Attracting woodpeckers to your yard can be super rewarding. These birds are fun to watch. Plus, they help control insects in your trees. Providing the right suet is key. It keeps them coming back for more.
Finding the best suet can be confusing. There are so many options available. This article will break down the top five suet choices for woodpeckers. You’ll also find helpful tips for choosing the right one.
Product Overview / Quick Summary:
- Best Overall: Wagner’s Four Seasons Suet Cake – High energy and attracts a variety of birds.
- Best for Attracting Woodpeckers Specifically: Heath Outdoor Products Woodpecker Suet – Formulated just for woodpeckers.
- Best Value: C&S Suet Treat Variety Pack – A good mix of flavors at an affordable price.
- Best No-Melt Suet: Pine Tree Farms No-Melt Suet Cake – Perfect for warmer climates.
- Best Organic Suet: Lyric Woodpecker Suet Cake – Made with organic ingredients.
Top 5 Best Suet For Woodpeckers
Wagner’s Four Seasons Suet Cake
Wagner’s Four Seasons Suet Cake is a solid all-around choice. It’s made to attract many wild birds. Woodpeckers love it, too. The high-energy formula helps birds thrive year-round. It is made with rendered beef suet, corn, oats, and peanuts.
This suet cake is easy to use. Just pop it into a standard suet feeder. The birds in my backyard go crazy for it. I see woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches all enjoying it.
Pros:
- ✅ Attracts a wide variety of birds
- ✅ High-energy formula
- ✅ Easy to use
Cons:
- ❌ Can melt in very hot weather
- ❌ May attract unwanted pests
- ❌ Some birds might prefer other flavors
Verdict: A great general-purpose suet that’s reliable. It’s perfect if you want to attract many bird species. Woodpeckers included.
Heath Outdoor Products Woodpecker Suet
Heath Outdoor Products Woodpecker Suet is specifically designed for woodpeckers. It contains ingredients they love. This includes peanuts, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. The added protein and fat content cater directly to their dietary needs.
I’ve noticed more woodpeckers visiting my feeder since I started using this. It’s a bit more expensive than other options. But the results are worth it if you want to cater to these birds. It does not contain wheat, millet, or milo.
Pros:
- ✅ Specifically formulated for woodpeckers
- ✅ High in protein and fat
- ✅ Attracts woodpeckers effectively
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than other suet cakes
- ❌ May not attract as many other bird species
- ❌ Can become crumbly
Verdict: This is your best bet if you want to attract mainly woodpeckers. The specialized formula works wonders. You will have more woodpeckers in your yard.
C&S Suet Treat Variety Pack
C&S Suet Treat Variety Pack is a great value. It offers different flavors to keep things interesting. The pack often includes flavors like peanut, insect, and fruit. This variety ensures that there’s something for every bird’s taste.
I like using this variety pack. It keeps the birds from getting bored. Plus, it lets me see which flavors are most popular. It is also a good way to test what the birds in your area like before committing to a larger quantity of one type. And these are made with rendered beef suet, corn, and oats.
Pros:
- ✅ Offers a variety of flavors
- ✅ Good value for the price
- ✅ Keeps birds interested
Cons:
- ❌ Some flavors may be less popular
- ❌ Quality can vary between cakes
- ❌ Packaging can be inconsistent
Verdict: A budget-friendly option that offers good variety. It’s perfect for experimenting and seeing what your local birds prefer.
Pine Tree Farms No-Melt Suet Cake
Pine Tree Farms No-Melt Suet Cake is designed for warmer climates. It won’t melt and make a mess in the summer heat. This suet cake contains rendered beef suet, corn, oats, and soy oil. It holds its shape even on hot days.
Living in a warmer area, I’ve struggled with melting suet. This no-melt option has been a game-changer. It stays solid and keeps the birds happy all summer long. It is also enriched with vitamins.
Pros:
- ✅ Doesn’t melt in warm weather
- ✅ Long-lasting
- ✅ Reduces mess
Cons:
- ❌ Can be harder for birds to peck at
- ❌ May not be as appealing in colder months
- ❌ Slightly more expensive
Verdict: An essential for anyone living in a hot climate. It prevents melting and keeps your feeders clean. It is also good for year round use.
Lyric Woodpecker Suet Cake
Lyric Woodpecker Suet Cake is a great option for those seeking organic ingredients. It is made with organic sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other natural ingredients. It attracts woodpeckers without the use of artificial additives.
I always try to choose organic when possible. This suet cake gives me peace of mind. I know I’m feeding the birds something healthy and natural. The birds love it too. It is a win-win situation for me.
Pros:
- ✅ Made with organic ingredients
- ✅ Attracts woodpeckers
- ✅ Free of artificial additives
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than conventional suet
- ❌ May not be as widely available
- ❌ Ingredients may vary
Verdict: A premium choice for environmentally conscious bird lovers. It’s a bit pricier. But it offers the benefit of organic ingredients.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right suet for woodpeckers involves considering several factors. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
- Ingredients: Look for suet that contains high-fat and high-protein ingredients. Good options include peanuts, sunflower seeds, and rendered beef fat.
- Season: Consider the time of year. No-melt suet is best for summer. Regular suet is fine for cooler months.
- Bird Preference: Woodpeckers have specific preferences. They are attracted to suet with nuts and insects. Experiment to see what they like most.
- Budget: Suet cakes vary in price. Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Then find the best option within your budget.
- Organic vs. Conventional: If you prefer organic products, look for suet cakes made with organic ingredients. These may be more expensive. But they offer the benefit of being free of artificial additives.
- Check for Allergens: If you or someone in your household has allergies, carefully check the ingredients list to avoid potential allergens.
- Storage: Store suet cakes in a cool, dry place to prevent them from melting or spoiling. An airtight container can help keep them fresh.
FAQs
What is suet?
Suet is a high-energy food source for birds. It’s typically made from animal fat. It often includes ingredients like seeds and nuts.
Why is suet good for woodpeckers?
Woodpeckers need high-fat and high-protein foods. Suet provides these essential nutrients, especially during the winter.
How do I put out suet for woodpeckers?
Use a suet feeder. These feeders are designed to hold suet cakes securely. They allow birds to peck at the suet easily. You can find these at most stores that sell bird seed. Or online retailers will have them as well.
Can suet go bad?
Yes, suet can go rancid, especially in warm weather. Store it properly. Replace it if it looks or smells bad.
What other birds eat suet?
Besides woodpeckers, many other birds enjoy suet. This includes chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice.
Conclusion
Finding the best suet for woodpeckers can make a big difference. It will help attract these beautiful birds to your yard. Consider your climate, budget, and the specific needs of the woodpeckers in your area. You will then have a thriving bird-feeding station. Each of the suet cakes reviewed offers unique benefits. There is one that will work for you. Happy birding!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
