Making Seed Logs for Backyard Birds

How to make your own seed logs for feeding backyard birds.
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS - click on "SHOW MORE" VVV
The gelatin will get softer in warmer temps so a bit of trial and error would be needed to test them. We don't feed during the summer so I don't know about very warm temps but during our fall through spring the temps are typically under 15C (under 60F) and they seem fine. This summer I will try a few when it is hot - but there may not be as many seed eaters around looking for food then. If someone tries these in very warm situations please let me know how they work for you - and for the birds!
You need to keep them dry - rain will also certainly soften the gelatin and might contribute to mold if they are not consumed readily. We keep ours under the eaves or under plastic "domes" (you can see some domes over other feeders in the background).
To keep the squirrels at bay I use a few strategies: we hang the seed log (under a dome) from a long line (like a thin clothesline) - they don't seem willing or able to walk along it; secondly, for all the feeders we have on a pole we use a squirrel exclusion device (see the large black tube in the background) which prevents squirrels (and raccoons) from climbing the pole. I tried adding LOTS of chili and cayenne powder to the recipe but the squirrels didn't seem phased and it would have been wasteful and expensive to add any more. Lastly - as we all know, squirrels can jump so we had to make sure these were at least 8 feet or so away from any "launch pads" for the squirrels :-)

[@jackiemuir4160]

Well, I now know why I don't get the birds at my feeders. They're all in this guys garden

[@lehuananichai3947]

😂😂😂

[@PamelaGreen354]

🤣🤣🌼

[@shikhalemuel6802]

lol

[@MrBaconwhopper]

Lol, I just wanted to make that exact comment 😂. I had to eventually throw away the food before it began to rot. I had it up there for at least 10 days without ever seeing a bird

[@PamelaGreen354]

@@MrBaconwhopper 🤣🌸

[@RoseOriginals]

You have a beautiful yard! I can imagine how nice it would be to sit there in the morning with your coffee and watch your birds.

[@vonniescrafts1]

I am so jealous lol

[@LesCish]

True enough. But let's face it. If he has such a well manicured garden, he probably doesn't sit and enjoy very often.

[@finewine3702]

Yes, I spotted that handsome stone retaining wall in the background. Having built a dozen or so dry-laid (no mortar) stone walls, I appreciate both the beauty and their utility!

[@brooklynjack]

The fact that this man would go through all that, in order to feed the birds, amazes me. His kindness is very evident.

[@Lat41]

It’s kindness like this that helps keep me going.

[@willbritton133]

Doug, this is one of the best DIY suet/seed/log/block videos I have seen on youtube and I've watched dozens. I'm a big time birder and field biologist. This is great stuff. Do more of these if you make any other DIY bird feeding things!

[@Claudia-bo5vf]

do you really think feeding birds necessary? I read some articles about feeding caused birds to enter mating earlier and as a result, there is no insects yet for their chicks so chicks can't survive.

[@willbritton133]

@@Claudia-bo5vf It’s not necessary for their survival. They did fine for millions of years without humans putting out food for them. It’s just something for humans to do to enjoy nature.

[@berthamoen4488]

@@willbritton133 But WITH humans around birds fared a lot worse, so feeding the birds helps a lot! Even in summer!

[@Jannie-]

I guess having their natural environment sadly being swallowed up year by year, it’s becoming so much harder for them to find their own food ( especially during the wintertime) . I think feeding them could be essential for their survival in certain urban areas .

[@solsticesummer982]

This is the most beautiful, instructive, well done video. And the ambiance of all the grateful recipients all flittering around and enjoying their meals. It’s like a little bird restaurant there! ☺️☺️❤️❤️ Definitely can tell you’re an instructor/teacher.

[@goodmorningbeautifulhumans1638]

I love this comment! ❤

[@Gerd20]

Love this guy, his ideas, his acceptance of the weather, his backyard, his jacket and all his feathered friends.

