Avoid softer fats and so-called suets that may be ‘faked’ through the use of additives to make them appear harder. So, ensure you are always only using proper beef suet or pure lard that’s hard and does not leave an imprint if squeezed – suet, for example, should be hard and should crumble when handled. However, if you use a type that’s going to melt in the sunshine, then it could actually do terrible harm to birds. Proper suet (from cows) is good for them as they need saturated fats and it does lend itself to the making of seed cones, seed balls and even simple seed cakes in plastic flower pots or cleaned yoghurt pots. Only use proper beef suet or pure lard that’s hard at room temperature even when it’s quite warm. The seed-covered pine cone can then be hung outside for the birds using some string, somewhere suitable (we wrote about the best location for bird feeders here). Once covered, the entire thing can be rolled in bird seed and this will stick. Children can simply spread peanut butter 2, suet or lard 1 all over the pine cone, pressing it in between the many seed scales that protrude from the open cone. The pine cones can be foraged from local woods and the best ones will be ‘open’ rather than ‘closed’, so that there’s somewhere that bird food can be pressed into. ![]() These are fun and simple for children to make. So, in truth, any of the other food types mentioned in this article are far better for birds than bread.Īlthough bread is a popular choice for feeding birds, it’s actually not great for them. It’s also dangerous for birds if it goes mouldy, which is why we say above that only small amounts that will be eaten within a day should ever be put out for the wild birds. Warning: although bread is a popular choice for feeding birds, it’s actually not that great for them, particularly if it’s white bread and lacking in any visible seeds. ![]() Important: only put out as much food as is likely to be eaten over just a day or two, otherwise it can go mouldy and that’s terribly dangerous for birds (it can even kill them).Ĭhildren can alternatively use a chunk of bread (ideally wholemeal, seeded and non-stale) but first read our warning below if going this route: Patience is a great skill for them to develop, though, so this is another great lesson for them. Before long, species like blackbirds, in particular, are likely to show an interest and be amongst the first to start nibbling them.Ĭhildren need to be patient birds and wild animals instinctively wait a while before trusting new things that have appeared in the garden or anywhere outside. Perhaps start the apple off by removing some of the skin in one or two sections, so birds can see the ‘flesh’. We’ll start with one of the most simple bird feeders: with adult supervision, children can be shown how quick and easy it can be to attract birds to the garden just by threading a nice apple onto a strong twig on a tree or onto the tip of a bamboo stake, or alternatively dangling it from a branch using a loop of string. However, young children should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times during both the making and locating of the bird feeders - health and safety comes first! There are also some guidelines included for the safety and wellbeing of the birds. So, take a look at a few easy-to-accomplish home-made bird feeder ideas below. All in all, making home-made bird feeders and feeding birds during the colder months is an excellent activity for young children - and indeed for everyone! That’s a time when most other natural food sources for wild birds are in very short supply and the birds are burning calories just to stay warm. It’s also great for the local birds, who get to eat much-needed extra food and that’s especially important during Winter. What’s more, making home-made bird feeders is pretty easy. ![]() Making bird feeders is a fun activity for children, it’s creative, educational, teaches children new skills and gets children more in tune with nature. In last month’s article about bird feeding for under-fives, we promised to follow up with a post showing ideas for bird feeders that children can make at home.
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