Lexi Webster
Making bird seed blocks is a fun and economical way to feed birds in your backyard. It is a simple process that can be done with easily accessible ingredients like gelatin, egg whites, honey, and, of course, bird seed. You can even add essential oils and food colouring to make them more attractive. The process involves mixing the ingredients, moulding them into shapes, and then hanging them in your favourite spot. This activity is a great way to involve kids and teach them about local birdlife, and it can also be a thoughtful, homemade gift.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Bird seed, gelatin, egg whites, honey, water, flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, food colouring, essential oil, peanut butter, lard, wire, cardboard rolls, bottle, chopstick, string |
| Equipment | Saucepan, baking tray, moulds, straw, cookie cutters, oven, gloves |
| Process | Boil water, add gelatin, stir, add bird seed, stir, leave to cool, spoon into moulds, thread with string, refrigerate |
| Storage | Refrigerate, wrap in plastic wrap, store in a freezer bag in the freezer |
| Cost | Buying ingredients in bulk is economical |
| Benefits | Cheaper than store-bought birdseed blocks, prevents seeds from falling, serves as tree ornaments, fun activity for kids |
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What You'll Learn
Using gelatin to bind the birdseed
Using gelatin to bind birdseed is a popular method for creating birdseed blocks, and it has its advantages and disadvantages. According to a survey, 78% of bird enthusiasts prefer gelatin-based glues due to their ease of use and bird-friendliness. However, it's essential to consider your local climate, as gelatin may melt in hotter temperatures.
- Prepare the gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water in a bowl and letting it sit for a few minutes. The ratio is typically one part gelatin to one part water, but you may need to adjust this depending on the specific recipe and the consistency you desire.
- Gently heat the gelatin mixture, either in a double boiler or a microwave, stirring continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Avoid overheating, as this can result in a gummy mess.
- Let the mixture cool slightly. This step is crucial, as you don't want to risk cooking the birdseed or affecting its nutritional value.
- Slowly add the birdseed to the gelatin mixture, stirring constantly. Add enough birdseed until the mix has a crumbly consistency and the seed is fully coated.
- Line a baking tray or pan with parchment paper or baking paper. Place cookie cutters or moulds on top.
- Carefully spoon the birdseed mixture into the cookie cutters or moulds. Pack the mixture down firmly and evenly.
- Create a hole for hanging by pressing a straw into each mould or shape. This will be used to thread string or twine through later.
- Refrigerate the shapes for at least 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.
- Remove the shapes from the moulds or cookie cutters and let them dry on a counter for a few more hours or overnight.
- Finally, thread string or twine through the holes and hang your birdseed blocks in a tree, patio, or another suitable outdoor area.
It's important to note that you should not hang these birdseed blocks in direct sunlight, as the gelatin may melt in high temperatures. Additionally, always ensure that the mixture is thick enough before adding the birdseed to ensure a strong bond.
To create a stronger bond and add a touch of sweetness that birds will love, you can also add corn syrup to the gelatin mixture. Simply mix in the corn syrup after dissolving the gelatin in water, before adding the birdseed.
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Shaping the birdseed mix into blocks
Next, spoon the birdseed mixture into your chosen container and pack it down firmly. The mixture will be sticky, so you may want to coat your hands with cooking oil to prevent it from sticking to your skin. If using a cookie cutter, grease it lightly to make removal easier, especially if your cutter has intricate shapes or angles.
Once you've filled your container, use twine or strong string to create a hook at the top of the block. Place the string down into the mixture from the bottom up to the top, forming a loop for hanging. Finally, leave your birdseed block to dry completely before removing it from the mould and hanging it outside for the birds to enjoy!
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Using honey or egg whites as a binder
Making birdseed blocks is an economical option for feeding birds. They are cheaper than store-bought birdseed blocks and can be made using simple ingredients. Here is a guide on how to make birdseed blocks using honey or egg whites as a binder:
Using Honey as a Binder
To make the birdseed blocks using honey as a binder, start by combining the bird seeds, water, and honey in a mixing bowl. Mix these ingredients well until they form a dough. If the mixture seems very sticky, you can add a small amount of flour to reduce the stickiness.
Once you have a well-combined mixture, it's time to shape your birdseed blocks. Line a baking tray with baking paper and use a cutter or mould to shape the mixture. If you prefer to mould the blocks by hand, you can lightly oil your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Slowly remove the shaped birdseed blocks from the cutter or mould, and place them on the prepared baking tray. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake the blocks for 20 to 30 minutes.
After baking, allow the birdseed blocks to cool for a few minutes. The final product should be firm and have a light brown colour. These blocks can now be hung outdoors for the birds to enjoy!
Using Egg Whites as a Binder
To use egg whites as a binder, start by mixing one cup of your bird's favourite seed mix with the egg whites. Continue mixing until the seeds are fully coated with the egg whites. This mixture will not be as firm as the gelatin mixture, but it will be firm enough to shape using a mould or cookie cutter.
