Do you want to attract chickadees or woodpeckers to your yard while repelling other birds like grackles? If so, you may want to consider hanging a suet feeder in your backyard. Suet feeders are usually designed without perches so smaller birds can feed on the fatty suet within. Woodpeckers especially like suets (particularly nut, insect or fruit blends), so feeders are a good way to entice them to hang out at your bird feeder.

In this article, I’ll review some of the best suet feeders I have seen, along with a short description of what I liked most/least about each one.

Types of Suet Feeders

There are several different types of suet feeders, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your backyard environment and the type of birds you wish to attract, you may find one of them works better for you.

Mesh bags:

These types of suet feeders are the easiest to make at home– just fill an old mesh bag (like those used for potatoes or oranges) with suet and hang it outside. The mesh provides excellent footing for smaller clinging birds like nuthatches or chickadees. You can also fill the bag, since they won’t slip through the mesh.

As the name suggests, suet cages are made of strong wire that easily holds a block of suet. These cages are most often hung individually from a branch, although they can also sometimes attach to tray feeders. If you want to attract larger birds such as pileated woodpeckers, you can add a tail prop or base to the suet cage. Some cages also come with covers to protect them from harsh weather or squirrels.

Suet logs:

These are a bit harder to make at home, but are essentially a small log with holes drilled in it and filled with suet. Birds can easily access the feed while resting on the log. The log protects it from spoiling due to rain or wind exposure, and also looks more natural in a backyard.

Suet trays:

Trays are great because you can use suet chunks of different sizes to attract a wider range of birds compared to other brands. However, the trays’ openness means that these feeders are also vulnerable to grackles and squirrels.

1. Squirrel-X Squirrel Proof 

Top Squirrel Resistant Double Suet Feeder

Designed to be both squirrel proof and easy to clean, this cage is a good choice for beginning bird enthusiasts.

The Squirrel-X Squirrel Proof Double Suet Feeder’s squirrel proof design allows smaller birds to feed while keeping squirrels and grackles out. Its steel lid and powder coated wire ensure that your feed won’t be ruined by the elements. More over, this large capacity can hold two suet cakes at once.

Features:

• Powder-coated weather resistant wires
• Steel lid
• 2-cake suet capacity

Brand: More Birds
Color: Black/Brown
Material: Metal

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Durable design
• Can hold 2 suet cakes
• Squirrel proof

Cons:

• Woodpeckers may not be able to access the smaller cage
• No outside perch for birds to rest on

Capacity: 2 suet cakes
Special features: Squirrel proof design, weather proof
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 9.4 inches

2. Birds Choice 2-Cake Pileated with Green Top

Best Bird Friendly Feeder

This feeder comes fully assembled with a tail prop that will let larger birds feast on suet.

The Birds Choice 2-Cake Pileated Suet Feeder’s dual-sided cage design allows you to use two different suet cakes. Additionally, the long tail prop provides stability for woodpeckers and other birds with long tails.

Features:

• Recycled poly-lumber construction
• Extended tail prop

Brand: Birds Choice
Color: Green Top
Material: Poly Lumber

Pros:

• Birds can easily access both sides
• Can hold 2 different suet cakes
• Tail prop attracts woodpeckers

Cons:

• Wide mesh holes
• Open design attracts squirrels

Capacity: 2 suet cakes
Special features: Tail prop
Dimensions: 8 x 3 x 23 inches

3. Woodlink NARANCH3 12-Inch Audubon

Best Handcrafted Natural Cedar 

The ranch-style design and large capacity of this product mean that it can protect birds from the elements while also holding a lot of feed.

The simple design makes this product easy to clean and fill. The two cages on either side hold up to 5 pounds of suet and can also hold different types of feed.
Features:

• Handmade from natural cedar wood
• Sturdy roof
• 5-lb. capacity

Brand: Woodlink
Color: Beige
Material: Cedar

Pros:

• 5-pound capacity
• Can hold 2 different cakes

Cons:

• Easy access for squirrels
• No tail prop

Capacity: 2 suet cakes
Special features: Large capacity
Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 10.25 inches

4. Audubon Going Green Bottom Feed Style Feeder

Ideal For Birds That Feed Upside Down

This product offers protection from predators and is easy to clean and assemble.

It’s made of recycled plastic, which repels mold and makes maintenance easy. The upside-down design attracts clinging birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches while deterring squirrels.

Features:

• 1″ square fencing
• Water resistant roof

Brand: Audubon
Color: Beige
Material: Plastic

Pros:

• Upside-down design deters undesirable visitors
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Roof provides weather protection

Cons:

• Only holds one suet cake
• May be hard for some birds to access

Capacity: 1 suet cake
Special features: Upside-down design
Dimensions: 7.4 x 8 x 3.3 inches

5. Kettle Moraine Cedar Single Cake Tail

Best Solid Cedar Construction

Perfect for woodpeckers, this hanging feeder will attract many kinds of suet-loving birds.

