Feed the Birds

[Domestic Goddess]

I have seen for sale small plastic trays of solid wild bird food. It looks like lard that's been melted, had seeds and nuts added and them left to solidify. If that's the case then I thought that I could make some myself for my feathered friends.
Has anyone done this?
Is lard ok to use or should I use something else?
Do you have any recipes to share?
Inspire me, what do your birds like to eat?

[Beth]

yeah its dead easy to do and fun if you get the kids involved too :D

first you need some clean pots, large yogurt pots are perfect, you know the muller rice ones,
then make a small hole in the bottom of them with a scewer or something

take some strong string and thread it through the hole making sure there is a very large knot to hold it in place either side, making sure there is enough string to tie it up to a tree or where ever :)

next you need a large bowl, some lard or fat, my mum used to use the fat from the sunday roast! *marg is not very good, I would go with the lard option)
some peanuts, raisins, apple pieces, coconut, bird seed(lots) or anything you the birds might like!

put the lard in the bowl and zap it in the microwave for about 15/20sec, if its longer it goes all runny and then takes ages to set, you dont have to zap it if you have stong elbows and are prepared to mix for a while!

add in all the bird treats and really stir it up so its mixed well

at this point you will need to wrap the outside of the yoghurt pot with clingfilm or greese proof, this is to stop the lard mix coming out of the sting hole and messing up your fridge!
place the pots upside down on a plate and fill with the mix, pop it into the fridge and wait for it to set

bingo you have bird feeders! :D just remember to remove the clingfilm before you hang them out

I love making them and the birds love eating them!!

[Domestic Goddess]

Beth, have you ever considered becomming a Blue Peter presenter? You'd be fab!

[Beth]

Originally posted by carrieuk@15th October 2004 - 12:46 PM
Beth, have you ever considered becomming a Blue Peter presenter?

75733

thats possibly where I got it from ! :lol: :lol:

[Enterian]

There's some ideas from the experts here. (http://www.rspb.co.uk/gardens/whatyoucando/feedinggardenbirds/what_food.asp)

Don't forget October 30th is "Feed the Birds" day!

Enterian

[Eeyore]

I've made lard feeders with kids as part of my job, we drill out bits of wood and put the softened bird mix into them, then hang them, or you could even use hollowed out coconuts :D

I love feeding birds, as Enterian as posted the RSPB website is great for tips and ideas, and you can send away for a feeding pack free of charge! :D :)

Its peanuts ours are mad for at the minute, we go through one large bag a week, greediest os the Robbin who guards the bird table and fends off every other bird, its great to watch :bigeyes: funny thing is Robins are not supposed to like peanuts ;)

[Beth]

nice link Enterian, thanks :)

[Domestic Goddess]

I made a "bird cake" on Saturday and it has gone down a treat! My children and I have enjoyed watching the birds peck away at it.
I enjoyed the RSPB link - it's a great site. I might invest in some nesting boxes for the spring.

[Beth]

great stuff!
I want to make some too but have had a rotton cold the last few days and havent been able to get to te shop to buy the bits needed :lol: the birds (and mice) have had to do with out of date bread!! :lol:

[Eeyore]

Well done :thumbs:

Says it is going to be cold this week coming so I am sure the birds need our help B)

[Domestic Goddess]

this cake is rather big, I just hope the birds will still be able to take off after eating some!!

[Beth]

so if I am walking down the road and a fat bird falls on me I will know I am in your area! :lol:

[Enterian]

Here's another link that may be of interest to you:
Jacobi Jayne (http://www.jacobijayne.co.uk/)

I buy all my bird food online from these people, not to mention feeders and nest boxes. They have my full recommendation (and no I have no connection with them :D )

Enterian