Suet cakes are a popular choice for bird enthusiasts who want to attract a variety of feathered friends to their backyards. Made from a blend of fats, seeds, and other nutritional ingredients, suet cakes provide essential energy and nutrients to wild birds, especially during colder months. However, if you've ever put out suet cakes, you might have noticed some unexpected visitors—squirrels. So, do squirrels eat suet cakes? Let's dive into this topic and find out.
What Are Suet Cakes?
Suet cakes are blocks of rendered animal fat mixed with seeds, nuts, grains, and sometimes dried fruits or insects. They are designed to provide a high-energy food source for birds, particularly during winter when other food sources are scarce. Suet cakes are typically placed in wire cages or feeders that allow birds to easily access the food while keeping it secure from larger animals.
Why Do Birds Love Suet Cakes?
Birds are attracted to suet cakes because they are an excellent source of fat and protein, which are crucial for maintaining energy levels. Species like woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice are particularly fond of suet. These birds rely on the high-energy content of suet cakes to sustain their active lifestyles, especially during the breeding season or in cold weather.
The Squirrel Factor: Are They Interested in Suet?
Squirrels are opportunistic eaters with a diverse diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and even some insects. So, it's not surprising that they might show interest in suet cakes. While suet is not a natural part of a squirrel's diet, the fatty and caloric content is appealing to them, especially during times when food is scarce. Let's explore why squirrels might be drawn to suet cakes.
Squirrels' Natural Curiosity
Squirrels are inherently curious creatures. They tend to explore their surroundings and investigate potential food sources. If you have a suet feeder in your yard, it's likely that a squirrel will eventually take notice and give it a try, especially if other food sources are less abundant.
High-Calorie Content
The high-fat content in suet cakes makes them a tempting meal for squirrels. Fat is an excellent energy source, and squirrels, like birds, need plenty of energy, especially during colder months when they must stay warm and active. A suet cake's rich, caloric composition can be an attractive option for a hungry squirrel.
Easy Access
If a suet feeder is not designed to be squirrel-proof, these agile climbers can easily reach the suet cakes. Squirrels are known for their acrobatic skills and persistence when it comes to obtaining food, often finding ways to bypass obstacles that would deter other animals.
How to Keep Squirrels Away from Your Suet Feeders
If you're a bird enthusiast who wants to ensure that your suet cakes are reserved for feathered visitors, there are several strategies you can employ to deter squirrels from accessing your feeders.
Use Squirrel-Proof Feeders
One of the most effective ways to keep squirrels at bay is to invest in a squirrel-proof suet feeder. These feeders are designed to make it difficult for squirrels to reach the suet cakes while still allowing birds to feed freely. Some models have cages with small openings that only birds can fit through, while others use weight-activated mechanisms that close off access when a heavier animal, like a squirrel, attempts to feed.
Place Feeders Strategically
Location is key when it comes to keeping squirrels away from your suet cakes. Place feeders at least 10 feet away from trees, fences, or other structures that squirrels can use as launching pads. Squirrels can jump significant distances, so the more isolated your feeder is, the better.
Add Spices to the Suet
Birds are not affected by spicy flavors, but squirrels are. Adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or other hot spices to your suet cakes can deter squirrels without harming the birds. The spice will make the suet less appealing to squirrels while remaining a tasty treat for your avian visitors.
Offer Squirrels Their Own Food
Sometimes, providing squirrels with their own food source can divert their attention from your suet feeders. You can set up a separate feeding station stocked with squirrel-friendly foods like corn, nuts, and sunflower seeds. This can help keep squirrels occupied and less interested in your suet cakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, squirrels do eat suet cakes, and their interest in them is driven by curiosity and the high-energy content that suet offers. However, by using squirrel-proof feeders, strategically placing your feeders, and employing spicy deterrents, you can help ensure that your suet cakes are enjoyed primarily by the birds you intend to feed. Happy birdwatching!