Suet Bird Feeder Plans: Build a Simple Suet Feeder
Suet / Peanut Bird Feeder Plans - Build a Simple Suet Feeder
This is a set of plans to build an easy suet bird feeder. It’s a project you can do with kids and your new feeder should last you a long time. You can also use this style bird feeder for fruit slices such as apples or larger nuts.
Materials:
Wood - 1″ x 2″
A miter box and hand saw
1/4″ wire mesh - plastic coated hardware cloth
Wire cutter
Nails
Double-pointed U nails
Pliers
Hammer
Tape measure
Pencil
Drill and bits
20″ rope or wire - vinyl coated wire works well
1. Cut 1″ x 2″ pieces of wood into two two that are 5″ long and two 9″ long pieces.
2. In the two 5″ boards, drill one hole about 1 1/4 inch from an end. You will thread your rope through this later, allowing you to open the suet feeder from the top. Set these aside.
3. Drill two holes in one of the 9″ boards, about 1″ from each end. This is where your rope will go through on the top of the suet feeder. Set this aside - it is the top of your suet feeder.
4. Nail the two shorter 5″ pieces of wood inside the remaining 9″ piece of wood with the holes you drilled in the 5″ board on the top. These should be about 2″ from the ends of the 9″ board.
5. Cut two pieces of wire mesh about 7″by 7″. Fold over the edges so sharp points of the wire will not be exposed, flatting out completely with light hammer taps.
6. Nail the mesh to the outside of the 5″ boards with the U nails, forming a small cage.
7. On the reverse side, again using the double-pointed U nails, attach the second piece of mesh to the 5″ boards.
8. Take the 20″ rope and tie a tight knot in one end. Thread this through the 5″ holes on the inside of the cage. T
9. Thread the rope through one of the holes in the top 9″ board that you had set aside earlier, and then thread the rope through the other hole on the other end of the 9″ board.
10. Thread the rope through the outside of the cage to the inside. Your top should now be attached to the cage. Tie a tight knot at the end of the rope. You should be able to lift the top of the cage and open it by sliding it up the rope. This is how you will fill your suet feeder and replace suet cakes.
Your suet feeder should be ready to hang! Take it outside, fill with suet cake or slices of fruit and enjoy the birds when they come to visit!
Tip: Rough cedar is our first choice in wood. It is the best because it can be left unpainted, and not painting is best for the birds along with being natural for them, therefore more attractive. It’s easy for birds to land on. White pine or fir also make good choices. Yellow pine tends to seep pitch, so we avoid it. Do not use pressure treated as the chemicals used to treat the wood can be toxic.
Shop for pre built suet bird feeders at Suet Cage Wild Bird Feeders.