Free Suet Feeder Woodworking Plan

Last updated on March 8th, 2025 at 01:51 pm

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, nuthatches 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. It’s a simple plan that uses basic woodworking skills. I’m sure your backyard birds will love the suet just as much as those feasting at this feeder over a century ago.

Suet Feeder Woodworking Plan:

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

Pin

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.

5. Fill the feeder with commercial or homemade suet blocks and install it where you can see the birds when they come in to the enjoy this high-energy boost to their diet. Pick a location that is easy for you too, because you will need to replace the block as it disappears.

If you’re looking for an economical way to fill your bird feeders, see “Kitchen Food Scraps: Foods You Can Safely Feed to Birds” for guidance. Suet, or even bacon fat, may be mixed with many of the kitchen leftover ingredients recommended here which saves you money, attracts more birds, and adds a varied nutritional profile to the birds you feed.

Cautions:

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

Other Simple Suet Feeders

All you need is a log of suitable size, and a drill, to make this Log Suet Feeder, shown at left.

As well, consider making a coconut bird feeder which can be designed in several ways and refilled with suet when the coconut meat has gone.

For another simple vintage woodworking project see: Windowsill Bird Feeder, which is basically a wooden rectangle build to fit your window sill with an open front and back.