Do Finches Eat Suet?

Yes, some finches do eat suet. House finches, in particular, are known to eat suet when provided in suet cakes.

12 Suet is a popular food for many different types of birds, including woodpeckers, flickers, and other small birds34.

However, it is important to ensure that the suet is fresh and not spoiled, as birds may avoid it if it is old or of poor quality5.

What other types of food can be provided to finches besides suet?

Finches can be provided with a variety of foods besides suet.

Some of the foods that finches can eat include sunflower seeds, millet, and safflower seeds[1][2].

Other foods that birds in general can eat include peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and hard cheese[3].

However, it is important to note that some foods are harmful to birds, such as avocado, chocolate, and alcohol[4].

It is recommended to research and provide a balanced diet for finches and other birds to ensure their health and well-being.

How often should suet be replaced to ensure it is fresh for the birds?

To ensure that suet is fresh for the birds, it is recommended to only offer as much suet as the birds can eat in a day or two[1].

A chunk of suet that is in the feeder for more than two weeks old should be replaced[1].

According to another source, suet can last for a few days inside the feeder, especially during the winter season, but if the weather is hotter, it won’t last for over a day or even less[2].

Therefore, it is best to observe the suet and change it once it starts melting down or birds return without eating[2].

Are there any potential health risks for finches when eating suet?

There is a potential health risk for finches when eating suet.

When suet gets soft, it can coat belly feathers, which can be dangerous, especially in spring and summer when birds are incubating.

Tiny pores on the birds’ eggs may get clogged, preventing the developing embryo from getting enough oxygen[1].

However, suet is generally fine for birds to eat, and it is a high-energy food source that is easy for birds to digest[2][3].

If you notice the birds coming to your suet and then leaving, it probably needs to be freshened[4].

Can suet be made at home, or is it better to purchase pre-made suet cakes?

Yes, suet can be made at home using various recipes that include ingredients such as birdseed, oats, cornmeal, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, nuts, and dried fruit[1][2][3][4][5].

Homemade suet can be a cost-effective and customizable option for bird feeding.

However, it is important to note that raw suet needs to be rendered before use, which involves melting and straining the fat to remove potential contaminants[4].

Therefore, purchasing pre-made suet cakes may be a more convenient option for some people.

Are there any specific seasons or times of year when suet is more beneficial for finches to consume?

According to the sources, suet can be offered to birds year-round, and it is especially beneficial in fall and winter[1][2].

Suet is particularly attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, jays, and starlings[3].

While there is no specific season or time of year when suet is more beneficial for finches to consume, it is a nutritious food that can attract a wide range of birds to your backyard[1][2].

If you want to attract more birds to your suet feeder, you can add fruit and nuts to the suet or offer suet with peanuts or dried fruit mixed in[4].