OFF TOPIC - help on making bird treats

[Cheryl Isaak]

It is a troop tradition to make bird treats for a holiday tree in the town
common. This year, I have a girl with peanut allergies, so there goes the
cheap and easy pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed.

I've found recipes using rendered suet/lard, but frankly, none of the
leaders have the time to do that.

Would solid vegetable shortening work?

After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
but you folks are a fount of information.

Thanks a million

Cheryl

[Jim Elbrecht]

-snip-
>After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
>but you folks are a fount of information.

news:rec.birds is to birds what rec.gardens is to gardens.<g>

My gut says hold on the shortening. I'd go for plain suet-- warm
just enough to make it pliable- roll in bird seed.

My birds prefer just plain fresh lard to all the adulterated ones I've
tried-- but that doesn't make for a project. . . . unless you just
make the 'feeder'-- can be as simple as a nail driven in a board, or
as complicated as folding hardware cloth.

Jim

[Cheryl Isaak]

On 11/22/05 7:35 AM, in article ,
"Jim Elbrecht" > wrote:

>
> -snip-
>> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
>> but you folks are a fount of information.
>
> news:rec.birds is to birds what rec.gardens is to gardens.<g>
Found it and thank you!
>
> My gut says hold on the shortening. I'd go for plain suet-- warm
> just enough to make it pliable- roll in bird seed.

>
> My birds prefer just plain fresh lard to all the adulterated ones I've
> tried-- but that doesn't make for a project. . . . unless you just
> make the 'feeder'-- can be as simple as a nail driven in a board, or
> as complicated as folding hardware cloth.
>
> Jim
Sounds over the abilities of first and second graders. :)


I'm looking for extra onion bags right now! Too bad I just finished that
huge bag and tossed it. I have 4 potentials, I think I'll be doing lots of
onions and shallots for a few days!


Thanks for your help

Cheryl

[BetsyB]

"Cheryl Isaak" > wrote in message
...
> On 11/22/05 7:35 AM, in article
> ,
> "Jim Elbrecht" > wrote:
>
>>
>> -snip-
>>> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird
>>> newsgroup,
>>> but you folks are a fount of information.
>>
>> news:rec.birds is to birds what rec.gardens is to gardens.<g>
> Found it and thank you!
>>
>> My gut says hold on the shortening. I'd go for plain suet-- warm
>> just enough to make it pliable- roll in bird seed.
>
>>
>> My birds prefer just plain fresh lard to all the adulterated ones I've
>> tried-- but that doesn't make for a project. . . . unless you just
>> make the 'feeder'-- can be as simple as a nail driven in a board, or
>> as complicated as folding hardware cloth.
>>
>> Jim
> Sounds over the abilities of first and second graders. :)
>
>
> I'm looking for extra onion bags right now! Too bad I just finished that
> huge bag and tossed it. I have 4 potentials, I think I'll be doing lots of
> onions and shallots for a few days!
>
>
> Thanks for your help
>
> Cheryl
My kids used peanutbutter and rolled pine cones in bird seed. Tie a red
ribbon on before hand.
They hung them every where a small kid could reach. This was a family
tradition and still is.

Betsy

[Cheryl Isaak]

On 11/22/05 8:27 AM, in article , "BetsyB"
> wrote:

>
> "Cheryl Isaak" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 11/22/05 7:35 AM, in article
>> ,
>> "Jim Elbrecht" > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> -snip-
>>>> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird
>>>> newsgroup,
>>>> but you folks are a fount of information.
>>>
>>> news:rec.birds is to birds what rec.gardens is to gardens.<g>
>> Found it and thank you!
>>>
>>> My gut says hold on the shortening. I'd go for plain suet-- warm
>>> just enough to make it pliable- roll in bird seed.
>>
>>>
>>> My birds prefer just plain fresh lard to all the adulterated ones I've
>>> tried-- but that doesn't make for a project. . . . unless you just
>>> make the 'feeder'-- can be as simple as a nail driven in a board, or
>>> as complicated as folding hardware cloth.
>>>
>>> Jim
>> Sounds over the abilities of first and second graders. :)
>>
>>
>> I'm looking for extra onion bags right now! Too bad I just finished that
>> huge bag and tossed it. I have 4 potentials, I think I'll be doing lots of
>> onions and shallots for a few days!
>>
>>
>> Thanks for your help
>>
>> Cheryl
> My kids used peanutbutter and rolled pine cones in bird seed. Tie a red
> ribbon on before hand.
> They hung them every where a small kid could reach. This was a family
> tradition and still is.
>
> Betsy
>
>
Which would be great EXCEPT if you reread the original post, I have a GS
that is ALLERGIC to peanuts.


Cheryl

[Anonny Moose]

>>
>>
> Which would be great EXCEPT if you reread the original post, I have a GS
> that is ALLERGIC to peanuts.
>
>

How about using a real nut butter like almond butter. I've even seen a soy
butter. Wonder if the birds would like that....

[Cheryl Isaak]

On 11/22/05 11:28 AM, in article
, "Anonny Moose"
> wrote:

>>>
>>>
>> Which would be great EXCEPT if you reread the original post, I have a GS
>> that is ALLERGIC to peanuts.
>>
>>
>
> How about using a real nut butter like almond butter. I've even seen a soy
> butter. Wonder if the birds would like that....
>
>

Given the nature of her reaction, I'm not putting any nuts with in breathing
distance. Soy is a problem also.

C

[axeman]

Here's a link to some recipes that do not necessarily require peanut butter.

