Suet cage: which birds use it
The simplest feeder there is. Hang on a trunk or pole.
Is a suet cage right for your yard?
| Holds | Suet cakes |
|---|---|
| Best for | Downy Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees, Wrens, Titmice |
| Not for | Large woodpeckers, which need a tail prop |
| Squirrels | Squirrels chew suet |
| Cleaning | Easy |
| Budget range tracked | under $25 to under $50 |
Suet cages from budget to premium
Budget ranges are a guide; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
What other feeders pair well with it?
- Tube feeder: The workhorse for small clinging birds. Metal ports resist squirrel chewing.
- Hopper feeder: A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals.
- Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder: A spring-loaded shroud drops over the ports under a squirrel's weight. The most reliable squirrel-proof design at a hanging feeder.
- Caged tube feeder: A wire cage keeps squirrels and large birds (grackles, starlings, pigeons) out.
Ranked picks: Best suet feeder.
Other feeder types
Tube feeder · Hopper feeder · Platform or tray feeder · Ground tray · Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder · Caged tube feeder · Nyjer (finch) tube · Nyjer sock · Tail-prop suet feeder · Peanut mesh feeder · Peanut wreath · Window feeder · Hummingbird feeder · Oriole feeder · Mealworm feeder · Smart camera feeder
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After the checklist, a few short emails, then a couple a month at most. Unsubscribe anytime.Frequently asked questions
What birds use a suet cage?
downy woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, wrens and titmice use it most. The simplest feeder there is. Hang on a trunk or pole. It is not a good fit for large woodpeckers, which need a tail prop.
What do you put in a suet cage?
Suet cakes. The foods that suit it best are suet and suet dough. Use one food per feeder so birds are not tossing unwanted seed on the ground to reach what they want.
Is a suet cage squirrel-proof?
Squirrels chew suet. The only complete protection for any feeder is a smooth pole with a baffle whose bottom edge sits 4 to 5 feet up, placed at least 10 feet from trees, fences, decks and roofs.
How do you clean a suet cage?
Easy. Every two weeks, or weekly in wet weather, empty it, scrub with hot soapy water, soak in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for ten minutes, rinse well and let it dry completely before refilling.
How much does a good suet cage cost?
Listings we track run from under $25 to under $50. The cheapest models work, but mid-priced ones usually add metal ports, sturdier hangers and easier cleaning, which is what decides whether a feeder lasts one season or ten.