[@bumps-a-daisy9889]

How many people had to play this video over and over again??? I'm sorry, but I didn't take note of a single thing that was said or done - I just couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful happy little birds. Guess I'll have to watch it AGAIN🤣😂🐦🐦🐦

[@lonieschlefke693]

How adorable is this guy?!?

[@susanbedard1280]

Would you use the gelatin for wood peckers or suet as well as other ingredients? Great video. I have indoor cats as well as a dog and the wild birds and squirrels would make great outdoor TV for the winter months.

[@laurenrizzuto878]

He's amazing. I love seeing these kinds of videos. My Dad loved birds. Loved feeding them, watching them. He's passed so this reminds me of him.

[@ourniche]

@@susanbedard1280 woodpeckers enjoy these for sure! When we lived in Northern Ontario they were very hard at -20C but woodpeckers just chipped away. I think it is easier to just feed suet on its own. You can make suet seed logs but it is a bit messy compared to gelatin. True that woodpeckers LOVE suet though.

[@cmur4372]

@@ourniche Hello Doug, I love this video! I am going to incorporate this into my bird feeding stations. Thank you and stay safe, from SW Ontario.

[@susiwakeman4271]

He is fabulous, I bet he can turn his hand to anything, a beautiful and modest gentleman xx

[@marilyn1228]

Birds are like people....as soon as someone starts making something delicious, they start milling around in excited anticipation. These birds trust this sweet man. I bet they would love to perch on his shoulder.

[@jasondonnelly5847]

Love how you setup your video. Having your "target audience" in the background shows how happy they are for your efforts. Please consider recording an hour or more of a "Nature Scape," A lot of us play those videos on our tvs as background. Thank you!

[@RangerJeni]

Proper cat tv.!

[@pinchebruha405]

Yes I love this!!!

[@rhondaborders3452]

@@RangerJeni I just came to say that. You can entertain inside kitties for hours.

[@waynecoons9695]

Will the gelatin melt in the summer, here in South Carolina?

[@annwithaplan9766]

@@waynecoons9695 - Good question, so I looked it up. I'm in NC. "Some people believe that gelatin melts in hot weather, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Gelatin is a stable protein that does not melt in hot weather."

[@Snwlprdss]

I think my grandson would have a blast doing this with me. He’s 4.

[@mindym.1166]

I make my own suet blocks but it never occurred to me to make logs -- and I've never heard of using the plain gelatin! Great way to do it!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how’re you doing?

[@masuganut2082]

I fell in love with you the moment you called the birdies “your target audience “ ❤️

[@Sunshine-lg8su]

Is this what “bird heaven” looks like? In my next life I’m going to be a bird and move into this guys neighborhood 🙌

[@user-kb3nb5jd5k]

He will all ways have birds in his garden Great place to study

[@susanhull1098]

I absolutely love this! You must have been a teacher; you explain the process so well. I cannot wait to do this with my granddaughter. Thank you so much!

[@ourniche]

haha - you got me - a retired science teacher of 30 years :-)

[@susanhull1098]

😀 Retired Kdg teacher here, then worked 12 years in a science center in the Midwest. Thank you for showing the fun in science. ❤️

[@tburnette910]

I love that teachers can pick one another out in a crowd!!!

[@bethmulligan2588]

I just showed this to my grandchildren...their dad is bringing supplies home w him 2nite( he's a mngr at a Walmart)

[@1stAmbientGrl]

@@ourniche I thought the same thing! "I bet he's a retired teacher." ☺ Here's my question: Where are the squirrels? I'm afraid I have more squirrels than birds. 😡

[@kayjenkins731]

At last a DIY person who is well organized and not waffling on about everything else but the subject, well done you have a beautiful garden, thankyou for your time to do this for us

[@ourniche]

much appreciated. I'm a former teacher so I've have several decades of practice :-)

[@helenacincurova5387]

I watch your video with astonishment and great respect, I really like your garden and bird feeder. I also like to feed birds in the winter and I like watching them, but I've never seen anything like it - the atmosphere in your garden is beautiful and very nice, It is obvious that you love those birds and it is quite obvious that they love you and your garden and your food as well. It's very inspiring to me. Good job, Mr. Fraser, greetings from Slovakia.