After mixing, you can form your desired shapes. Similar to the honey method, you can use a cutter or mould, or shape the mixture by hand. Allow the shaped birdseed blocks to dry for a couple of hours, and they will be ready to serve to your feathered friends!
Both the honey and egg white methods create birdseed blocks that are suitable as treats for birds, rather than their primary diet. Therefore, these treats should be given to birds once or twice a week.
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Choosing the right birdseed mix
When choosing a birdseed mix, it's important to consider the types of birds you want to attract and select a mix that caters to their preferences. Here are some tips to help you choose the right birdseed mix:
Firstly, sunflower seeds are a mainstay for most backyard bird feeders as they attract a wide variety of birds. There are two types of sunflower seeds: black oil and striped. Black oil sunflower seeds have thin shells that are easy for most seed-eating birds to crack open, and their high fat and oil content make them valuable for winter birds. On the other hand, striped sunflower seeds have thicker shells, which are harder for some birds like house sparrows and blackbirds to open. If you want to avoid attracting certain bird species, opt for striped sunflower seeds. Additionally, shelled sunflower seeds are a popular option for those who want to reduce mess, but they can be more expensive and prone to spoilage, attracting bacteria if not consumed quickly.
Secondly, while some birdseed mixes may contain fillers like red millet, oats, or rapeseed, these are often shunned by birds, leading to waste. Instead, look for mixes with a lower proportion of these filler seeds to avoid unnecessary mess and contamination of fresh seed.
Thirdly, consider the specific bird species in your area and their dietary preferences. For example, if you have a lot of jays, crows, chickadees, or woodpeckers, offering peanuts in your birdseed mix can be a good choice. However, be aware that peanuts may also attract unwanted visitors like squirrels, bears, and raccoons. Like sunflower seeds, peanuts can spoil quickly and harbour dangerous bacteria, so ensure they are kept dry and offered in small quantities.
Lastly, read the ingredients list on birdseed mixes carefully. Some mixes may contain seeds that attract unwanted bird species. For instance, canary seed is popular among house sparrows and cowbirds, so unless you want to attract these birds, opt for mixes without canary seed. Similarly, if you notice small, red seeds in a mix, ensure they are milo or sorghum rather than red millet, as the latter is often unappealing to birds.
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Hanging the birdseed blocks
Hanging your birdseed blocks is a fun and easy way to attract birdlife to your backyard. Here are some detailed steps to follow for hanging your birdseed blocks:
Choosing a Location
Select a spot in your yard that is easily visible and accessible. Look for a sturdy tree branch that can support the weight of the birdseed block and won't be too exposed to strong winds or direct sunlight, which may cause the block to melt in hotter months.
Preparing the Block
Before hanging, ensure your birdseed block is properly set and firm. You can test its firmness by gently pressing on it. If it feels sturdy and doesn't crumble, it's ready for hanging. If you're using a mould, carefully remove the block from it. You can use a knife or spatula to loosen the edges if needed.
Creating a Hanging Mechanism
Use twine, string, or ribbon to create a hanging loop. Cut a length of your chosen material, allowing for enough length to reach your chosen branch and leave some excess for tying. Firmly push one end of the twine into the top centre of the block, creating a hook or loop. You can use a straw to create a hole for the twine, as mentioned in a previous step, or carefully push the twine through without one. Ensure the twine is secure and won't slip out.
Hanging the Block
Once your block is ready, carry it carefully to your chosen spot. Climb a ladder if necessary to reach the branch, ensuring you have stable footing and someone to spot you. Tie the excess twine securely around the branch, testing its stability by giving it a gentle tug. Adjust the length of the twine if you want the block higher or lower.
Enjoy the Wildlife
Now, you can enjoy watching your local birdlife discover and feast on your homemade birdseed block! You may even spot some regular visitors who come to enjoy your creation. Remember to keep an eye on the block, and once it's mostly depleted, you can make a new one to hang in the same spot, creating a regular feeding spot for your feathered friends.
Hanging birdseed blocks is a simple and enjoyable way to connect with nature and encourage birdlife to visit your backyard.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need bird seed, gelatin, water, and a mould. Some recipes also include flour, honey, egg whites, and cooking oil.
First, boil water and add gelatin, stirring until dissolved. Then, slowly add bird seed to the gelatin mix until the seeds are coated. Leave the mixture to cool slightly before spooning it into a mould. Refrigerate for a few hours or until firm, then thread string or twine through a hole in the seed block to hang it from a tree.
Bird seed blocks can last a few days to a few weeks, depending on the weather conditions and how often birds visit and eat from them. In hot weather, gelatin may melt, so it is best to hang seed blocks in the shade or put them out during the colder months.
