Winter is a challenging time for our feathered friends, as natural food sources become scarce. Offering them healthy treats can be a simple yet meaningful way to support their survival during the colder months. That’s why I decided to create healthy winter bird treats using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed.
While DIY pinecone feeders are popular, I recently learned that they can pose unexpected risks to birds. If birds cling directly to the peanut butter-coated pinecones, the oils can stick to their feet. When grooming, these oils may transfer to their feathers, compromising their ability to stay clean and warm—a dangerous situation during freezing temperatures.
To prevent this, I’ve placed the pinecone feeders inside a suet cage, complete with added perches. This small adjustment ensures that birds can enjoy their winter treat safely, without the risk of harm. These pinecone feeders in a suet cage are an easy, effective, and thoughtful way to provide wild birds with much-needed energy while keeping their health a top priority.
What You’ll Need for Your Bird-Friendly DIY
Creating these healthy winter bird treats is both simple and budget-friendly. With just a few supplies—some purchased and some gathered from your backyard—you can set up a safe and effective feeding station for your feathered visitors.
Supplies:
- Suet cage: I used a Woodlink Plastic/Steel Suet Cage with Double Suet Basket from my local hardware store.
- Birdseed blend: I chose Kaytee Songbird Seed Blend, a versatile mix that attracts a variety of birds.
- Pinecones: Three medium-sized pinecones from my backyard.
- Twigs for perches: Two small pine twigs to give birds a sturdy place to land while feeding.
- Peanut butter: I selected Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter. Look for a brand without added sugar, salt & preservatives.
Details on Supplies
The suet cage is a key component of this project, as it ensures birds can safely access the pinecone feeders without the risk of peanut butter sticking to their feet. I used a Woodlink cage with a double basket design, which provides ample space for multiple cones. I found mine on sale for $9.99 at my local hardware store—a small investment for such a functional and reusable piece.
For the birdseed, I opted for Kaytee Songbird Seed Blend, which was also a great deal at buy one, get one free. This blend is packed with nutritious seeds that attract a variety of birds, from cardinals to chickadees. I was also able to find the peanut butter on sale at a local grocer. I’ve posted links so you can see the brands I used if your are interested in finding them yourself locally.
The rest of the materials came straight from my backyard. Pinecones make excellent feeders when coated with peanut butter and birdseed, and the small twigs act as natural perches. Using these items keeps the project affordable and adds a touch of nature to the design.
Assembling Your Pinecone Feeders
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to start assembling your healthy winter bird treats! The process is simple, and with just a little preparation, you’ll have pinecone feeders ready for your suet cage in no time.
To begin, I prepared the peanut butter by draining off the excess oil on top. This step helps create a thicker, less messy consistency for spreading onto the pinecones. I scooped some peanut butter into a small bowl, making it easier to work with, and used a small pâté knife to apply it.
Rather than coating the entire pinecone, I spread peanut butter generously on just one side. This ensures that the birds can easily access the treat while preventing peanut butter from smearing onto the inner bars of the suet cage. Plus, leaving the back side bare keeps the process cleaner and reduces waste.
When spreading the peanut butter, focus on getting it deep into the crevices of the pinecone. This helps hold the birdseed in place and ensures the birds will enjoy every last bit. Once the cones were evenly coated, I set them aside, ready for the next step.
Adding Birdseed to Your Pinecone Feeders
The next step in creating your healthy winter bird treats is adding birdseed to your peanut butter-coated pinecones. Be prepared—this part can get a little messy, but the results are well worth it!
Start by sprinkling a small amount of birdseed over the pinecones and gently pressing it into the peanut butter. I found it helpful to work over a sheet of parchment paper, which made it easy to collect any stray seeds that fell off. Simply sweep up the extra seed and press it back onto the pinecones.
To ensure the seed adheres firmly, turn the pinecones over and apply gentle pressure. This helps embed the seeds deeply into the peanut butter, so they stay in place as birds enjoy their treat. Continue adding and pressing seed until the pinecones are fully coated.
Using long, slender pinecones worked especially well for this project, as they fit neatly into the suet cage. This design minimizes the risk of birds accidentally getting peanut butter on their feet if they land on the cage itself, ensuring a safer feeding experience.
Once coated, your pinecones are ready to be placed in the suet cage. This simple but thoughtful design helps provide a nutritious, mess-free treat for your feathered friends throughout the winter season.
Adding Perches to Your Suet Cage
To enhance the design of your pinecone feeders in a suet cage, I added twigs as perches. This simple step provides an extra landing spot for birds, ensuring they can enjoy their treat without needing to cling to the cage itself.
I carefully selected two sturdy twigs from my yard and inserted them between the sections of the suet cage. The twigs fit snugly in place, creating a natural perch where birds can comfortably land while they feed.
The purpose of this project was to offer a healthy, safe winter treat for birds without compromising their well-being. By including these perches, I added an extra layer of protection against the potential transfer of peanut butter oils from their talons to their feathers. This small detail makes a big difference, ensuring the birds can keep themselves clean and warm during the colder months.
The addition of twigs also gives the feeder a natural look that blends beautifully with outdoor surroundings. Whether perched on the twigs or feeding from the suet cage, birds will have a safe and enjoyable experience with this thoughtful design.
Hanging Your Pinecone Feeder Outdoors
With the pinecone feeders in a suet cage complete, the final step is to hang your creation outside and welcome your feathered friends to enjoy this healthy winter treat. I carefully chose a spot in my yard where the birds frequently gather, ensuring they’ll discover this new addition with ease.
If you’ve enjoyed following along with this project, why not try making a healthy winter bird treats feeder for your backyard birds? It’s a simple, cost-effective way to care for your local wildlife while adding a touch of nature to your outdoor space. Watching the birds enjoy their treat is a rewarding experience that brings joy to chilly winter days. Share photos if you choose to make one!
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