Fussy Birds

[jules77]

Does anyone have a problem with fussy birds.........? The ones that visit our garden will not touch the normal fat balls that you buy from the pet store in the nets, but just love the RSPB ones in a tube that are three times the price. They are getting through 4 a week, plus seed, and costing us a small fortune.

[Pressgang1]

Have you thought of making your own? There should be an adult present cos hot suet/fat can cause a nasty burn, but my wild birds love 'em!

http://www.rspb.org.uk/youth/makeanddo/activit ies/birdcake.asp

[alfieblue]

Hi Jules77! Just typed an answer but stupid me! Pressed the wrong button (again!) and off it went into cyber space! Not too good with the technology as most people will know - but will have another shot at it!

Bird food and the fat balls are so expensive. So much so that we decided to make our own fat balls. Unfortunately the first try was an absolute disaster because we used the wrong fat and it didn't set!!! Ho hum - trial and error!!!

However we persevered, using a lovely mixture of seed etc and the proper fat - we filled old butter/margarine tubs, old coconut (half) shells and what a response!! With the tubs we cut away the plastic and put string through to hang up from the branches. Some we put the string in before the fat set. Some we put netting round. Had great fun experimenting.

Had loads of customers!!! Meanwhile the shop bought fat balls were left!!!

We saw all the little'uns feasting and the bigger birds would come and dive bomb the block of food/fat and then swoop down and pick the bits and bobs off the ground that had fallen.

So much cheaper and with happy customers - much more rewarding.

Bit of fun, saved us money and the feathered customers seemed delighted, as were we! Worth a try. :o)

[jules77]

great thanks, I have tried making them in the past, but I used to melt the lard, and it was disastrous. I see this recipe says to just cut it up into chunks....so have sent OH round the local shop to pick some ingredients up and will have a go at bird cake making.

[wolf63]

At least you won't be tempted to nibble at the 'cake mix'.

My dad used to put food and fat balls out for the birds, by the time he got back into the house and into his chair he could see all the neighbourhood cats crouched in the bushes. He said that the cats were as much fun to watch as the birds - and the birds were usually way too fast for the feline monsters to catch.

[garner]

I tell you what my birds are like, they will not eat the normal peanuts for [birds] only like best ones.Little devils jules they are but worth every penny, such joy .g.

[abstibus]

Have you ever tried to take a half-chewed fatball out of a Dobermann's mouth? It took two of us to do it - it was disgusting.

[jules77]

garner, they wont touch peanuts, my OH keeps buying them, but its a waste of time, they just arnt interested.