Is Suet Bad for Birds in Summer? An Expert Guide
While suet is a high-energy food source loved by birds, the answer to “Is suet bad for birds in summer?” is complex: it depends. High temperatures can cause suet to melt and become rancid, potentially harming birds, but using the right types and taking necessary precautions can allow for safe and beneficial suet feeding year-round.
Understanding Suet and its Benefits
Suet is rendered animal fat, often mixed with other ingredients like seeds, nuts, and berries. It’s a valuable source of calories, especially during times when natural food sources are scarce or when birds need extra energy to survive harsh weather conditions. However, when temperatures rise, the nature of suet changes, demanding careful consideration.
The Summer Suet Dilemma
The main problem with feeding regular suet in summer is its tendency to melt. This creates several potential issues:
- Rancidity: Melted suet can quickly become rancid, leading to bacterial growth that is harmful to birds. Consuming rancid suet can cause digestive issues and even illness.
- Feather Contamination: Birds can get melted suet on their feathers, reducing their insulation and hindering their ability to fly. This is particularly concerning for fledglings.
- Attracting Unwanted Visitors: Melted suet can attract unwanted insects like ants, flies, and even rodents, which can compete with birds for resources and potentially spread disease.
Choosing the Right Suet for Summer
The key to safely feeding suet in summer lies in selecting appropriate types that are less prone to melting and spoilage. Here are some excellent options:
- No-Melt Suet: These suet cakes are specially formulated to withstand higher temperatures. They often contain ingredients that raise the melting point, such as rendered vegetable fat or other binding agents.
- Bark Butter: This spreadable suet is designed to be applied directly to tree bark. Its consistency makes it less likely to melt and drip, reducing the risk of feather contamination.
- Suet Pellets/Crumbs: These are smaller, bite-sized pieces that can be offered in mesh feeders or platform feeders. They are less prone to melting than larger suet cakes.
Safe Suet Feeding Practices
Even with the right type of suet, certain precautions are essential for safe summer feeding:
- Monitor Temperature: Regularly check the temperature and adjust your feeding strategy accordingly. If the temperature is consistently high, consider temporarily removing the suet feeder.
- Offer Suet in Shady Areas: Place your suet feeder in a shaded spot to help keep it cooler.
- Use Small Quantities: Offer smaller portions of suet at a time to ensure it is consumed before it has a chance to spoil.
- Clean Feeders Regularly: Regularly clean your suet feeders with hot, soapy water to remove any melted or spoiled suet, as well as any bird droppings or other debris.
- Avoid Artificial Flavors and Colors: Opt for natural suet products that do not contain artificial flavors or colors, which can be harmful to birds.
Benefits of Summer Suet Feeding
Despite the potential challenges, offering suet in summer can provide valuable benefits to birds:
- Energy Boost for Nesting Birds: Breeding birds need extra energy to build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young. Suet provides a concentrated source of calories to support these activities.
- Food Source for Fledglings: Young birds often struggle to find food on their own after leaving the nest. Suet can provide a reliable source of nutrition as they learn to forage.
- Attract Diverse Bird Species: Suet attracts a wide variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and wrens, enhancing your birdwatching experience.
Troubleshooting Common Suet Feeding Issues
Even with the best intentions, problems can sometimes arise when feeding suet. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Suet is Melting: Switch to a no-melt suet formula, offer smaller portions, or temporarily remove the feeder.
- Insects are Attracted: Clean the feeder regularly, use a feeder with a built-in insect guard, or move the feeder to a less accessible location.
- Birds are Ignoring the Suet: Try offering a different type of suet, such as one with a different flavor or texture. You can also try offering the suet in a different type of feeder.
- Squirrels are Stealing the Suet: Use a squirrel-resistant feeder, baffle, or relocate the feeder to a location that is less accessible to squirrels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it OK to feed birds suet all year round?
While some argue against summer suet feeding, specially formulated no-melt suet or other appropriate types (like bark butter) can be offered year-round, provided precautions are taken to prevent spoilage. Monitor the temperature and feeder cleanliness.
What kind of suet is best for hot weather?
No-melt suet is the best option for hot weather because it is designed to withstand higher temperatures. Bark butter is another good alternative.
How often should I clean my suet feeder?
You should clean your suet feeder at least once a week, or more often if it is particularly dirty or if the weather is hot. Use hot, soapy water and a scrub brush to remove any spoiled suet, bird droppings, or other debris.
What birds are attracted to suet?
Suet attracts a wide variety of birds, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, wrens, and even some warblers and kinglets.
Can suet make birds sick?
Yes, rancid or spoiled suet can make birds sick. It can cause digestive issues, bacterial infections, and other health problems. That’s why it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality suet and to keep your feeders clean.
Should I stop feeding suet when it gets really hot?
If temperatures are consistently extremely high and you are unable to keep the suet from melting and spoiling, it is best to temporarily remove the feeder. The risk of harming birds outweighs the benefits in these cases.
Is it better to make my own suet cakes?
Making your own suet cakes allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that they are safe for birds. However, it is important to use high-quality ingredients and to follow safe food handling practices to prevent bacterial contamination.
What should I do if my suet melts?
If your suet melts, remove it from the feeder immediately. Clean the feeder thoroughly and replace the suet with a fresh, no-melt formula.
Are suet pellets a good alternative to suet cakes in summer?
Yes, suet pellets or crumbs are a good alternative because they are smaller and less likely to melt than larger suet cakes. They can be offered in mesh feeders or on platform feeders.
Can squirrels get sick from eating suet?
While squirrels may enjoy eating suet, rancid suet can also make them sick. It’s best to deter squirrels from accessing your suet feeders to protect both them and the birds.
What other foods can I offer birds in summer?
In addition to suet, you can offer birds a variety of other foods in summer, including seeds, nuts, berries, mealworms, and fruit. Be sure to choose foods that are appropriate for the birds in your area.
How can I keep ants away from my suet feeder?
There are several ways to keep ants away from your suet feeder, including using an ant moat, applying petroleum jelly to the feeder pole, or relocating the feeder to a location that is less accessible to ants. Regular cleaning is also essential.