Easy Homemade Suet Feeder

Last updated on February 15th, 2021 at 10:16 pm

Simple Woodworking Project: Suet Bird Feeder

by Jane Lake

Here is a free woodworking plan to make an easy homemade suet feeder for the birds. Woodpeckers, in particular, will love the square suet cakes placed in this feeder, but chickadees and other birds will also come for a special treat.

This schematic plan was originally published in 1916, in the book, Bird Houses Boys Can Build, by Albert F. Siepert. But no one should be deterred; almost everyone will find this little birding project easy enough to accomplish as it requires only basic woodworking skills.

Supplies

scraps of 1/2″ wood, cut according to the diagram below
wood glue
small hinges for lid
nails
chicken wire or 1/4 inch wire mesh
wire cutters
hand saw
hammer
pliers
double-pointed U nails
suet or suet cake

Instructions:

1. Cut 1/2 inch thick wood according to the suet feeder woodworking plan shown here.

2. Assemble wood pieces as indicated on the diagram, applying wood glue between each of the joins. Nail through the back of the main board to attach the angled side pieces to the front. Nail a small 3″ x 1/2″ wide shelf between the two sides to make the bottom of the feeder.

3. Attach the lid with metal hinges so that the lid rests on, and overhangs, the two sides. It should open upwards, allowing you to replace the suet as necessary.

4. Cut a piece of wire mesh about 1/2 inch bigger all around than the front opening. Fold over a 1/2 inch on each side so that the sharp wire edges will all be fastened inwards. Attach the wire to the front of the feeder with U-shaped nails, holding the nails steady with a pair of pliers as you drive them into place with the hammer.

Cautions:

» Children must always be supervised when using woodworking tools.
» Wear safety goggles when working.
» Be careful around the wire, as the edges can be sharp.