gardening, there it's a two-way street. My brother in-law are about the same stage at birding so that's something to grow with.

[@martysmith6240]

Hard to keep the Starlings off the pole .

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Yes it is. That's why I trap them

[@tedr.richardson4655]

Love to feed and watch birds. Every year I make about a doz. Bluebird Nesting Boxes w/ preditor guards from cedar . Advertise on a local community web site. Last year I had 3 nestings=15 Bluebirds, surely I'm helping to increase their population, they love Dried Meal Worms. I buy in bulk 10# at a time. Most all birds love them. Masonry Plus Florida

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Good for you. Love you the people that help our native birds.

[@VEEZER1]

Hey buddy I had some questions on your pepper growing technique Do u have an email?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Ask here.

[@dawnpenner847]

Oh my God how slow is this video?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

First I've heard.

[@martyakers3195]

Yeah, I'm going to go buy a drill press so I can make a suet log. Can't you dumb this down for us ladies with a hand drill?