[@ShaighJosephson]

My father was a total fanatic with 10 times the feeders...but this guy makes him look like a total amature with all the birds he gets...

[@dawneckert6622]

I’ve also seen this same process and then packed into Bundt pans. Then you can hang them as a wreath

[@justwannasay5454]

I am going to try that.

[@esthersanchez2264]

I made my 1st batch yesterday and used plastic containers from Chinese takeout the rectangular shape and some square suet plastic. Thanks for your input I'll try the wreath next time until I can get the items needed for the seed log. 🙂

[@pauldow1648]

@@esthersanchez2264 Like the 'use what you got' spirit.

[@EmoEmu]

The way the birds just swarm around in your garden makes me happy. You must be doing everything just right.

[@nicks420]

7:09 when he set its down and they all fly off for a second 😂

[@melissahardy2543]

I loved watching and learning to make these seedlogs. I was entranced at all the birds flying around and eating with him standing right there. I hope I can get some of the birds out here in Texas to do this

[@Skeeterboatfast]

Sir, you are such a gentle kindred spirit. I could watch your videos all day. Thanks.

[@mollymathis1126]

The Bob Ross of bird feeders. 😉

[@richardpallotta6158]

Sounds great....what about bacon grease as a binder ?

[@moomoo3031]

I wish we were neighbors, beautiful video, you are a darling man. be safe

[@lockergr]

Yep, he's an ideal neighbor. This is a cool idea.

[@margmckay3257]

Yes I wish he was my neighbour too. My neighbour has tried all sorts of methods to prevent me feeding the birds from reporting me to the Environmental Dept to using crow bangers and setting up Larson traps etc. He and his wife make my life a misery but hey I’m still feeding the birds and they are still coming into my garden and singing to me. They have Karma coming to them🤷‍♀️🧤🇮🇪

[@lockergr]

@@margmckay3257 I've never really heard of someone hating the birds unless they don't want rodents around. That's too bad. It's never nice living with someone you're in conflict with. 🐦

[@veronicaapolinar1059]

How crazy is to read so many recent comments ( hours and days old) of this video from 2 years ago It's super cool 💡 idea

[@vivienrhodes4248]

Your garden is full of birds Here's to you for being so generous 😊😊😊

[@jerrykeenan1848]

Sitting in your yard must be like heaven . Thanks so much

[@KellieEverts--conductsNightTra]

Wow this guy has bird feeding down to a science. Look at all those lovelies!

[@hookbeak3516]

You are without a doubt the silver daddy to the garden bird community: The shear number of feathered friends, fluttering behind you, whilst mixing up your seed log treat, was delightful to watch. A tiered rockery has more character than a lawn, good for birds to find insects as well.

[@maryannrecht7605]

Thanks for wonderful bird video and lesson on making seed logs plus those glorious moments when the birds were all perched and waiting for their treats on the light line and then you moved and they all flew up in their glory; very exciting. Mary Ann, Chicago.

[@sadhanasadhana4648]

Thank you so much for teaching all this.

[@rogercarroll1663]

This is much easier than rendering suet and making seed blocks that way.

[@MyButtercup]

This smells better and easier to clean up.

[@littlebrookreader949]

Your yard is wonderful! The rain sounds wonderful, and I love your idea!

[@lsss155]

I throw out old bread to attract birds but this is better. Thank you.

[@halestorm5248]

Great job. I went out directly to Home Depot and picked up 4" PVC, dowel rod , jute twine and a couple of bags of bird seed. Can't wait to make some of these bird feeder logs. My 91 year old mother in law loves to watch the birds. This will definitely be great.

[@yvonnemccullaghward361]

Never saw so many birds in a garden. They know the buffet is good!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 how are you doing?