The slide up roof allows for easy filling, and the stainless steel hanging cable ensures your feeder will stay secure. The tail prop provides room for woodpeckers to feed.

Features:

• Heavy Gauge Vinyl Coated Wire Mesh
• Slide up roof

Brand: Kettle Moraine
Color: Natural Cedar
Material: Cedar

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Tail prop for woodpeckers

Cons:

• Only holds one suet cake
• Not squirrel proof

Capacity: 1 suet cake
Special features: Tail prop and hanging design
Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 13 inches

6. Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF2

Premium Insect And Rot Resistant Cedar

This small but sturdy feeder is guaranteed to attract a variety of clinging birds like chickadees, titmice, and juncos.

The upside-down design deters pest birds like grackles, also the natural cedar material helps repel bugs and prevent water damage.

Features:

• Constructed with rust-free mesh and screws
• Comes with steel hanging cable
• 3 Year Limited Warranty

Brand: Nature’s Way Bird Products
Color: Black
Material: Cedar

Pros:

• Deters grackles and other pest birds
• Cedar prevents rot and insect damage

Cons:

• Only holds one suet cake
• Small capacity, not a lot of room for birds to hang

Capacity: 1 suet cake
Special features: Upside-down design
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 4.13 inches

7. Stokes Select 38129 Cake Suet Buffet Feeder

Most Durable Suet Feeder

Capacity and quality make this feeder a top choice for those looking to attract many different kinds of birds.

This cage system can hold up to four suet cakes at once, as well as other materials like oranges or nesting materials. The steel shingled roof protects birds from rain. Moreover, the easy-open closure system makes it easy to clean and refill.
Features:

• Easy-open, double-locking closure system
• Powder coated wire finish

Brand: Stokes Select
Color: Brown
Material: Metal

Pros:

• Holds 4 suet cakes
• Shingled roof gives weather protection
• Birds can easily access it from both sides

Cons:

• Open to predators
• No tail prop

Capacity: 4 suet cakes
Special features: Large capacity
Dimensions: 5 x 6.5 x 12.4 inches

8. Wildlife Sciences

Premium Double Cake Feeder

With a portable handle, you can move this feeder to the perfect viewing spot, or even right up to your window.

The snap-locking lid keeps other critters from enjoying suet. In addition to, the convenient loop handle lets you move it from tree to tree easily, and the lightweight design is easy to carry.
Features:

• Included wire hanger
• Snap locking lid

Brand: Wildlife Sciences
Color: Black
Material: Metal

Pros:

• Easily portable
• Birds can eat through large open wires

Cons:

• Could use more durable design
• Not much protection
• Small capacity

Capacity: 2 cakes
Special features: Portable handle
Dimensions: 5.63 x 2 x 9.5 inches

9. MEKKAPRO Wild Feeder

Best Quality Wild Feeder

The aesthetics and simplicity of the MEKKAPRO are ideal for beginning bird watchers.

Its double-sided cages are made of sturdy wire and click open for easy access. Additionally, the weather-resistant roof lets birds feed even in the rain.

Features:

• Double feeder
• Simple installation

Brand: MEKKAPRO
Color: Metal
Material: Iron

Pros:

• Weather-resistant
• Easily view birds on both sides
• Easy to fill

Cons:

• Not as durable as other designs
• Open to predators

Capacity: 2 suet cakes
Special features: Easy open cages
Dimensions: 13.7 x 10.79 x 6.02 inches

10. Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Feeder with Cages

Great Choice Cedar Feeder

This beautiful, naturally constructed feeder offers high capacity and sturdy design, making it a solid option.

Its roof hinges open for easy filling, and it can hold up to 5 pounds of seed. Additionally, it is made of reforested cedar and comes with pre-drilled holes so it can be easily mounted to a pole.

Features:

• Anodized aluminum roof hinges
• Polycarbonate windows

Brand: Woodlink
Color: Beige
Material: Cedar

Pros:

• Easy to fill
• Holds 5 pounds seed + 2 suet cakes
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Not squirrel proof
• Center part fills with seed, not suet

Capacity: 2 cakes + 5 lbs. seed
Special features: Easy open roof
Dimensions: 13.25 x 9.5 x 9.38 inches

11. Woodlink RANCHB2 Premium Bamboo Ranch Feeder with Holders

Ultimate Environmental Friendly Feeder  

This large capacity bamboo feeder is lightweight, it can  also hold a lot, making it the best of both worlds.

The product can hold up to four pounds of seed plus two suet cakes, and the roof is hinged for easy filling. The removable powder coated metal screen allows for drainage and easy cleaning, and also the natural bamboo wood is environmentally friendly.
Features:

• Made of lightweight bamboo
• Hinged roof

Brand: Woodlink
Color: Beige
Material: Bamboo

Pros:

• Easy to fill
• High capacity

Cons:

• Not squirrel proof
• Center part fills with seed, not suet

Capacity: 2 cakes + 4 lbs. seed
Special features: Removable metal screen
Dimensions: 9.50 x 13.25 x 9.75 inches

12. Birds Choice SNDTP 

Great Double Suet Cake Feeder

This eco-friendly product has a wide surface to allow birds to land, and is easy to hang almost anywhere.

