Bark Butter Bird Feed – Peanut Butter Blend for Wild Birds
(Compliments of Joleen Ardaiolo)
Makes: 1 Dough Loaf Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Peanut Butter (see notes below)
- 1 Cup Lard
- 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Oats (Old Fashioned, Quick, or Steel-Cut)
- 4 Cups Cornmeal
- 1 – 2 Cups of Mixed Shelled Birdseed (optional)
- Dried Mealworms (optional)
- Dried fruit cut in small pieces (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in large bowl. Blend together with a
spoon or knead it in the bowl with your hands * until the dry
ingredients are completely blended into a dough. The
amounts might need to be tweaked to get to the consistency
you need. - Store in an airtight container or refrigerator. These are all
shelf stable ingredients. - This can be shaped into balls or logs to use in cage type
feeders or spread in plug type feeders. It can also be
crumbled into a tray feeder for the non-clinging birds.
NOTES:
What Types of Peanut Butter Are Safe for Birds?
When choosing peanut butter for birds, go for the unsalted and no added sugar varieties. It’s crucial to avoid peanut butter with xylitol, which is toxic to birds and other animals. Natural, pure peanut butter is the best choice for your feathered friends. Creamy or crunchy works too!
Ideas on Kneading the mixture:
When mixing by hand, you may want to put on gloves. Some people microwave the peanut butter and lard to soften. You can also use a stand mixer on low speed.
Cornmeal :
Some found that Yellow Cornmeal works best. Be sure it is not a mix, but pure cornmeal.
HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar – NOT ORGANIC
Instructions
- Add sugar to boiling water. Allow to cool before filling feeder.
- Unused nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for 10 days.
- Replace nectar every 2 or 3 days during hot weather.
- Replace weekly during winter months.
Yes! Ruby Throated Hummingbirds are here during the winter months.
(Note: Do NOT add red-dye to your mix)
Last Update: 1/20/2024
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