[@sci-commconnect5701]

I bet he was a science teacher and by the looks of it he would've been one of the great ones

[@ourniche]

thanks and yes I was a science teacher :-)

[@fussyoregano4097]

Its impressive all the bird they look like bee flying around the hive

[@kRis-rn6so]

What a perfect gift that could be for a feather-loving friend.🪶🪶

[@hookecho8283]

We spend a small fortune feeding the birds and squirrels. But I love to do it, because I love them 💕 it’s nice to see others who do this as well.

[@lsss155]

I love the animals, too 😍

[@maggiepatterson7949]

birds help keep bug populations down too, and their songs are so cheering. i put on bird song youtube videos in the winter when i am shut in the house...a bit of spring!

[@novenaesperanza53]

He is truly a bird 🐦 lover

[@patriciatreslove4449]

I'm amazed at the number of bird flying around your garden

[@adamzemancik6286]

What a quality content! I am going to make these! Very smart idea with zero waste left behind. Love the birds in backround reacting to you smashing the pot.

[@adamzemancik6286]

@Morning top I have made around 10 logs, some of them using lard, some of them using lard mixed with gellatine. So far one has failed after just a few days, probably the same thing happened to them as has happened to you. I am thinking about using a thicker yarn because I have a feeling my failed due to the yarn beeing too thin and cutting through the log like a knife.

[@adamzemancik6286]

@Morning top Hi, do you put your mix in the plastic net wrapper? From what Ive heard thats not recommended, because some birds might get stuck in it. About the oven, do you turn it on, when you put your logs into it? Or do you just let them sit in there, because its dry? I hope I found a solution to my logs falling apart. I put a paper straw into the middle and then I run the string through it. I hope it spreads out the force of the string to a larger surface. So far it works.

[@cathynefzger3062]

Just found your channel, great tutorial. Now to subscribe!!! By the looks of it, I believe the birds have your number!!! 😅🐦 😍 💙

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 how are you doing?

[@katrinajohnson3776]

I think he's the bird whisperer!! They are very comfortable flying around him. Thanks for letting me know how to do this.🤗👍✝️

[@sadiee7028]

One of the best videos I have seen ! Thanks for sharing . Love all of the birds you have 😍

[@nancygrissett6280]

I will be getting supplies tomorrow at Walmart for my birdies. In my back yard I have dead trees the woodpeckers love to eat from and the little birds love the berrie bushes. So I think I will make some of these so my indoor kitties can watch the birds and so the birds have food for the winter. Thanks sooo much for the share.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 how are you doing?

[@wholefoodplantbasedcookingshow]

This is genius! I can’t wait to make some 👏👏👏❤️

[@SweetChicagoGator]

I follow your plant-based Channel. 😍 nice to see you here !

[@ourniche]

If you make them with agar then everything is plant-based (well plant and algae which is not a true plant haha). Gelatin of course is an animal-derived protein so that is why I do also make them with agar.

[@esthersanchez2264]

@@ourniche THANKS!!! 😯 I'm assuming 1 tablespoon of agar is equal to 1 tbsp of agar I'll have to research. ☺️

[@veganc5028]

I hope you use a gelatin substitute since gelatin is made from the bodies of tortured animals

[@RStone-po6xt]

@@veganc5028 I had a great tomahawk steak today. Gonna have another tomorrow, just for you. You should thank me, as I saved some of your food. One cow can eat a lot!! Now, where did I put that damn steak sauce!?

[@user-yz3tj2ml8m]

Thank you so much. This is wonderful and I can't wait see our local birds enjoying their feeders. You are a treasure Doug.

[@joanneyoung1081]

What a cute guy. So appreciative and so are the birds.

[@thensley3624]

Simple - great directions and love all the birds in your backyard! We have generations of sparrows which I know many people do not care for. They are born on the front porch and live in our honeysuckle bush and never leave. They would love this especially in our cold Iowa winters plus it would make our woodpeckers that visit very happy! Thanks!

[@annerawls2065]

I love my wild birds and greatly enjoy watching them here in rural South Carolina. Thank you for sharing your seed log invention.

