How to Prevent Crows From Eating at Suet Feeders

Suet will often attract a variety of different birds, including crows. Crows at the bird feeder are often bothersome, as they tend to scare away many of the other birds that would like to frequent the feeder. In addition, as bigger birds, crows will often eat large amounts of food, not leaving much for other birds to enjoy. Many of those who offer suet to birds look for ways to keep crows away. Fortunately, there are a few techniques you can employ to prevent the crows from eating your suet.

Hanging wire container

Mesh bag

Suet that contains safflower seed

Bird seed with sunflower seeds, corn, oats and buckwheat

Place the suet in a wire container that can be hung. Big birds, such as crows, often find it difficult to hang from the wire in order to feed, as their claws typically do not fit inside the holes.

Hang your suet in a mesh bag. Bags that onions are often sold in will typically make for good suet holders. The holes are the right size for small birds to insert their beaks into are difficult for a larger bird to hang on and feed from.

Cut any perches on the feeder to make them about ?-inch in size. If the perch is any bigger, it will allow larger birds, such as crows, to be able to stand on the feeder and eat the suet. Since the perch is small, it will make standing on it difficult for large birds.

Offer suet that contains ingredients that crows typically do not like, such as safflower seed. If the crow does not enjoy the ingredients, it will likely avoid eating them.

Offer bird seed in a feeder on the other side of your property as an alternative for the crows. Fill the feeder with bird seed that crows typically enjoy, including sunflower seeds, corn, oats and buckwheat. If the crows are too busy enjoying the other seed, they may not be interested in the suet.

Avoid placing suet outside in temperatures that exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can become rancid.