Its angled plastic roof protects suet from spoiling, and the suet cages on each side allow you to choose different types or textures of suet. Also, the metal hook at the top is easy to hang.

Features:

• Angled baskets
• Made of durable poly-lumber

Brand: Birds Choice
Color: Beige
Material: Plastic

Pros:

• Long landing surface
• Weather proof

Cons:

• Not squirrel proof
• Small capacity

Capacity: 2 suet cakes
Special features: Easy hang hook
Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 12 inches

Buyer’s Guide

How should you decide which is the best suet feeder for you? If your main goal is to prevent squirrels from hanging out at your bird feeder, the best option is an upside-down feeder. If you’re especially looking to attract woodpeckers, go with the one that has a tail prop.

On the other hand, if your main goal is visibility, get a feeder made of clear materials (plastic or wire) that offers a clear view from both sides. You can even get one that attaches to your window. Therefore, if you’re looking for an easy-to-clean feeder, go with one that has a hinged roof or slide out panels.

Who Should Buy A Suet Feeder?

Any kind of bird enthusiast, from beginners up to experts, can benefit from a suet bird feeder. If you are looking for a simple, inexpensive way to attract more birds your yard, especially woodpeckers, suet bird feeders are a great choice.

However, you should only buy a suet feeder if you are willing to clean and maintain it regularly. Wash the it with a natural cleaner and dry it each time before you fill it. Make sure also there are no cracks or holes, and check for signs of insect damage or mold.

Common Suet Feeder Terms

baffle: A rounded device placed on top of a bird feeder to keep squirrels away.

tail prop: A place where birds can rest their tails while they feed. Especially useful for woodpeckers.

seed hopper: A storage area for seed on the inside of a bird feeder.

suet cages: Metal wire boxes that hold suet cakes on a feeder.

FAQ’s

What is suet?

Suet is a type of bird feed made mainly of fat, with additional ingredients like corn, sunflower seeds, or dried fruits mixed in. It is especially helpful for birds in the winter, when they need to increase their caloric intake. Above all, it helps birds maintain their body temperature and energy levels, and can be a good alternative to bird seed in feeders.

What birds eat suet?

Birds that usually eat insects, such as chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, juncos, and nuthatches eat suet. Occasionally other birds like cardinals will come to the feeder, but usually smaller clinging birds are most common.

What is the best way to hang a suet feeder?

You should hang your suet feeder away from windows. This prevents birds from crashing into your window, and also deters squirrels or larger birds who would scare away smaller ones. Hanging your it on a shepherd’s hook pole is the most secure way to hang your feeder. You can also buy smaller hooks to hang it under eaves or from a branch, although these locations may be harder for birds to find and less stable for your feeder.

How to make a suet feeder?

This depends on the type of suet feeder you want to make.

To make a mesh feeder, simply get a mesh bag with small holes and fill it with suet (chunks or balls work well). Tie a knot tightly at the top of the bag after that hang it securely on a pole.

To make a log feeder, take a hollow log (you can use birch, poplar, or cedar wood)and drill 1/4-inch holes at about 1-inch intervals along all sides. Make sure one end of the log is closed so the suet doesn’t fall out. Fill the log with suet after that hang from a pole outside. See How To Make a Suet Log Bird Feeder for more details.

How do you make suet for birds?

Making your own suet is easy to do. You can choose your own ingredients to make a higher quality, instead of some of the cheaper store-bought brands that use filler ingredients like corn or oats.

Easy Homemade Suet Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup fat (bacon grease, lard, vegetable shortening)
2 cups ground cornmeal
½ cup mixed birdseed
½ cup dried fruit
Directions:
1. Melt fat and peanut butter together in a large bowl over low heat. Gradually stir in dry ingredients.
2. Mix well to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Pour mixture into pan or mold and cool to harden.

Common Brands for Suet Feeders

Birds Choice: With the motto “Only the best for the birds you love,” Birds Choice makes a range backyard nature products constructed from recycled poly-lumber that is guaranteed to never crack or split. Based in Chilton, Wisconsin, it began as a small business that has now expanded nationwide.

Woodlink: Based in Iowa, Woodlink sells bird feeders and houses made of eco-friendly plastic, as well as natural cedar bird feeders. It’s a larger company that also has offices in China and India.

Nature’s Way: Nature’s Way is a family owned and operated business based in Ohio. Run by a family of bird lovers, the owners’ burgeoning interest in nature soon grew to encompass over 30 years of selling birding products.

CONCLUSION

Hanging these in your yard is one of the best ways to attract many bird species. This article has covered features, pros, and cons, of some of the best suet feeders on the market. Hopefully you’ll be able to find a suet feeder that works well for you.