Bird Feeders

I love to feed the birds as you get so many coming into the garden and they are great fun to watch. I have spent a fortune in the past on seeds and fat balls. But it is very easy to make your own fat based seed feeders.

They are more economical than seeds alone as they stay in the feeder rather than spraying everywhere.

What you will need:

Two sturdy tubs, I use a butter spread pot and a plastic 'take-away' tub

250g pack lard

wild bird seeds, enough to fill the tubs to about 2cm from the top

A length of sturdy string

A glass jug or bowl to melt the lard

How to make the feeders:

1.Cut the lard into smallish pieces and place in glass jug or bowl. Melt in a microwave or stand in a pan of hot water.

2.Fill the tubs with the seeds and if you wish to hang them up, cut a length of string about 10'' long and knotted at the end that is going into the seeds, press the knotted end into the centre of the seeds.

3.When the lard has melted, pour carefully over the seeds.

4.When cooled slightly place in the freezer to set.

When set you can either hang them up or cut them into small chunks and push into a feeder, the wire open mesh ones are best.

Now watch all your grateful feathered visitors.