As spring arrives, gardens burst into life with new growth, blooming flowers, and an abundance of wildlife. Birds become more active, nesting begins in earnest, and the countryside is filled with the sounds of birdsong. Many people associate feeding birds with winter, but offering food in spring is just as important - especially high-energy options like suet.

Long tailed tit on a small fat ball holder

Suet provides essential fats and nutrients that help birds during the breeding season, supporting their energy needs and ensuring they stay in top condition. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of feeding suet in spring, answer key questions about when to start and whether suet is good for birds, and discuss why birds need more food at this time of year.

Is Suet Good for Birds?

Yes, suet is an excellent food choice for birds, particularly during spring. During the breeding season, birds expend vast amounts of energy building nests, defending territories, and feeding their young. Suet provides a quick and efficient energy boost that supports these demanding activities.

There are different types of suet available, including plain suet blocks and those mixed with seeds, insects, berries, or mealworms. Each type offers varying nutritional benefits, and birds are naturally drawn to different mixes depending on their species and dietary
needs.

When Should I Start Feeding Suet?

Suet feeding doesn’t have to stop as the weather warms up. In fact, early spring is an excellent time to continue providing suet, particularly from March through to June when birds are preparing to breed, laying eggs, and raising their young.

The best approach is to observe the bird activity in your garden. If you see birds visiting your feeders regularly, it’s a clear sign that they still need a reliable food source. Additionally, unpredictable spring weather, including cold snaps and heavy rains, can make natural food scarce, making suet a valuable supplement.

If you have stopped feeding suet in early spring, consider reintroducing it in small amounts as birds become more active. Gradually adjusting the amount you offer ensures that food isn’t wasted and that the birds get what they need without over-reliance on human-provided sources.

  • two sparrows sat on a branch

    Supports Breeding Birds

    Spring is a critical time for birds as they
    establish territories, find mates, and begin raising their young. The energy demands of courtship, egg production, and feeding nestlings are incredibly high. Providing suet ensures birds have the necessary fuel to complete these vital tasks successfully.

  • Boosts Survival Rates of Young Birds

    Parent birds need to find food for themselves and their chicks. Suet, particularly when enriched with insects or mealworms, provides an easy-to-access and nutritious food source. This can make a significant difference in the survival rate of fledglings.

  • spring flowers during a rain shower

    Compensates for Unpredictable Weather

    While spring is associated with warmer
    temperatures, it can also bring sudden cold spells, heavy rains, and strong
    winds. These conditions can make natural food sources like insects and berries
    harder to find. Suet serves as an insurance policy, helping birds maintain their energy levels when natural supplies are temporarily scarce.

  • bullfinch sat eating

    Attracts a Wide Variety of Birds

    Offering suet in your garden can bring a
    fascinating variety of bird species to your feeders. Tits, woodpeckers, robins, nuthatches, starlings, and wrens are just a few of the birds that enjoy suet. The more diverse your bird feeder selection, the greater the variety of species you’ll attract.

  • baby blue tit sat on suet

    Encourages Birds to Stay in Your Garden

    By providing a consistent and nutritious food source, you can encourage birds to frequent your garden, making it a thriving
    hub of activity. Over time, birds learn where they can reliably find food and
    are more likely to return year after year.

Tips for Feeding Suet in Spring

To make the most of suet feeding in spring, keep the following tips in mind:

Position Feeders Wisely: Hang suet feeders in shaded areas to prevent melting and keep them safe from predators.

Offer Suet with Protein-Rich Additives: Look for suet that contains mealworms, insects, or seeds to provide additional nutrients.

Keep Feeders Clean: Regularly clean suet feeders to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease.

Monitor Bird Activity: Adjust the amount of suet you provide based on bird visits to ensure fresh food is always available.

Why Do Birds Need More Food in Spring?

Spring is a season of renewal, but it’s also a time of high energy demands for birds. Here’s why they need more food during this time:

Round bird nest

Nest Building

Constructing a nest requires immense effort, with birds flying back and forth to collect materials. This energy-intensive task is crucial for the survival of their future offspring, and suet helps them maintain their strength.

Blackbird in front of pink flowers.

Mating and Courtship

During the breeding season, birds engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract mates. Males often sing, display bright plumage, and perform intricate flight patterns, all of which require extra energy.

nest with thrush eggs inside

Egg Laying

Producing eggs is physically demanding,
requiring increased calcium and protein intake. While suet doesn’t provide calcium, it does offer essential fats that contribute to overall health and energy levels.

blue tit feeding its young

Feeding Chicks

Once chicks hatch, parent birds must tirelessly gather food to keep their young well-fed. Since suet is an easy and reliable food source, it helps reduce the pressure on parents to find enough nutrition.

redstart eating insects

Limited Natural Food Sources

Although insects and seeds become more available in spring, they may not be abundant enough to sustain all bird
populations, particularly in urban or suburban areas. By providing suet, you help bridge any nutritional gaps.

Feeding suet to garden birds in spring is a wonderful way to support wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature. While many people associate suet with winter feeding, it plays an equally important role in helping birds during the breeding season. From supporting nesting birds to
ensuring fledglings get the best start in life, suet offers numerous benefits.

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