[@tlaf-yh2px]

Wild birds should not be fed.

[@judymooney2993]

I also live in SC - Greenville, and love finding this video. Right now, end of Dec 2022, I have numerous woodpeckers and cardinals flitting around my yard.

[@jezailjune8336]

You have the most beautiful yard!

[@Clementinejane665]

Who is this amazing human? That’s the question I want answered . 😜

[@mjitt]

Would love to see more of your garden!

[@vsteph4133]

This is a great thing we should all support wildlife any way we can. There aren’t nearly as many birds and insects as there used to be.

[@useyournoodle100]

Because of feeders. They spread disease!

[@verabolton]

Brilliant! Your garden is a bird paradise 🤩

[@sshaw4429]

His birds love him….!❤❤❤❤❤. My birds are skittish still.

[@julieengelen2965]

Love these definitely gonna try them ,looks easier than the way i have been doing it ,plus love the large size ,your garden is amazing, never seen so many happy birds,thankyou for the useful tips julie x

[@lindsv]

I LOVE your garden!!!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 how are you doing?

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Those birds absolutely love you. I have to step up my game

[@chankooncheng]

Excellent work of love for our winged friends!

[@dwoodynis]

Doug; great job on the video, even with the challenge of rain. My wife and I are in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. We Followed your directions to the letter. Had a difficult time getting log out of the ABS, but used a soup can to push it out with some tapping on the top. The song birds went nuts for it and devoured the entire log in a half a day. (Half a dozen birds at a time, lol). Enjoyed both your presentation and the results. Thanks.

[@kimberlyraz6343]

I absolutely loved watching this video :D The birds are so used to you that they just continue on eating lol.....I am definitely going to make some of these.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋how are you doing?

[@keithlinney7084]

I've been experimenting with a 'seed brick' and lard for years. I bow to the master, logs and gelatin is bird feeding architecture.... it's a 'eureka' moment...it's the FUTURE!!! I will be including dried mealworms.

[@ourniche]

Mealworms will likely be a big hit :-) Suet/lard works also but I find it very messy so we usually feed suet separately.

[@dianawoods6991]

I love birds there amazing and all animals makes me happy. 🦅

[@enfelice]

Thank you so much, the black capped chickadees, downy and pileated woodpeckers, Canada jays, and the occasional deer all love your seed log idea here in Bergland, On.

[@irenepeek3211]

Great video Great landscaping Great outdoor living room Great collection of bird's that obviously appreciate you very much Great demonstration of a great idea. I've enjoyed it twice so far and shared. Blessings to you and yours. Great grammie in Michigan ❣️

[@prarieborn6458]

Such excitment among the birdies watching you!! For Joy!! For Joy!! I had a wonderful feeding. station for my birds, and so many came around for years until RATS MOVED INTO MY YARD. and they moved iinto my house and I had to stop feeding the birds. the rats were a plague on the land because they stopped making D-Con that farmers and property managers used all over the USA. and the rat population exploded. Our local feed store said they had never sold so much rat poison and traps in their entire 40 yrs of being in business. Our entire county was beseiged and infested. the makers of D-Con came up with another effective poison, but I refused to use poison, and used the electronic units to repel them in the house, and traps, but the rats persisted until a feral cat moved in and hunted them all, leaving them by the door, in exchange for cat food. The rats disappeared , probably leaving because there was a killer hunting them, or Kitty killed them all??. She had kittens and her generations have kept us rat free. But they will also hunt and kill birds at a feeding station..it has been 5 years without my birds, excpt humming birds, I keep their feeder hung up too high for the cats. These seed logs are a great idea..hanging up high, to bring back my birds. Thank You

[@maryjostover7753]

I just got done making my seed logs and I now know why you make them outside. That gelatin has to be the worst smelling thing,lol. I will mix my next batch outside for sure!! Thanks for the video.

[@christiensgarden3325]

Excellent video I can’t wait to try this I’ve been spending $14 at the store for this...

