Birds require fat and protein in their diet to survive and thrive. Providing high-fat foods can help attract birds to your yard and give them the energy they need during harsh winters, migration, and nesting season. Making your own fat bird food is easy, affordable, and allows you to control exactly what goes into the food. This article will provide tips on the best ingredients to use, recipes to try, and how to serve fat bird food safely.
Why Do Birds Need Fatty Foods?
Fat provides birds with concentrated energy to power them through demanding times of year. Here are some key reasons birds benefit from fatty foods:
- Winter – Fat gives birds warmth and energy when cold weather makes natural food scarce.
- Migration – Long migrations require large fat reserves to fuel the journey.
- Nesting Season – Parents need extra fat to produce crop milk for nestlings and keep up with busy schedules.
- Cold Nights – Fat allows birds to survive frigid nights when they cannot forage for food.
- Fledglings – Young birds need lots of energy as they learn to fly and become independent.
Offering fat-rich bird foods provides essential support when your backyard birds need it most.
Best Fats and Oils for Bird Food
Not all fats are equal when it comes to bird health and nutrition. Some types of fat are better absorbed and utilized. Here are good options to look for:
- Lard – Rendered pig fat is a great source of energy.
- Tallow – Beef fat that is shelf-stable and nutrient-dense.
- Bacon Grease – Adds flavor and calories.
- Peanut Butter – High in fat and protein for an energy boost.
- Sunflower Oil – A bird-healthy oil rich in vitamin E.
- Safflower Oil – Similar to sunflower oil with lots of fat.
Avoid using oils high in polyunsaturated fats, like corn and soybean, which can turn rancid quickly. Focus on more natural, saturated fats.
Best Bird Foods to Increase Fat Content
You can add fat to many common bird foods to increase the energy content. Try adding one or more of these high-fat ingredients:
| Bird Food | Add |
|---|---|
| Suet | Lard, tallow, bacon grease, peanut butter |
| Seed Mixes | Nuts, sunflower hearts, dried fruit, granola |
| Mealworms | Vegetable oil |
| Fruit | Nuts, granola, coconut |
Get creative combining nutritious ingredients high in fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Birds will appreciate the extra calories.
5 High-Fat Bird Food Recipes
Here are 5 easy recipes to make fat-rich bird foods:
1. Basic Suet
- 1 cup lard
- 2 cups birdseed
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup cornmeal
- Mix ingredients well and pour into molds. Chill until firm.
2. Fruity Suet Cupcakes
- 1 cup lard
- 2 cups any dried fruit
- 1 cup nuts
- 1 cup oats
- Fill paper liners 2/3 full and chill until firm.
3. Bacon-Stuffed Peanuts
- Whole peanuts
- Bacon bits
- Fill each peanut half with bacon and press together.
4. Birdie Bacon Bites
- Bacon grease
- Birdseed
- Oats
- Cornmeal
- Mix 3 parts seed to 1 part each oats and cornmeal. Pour in grease and stir. Form into balls.
5. Fatty Mealworms
- 1 cup mealworms
- 2 Tbsp sunflower oil
- Toss mealworms in oil to coat. Sprinkle with seeds or granola.
Tips for Serving Fat Bird Food
Follow these tips to safely offer fat-enriched bird foods:
- Use feeders designed for suet or peanut butter to minimize waste.
- Avoid putting out more than birds can eat in a day or two to prevent spoilage.
- Place feeders in shaded areas out of direct sun.
- Offer water nearby for birds to wash down fatty foods.
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold or bacteria.
- If homemade, keep refrigerated for up to 1 month or frozen for up to 3 months.
Providing fatty bird food takes some extra effort but gives your feathered friends vital support. Follow recipes carefully and offer fat in moderation. With proper handling, these energy-dense foods offer great nutrition.
Conclusion
Birds need concentrated energy from fat during harsh weather, long migrations, nesting season, and other demanding times. Making your own fat-enriched bird food is easy and allows you to control the quality ingredients. Focus on natural fats like lard, tallow, and oils high in vitamin E. Add fat to foods like suet, seeds, fruit and mealworms. Follow recipes for suet cakes, stuffed peanuts, bacon bites and more. Serve foods properly to avoid spoilage and always provide clean water. With extra fat, your backyard birds will get the calories they need to thrive!
