Overview
Birds love fat cakes and at this time of year they are just what they need to give them energy and keep warm. But the feeding balls needn't be shop bought; you can use all sorts of kitchen scraps such as cheese and dry porridge oats. Just mix with melted lard or suet and set in the fridge overnight.
Avoid using turkey fat, which doesn't set like suet and lard, and can coat birds' feathers, preventing them from being able to fly. It can also spread disease.
Do it:
November - April
Takes just:
20 minutes
How to do it
-
The best ratio for this recipe is one part fat to two parts dry mixture. Mix all your dry ingredients together in a bowl. -
Melt some lard or suet in a pan and add the dry mix. Stir well until the fat has all been absorbed and the mixture sticks together. -
Make a hole in the bottom of a yoghurt pot and thread through a length of twine or string, then pack the pot with your warm fat mixture. -
Place in the fridge overnight to set, then cut through and peel away the pot. Tie a big knot at one end of the twine to secure the cake. -
Hang the cake in a tree or shrub and wait for the birds to come and feast.
"Kitchen scraps are great to use in the fat cakes but don't use anything too salty. Never use salted peanuts or very salty bacon."
Comments and rating
Overall rating (from 3 ratings):
5 out of 5
4 out of 5
how do i divide a large dahlia corm and can i grow them in large pots
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5 out of 5
1st class advice & information. Helps me do my bit for the environment.
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Won't the fat cake fall apart when the birds land on it? Will the squirrels help themselves to it?
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mudpack commented on this article
13 February 2009
These tips are really good, and I will be trying them out in my garden.
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