[@victorsanchez7715]

Thank you for taking the time to make your videos, BEAUTIFUL work Brother!

[@ridingvenus]

0:25 wow impressive!!

[@DOLsenior]

I love how the birds trust you 🙂

[@jediineducation]

what a nice impact you have. not only the birds enjoy, also all around in the neighborhood people can enjoy listening to birds

[@marshyburrows1094]

Wow 😳 the bird whisperer

[@GARY-yu8pc]

The start is like a scene from hitchcock movie The Birds

[@cookeeee1962]

What a beautiful garden and bird sanctuary 💙

[@rwoods6132]

We have several bird feeders as well as a couple of suet feeders. The best entertainment for the dollar! Hours of entertainment.

[@Sunshine-xt1vb]

Found a product at Wild Birds Unlimited but you can purchase it from Amazon; Coles Flamming Squirell Seed Sauce. I use 3 tablespoons per 10 cups of seed and mix it in a large ziploc bag and let it sit overnight-otherwise making the cylinders right away seems to make it not stick to the seed as well. Use gloves-it can cause major skin irritation. The bottle says you can use 6 tablespoons but I have found that 3 keeps them away no problem. Love it the squirrels stay away now-they have their own feeder and are well fed, so this gives me an opportunity to watch the birds.

[@carolemahoney3766]

Merry-go-round for birds!

[@lisajoy9588]

Wow! I have never in my life seen so many birds going crazy over feeders like this! Amazing! I’ve got to try this!

[@yvonneschimmel453]

Beautiful back yard

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 how are you doing?

[@katiebailey3951]

I absolutely love your garden!

[@georginafraser451]

Hello there , as you can see Ower surname is the same. I live in Argentina., South America and my ancestors came here in 1850. From north Scotland. Around Banff, Keith. And Invernesshire We even maybe related. I loved your video....all my blessings. Now here we are entering autumn.

[@karinmonnich3310]

What a wonderful idea! Sure have to try this. Thank you!

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

Thank you. That’s something I’ve been wanting to know how to do for years. Love your yard.

[@Jannie-]

This is so much quicker, cheaper and easier using gelatine to set the seeds , rather than the usual lard/tallow . Thank you for this great video 🙏. I’m definitely going to use your method in future.

[@Jackie.Lee.Art.2491]

What a kind person you are to go to all this trouble to make the birds happy.

[@shulamiteKINGSbride]

Im already buying seed. Might as well try this. I buy the logs as well. Looks like fun. Thank you.

[@Gigi-wo8yv]

This is a true feast for the birds! Your yard is fabulous! Thank you for your excellent video!

[@mariasmith1807]

Very good DIY home made seed bird feder log. Thanks!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 how are you doing?

[@cynthiapahnka1214]

Wonderful! Thank you from me & my fine feather friends.

[@christinebories2446]

What a good idea the birds are in paradise your garden is amazing so many beautiful birds I got to try this

[@kentudor6681]

Just watching this video ratcheted up my mental health several points. Can’t wait to make some logs. Thank you and greetings from the High Peak in England.😊

[@susieepstein2726]

This is so delightful! Not only learning how to make a healthy seed log for the birds, but I've enjoyed watching the zillions of happy birds dive bombing the seed logs as you prepare more. Thanks again!

[@soniatriana9091]

Great tutorial! I also thought the presentation was like a great demo lesson for your students(us, the viewers)! So, I was happy to see that you’re a retired teacher! Me too! Thank you for sharing this great DIY project! I’m excited to get the necessary items, so I can make one for my yard!! Looking forward to other tutorial you might post! Have fun watching your birds in your beautiful yard!!

[@ourniche]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sharonmathis1545]

How much seed in volume to how much gelatin?

[@ourniche]

@@sharonmathis1545 recipe at the end in a few "slides" - you might need to pause the video

[@sickoftheshit]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. What an awesome way to show some bird love, and so great to see such happy birds flitting around in the background.