DIY Suet Cakes for Hungry Wild Birds & Backyard Chickens (extra protein for winter!)

Wild birds (and chickens) need extra protein and fat in the winter months. Why not help out our feathered friends and treat them to homemade suet cakes which are packed with the extra calories and nutrients their little bodies require during these cold days! Recipe: This makes a very large batch...recipe may be cut in half or quartered. 4 cups melted animal fat or shortening 2 cups all natural peanut butter 5 cups mixed bird seed (preferably one with sunflower seeds in it) 4 cups quick oats 2 cups cracked corn 2 cups unsalted peanuts 2 cups chopped, dried apples 4 cups frozen or fresh cranberries Mix together and press into your choice of containers. Freeze until solid, then hang suet out for birds or chickens. Suet holder ideas: ~make holes in logs and fill with suet ~spread suet in crevices of pinecones ~empty grapefruit rinds make great suet cups ~recycled mesh onion bags work well too ~muffin tins or baking pans ~recycled margarine, mushroom or yogurt containers can be used as well ~empty milk cartons too ...some birds such as doves or sparrows like to forage on the ground, so sprinkle some crumbled suet there too! #birds #suet #tutorial