Jacqui

"Cheryl Isaak" > wrote in message
...
> It is a troop tradition to make bird treats for a holiday tree in the town
> common. This year, I have a girl with peanut allergies, so there goes the
> cheap and easy pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed.
>
> I've found recipes using rendered suet/lard, but frankly, none of the
> leaders have the time to do that.
>
> Would solid vegetable shortening work?
>
> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
> but you folks are a fount of information.
>
> Thanks a million
>
> Cheryl
>

[axeman]

Of course it's always helpful to actually include the link!
http://www.birdhobbyist.com/articles/HolidayTreats.html

Jacqui

"axeman" > wrote in message
. ..
> Here's a link to some recipes that do not necessarily require peanut
> butter.
>
> Jacqui
>
> "Cheryl Isaak" > wrote in message
> ...
>> It is a troop tradition to make bird treats for a holiday tree in the
>> town
>> common. This year, I have a girl with peanut allergies, so there goes the
>> cheap and easy pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed.
>>
>> I've found recipes using rendered suet/lard, but frankly, none of the
>> leaders have the time to do that.
>>
>> Would solid vegetable shortening work?
>>
>> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
>> but you folks are a fount of information.
>>
>> Thanks a million
>>
>> Cheryl
>>
>
>

[DrLith]

Cheryl Isaak wrote:
> It is a troop tradition to make bird treats for a holiday tree in the town
> common. This year, I have a girl with peanut allergies, so there goes the
> cheap and easy pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed.
>
> I've found recipes using rendered suet/lard, but frankly, none of the
> leaders have the time to do that.
>
> Would solid vegetable shortening work?
>
> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
> but you folks are a fount of information.
>
> Thanks a million

I'm curious if birds have traditionally come to feast on these
traditional treats? It always seems to take a while to get birds into
the habit of coming to feed in a particular spot, and every cute holiday
birdfood project I've been involved in has pretty much struck out with
the intended patrons. Of course, if your town common is populated by the
Common Cafe-Cruising Crumbsnatcher, they might be a little easier to
lure in.

[Cheryl Isaak]

On 11/22/05 5:14 PM, in article , "DrLith"
> wrote:

> Cheryl Isaak wrote:
>> It is a troop tradition to make bird treats for a holiday tree in the town
>> common. This year, I have a girl with peanut allergies, so there goes the
>> cheap and easy pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed.
>>
>> I've found recipes using rendered suet/lard, but frankly, none of the
>> leaders have the time to do that.
>>
>> Would solid vegetable shortening work?
>>
>> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
>> but you folks are a fount of information.
>>
>> Thanks a million
>
> I'm curious if birds have traditionally come to feast on these
> traditional treats? It always seems to take a while to get birds into
> the habit of coming to feed in a particular spot, and every cute holiday
> birdfood project I've been involved in has pretty much struck out with
> the intended patrons. Of course, if your town common is populated by the
> Common Cafe-Cruising Crumbsnatcher, they might be a little easier to
> lure in.

Having done clean up (about 2 weeks later) lots of stuff is gone. What ate
it is unknown. I'd bet on squirrels, chipmunks and crows.

Cheryl

[Chuckie]

If honey isn't a problem I would suggest mixing honey and sunflower
seeds and making any shape you prefer and you may want to bake them for
a short amount of time.
Please do not judge me this is my creative mind at 10:00 PM
Have Fun!
Happy Thankgiving!
Chuckie
In the Frozen North Zone 5

[Cheryl Isaak]

On 11/22/05 10:03 PM, in article
. com, "Chuckie"
> wrote:

> If honey isn't a problem I would suggest mixing honey and sunflower
> seeds and making any shape you prefer and you may want to bake them for
> a short amount of time.
> Please do not judge me this is my creative mind at 10:00 PM
> Have Fun!
> Happy Thankgiving!
> Chuckie
> In the Frozen North Zone 5
>


Sigh, great idea, not enough time to pull it off. I'd have to get the girls
and my co-leaders together at my house and frankly, we adults are just too
squeezed for time.

Cheryl

[Cheryl Isaak]

On 11/22/05 1:29 PM, in article
, "axeman" >
wrote:

> Of course it's always helpful to actually include the link!
> http://www.birdhobbyist.com/articles/HolidayTreats.html
>
> Jacqui
>

That could be useful! Thanks!

Cheryl

[BetsyB]

"Cheryl Isaak" > wrote in message
...
> On 11/22/05 8:27 AM, in article , "BetsyB"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>> "Cheryl Isaak" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 11/22/05 7:35 AM, in article
>>> ,
>>> "Jim Elbrecht" > wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> -snip-
>>>>> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird
>>>>> newsgroup,
>>>>> but you folks are a fount of information.
>>>>
>>>> news:rec.birds is to birds what rec.gardens is to gardens.<g>
>>> Found it and thank you!
>>>>
>>>> My gut says hold on the shortening. I'd go for plain suet-- warm
>>>> just enough to make it pliable- roll in bird seed.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> My birds prefer just plain fresh lard to all the adulterated ones I've
>>>> tried-- but that doesn't make for a project. . . . unless you just
>>>> make the 'feeder'-- can be as simple as a nail driven in a board, or
>>>> as complicated as folding hardware cloth.
>>>>
>>>> Jim
>>> Sounds over the abilities of first and second graders. :)
>>>
>>>
>>> I'm looking for extra onion bags right now! Too bad I just finished that
>>> huge bag and tossed it. I have 4 potentials, I think I'll be doing lots
>>> of
>>> onions and shallots for a few days!
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks for your help
>>>
>>> Cheryl
>> My kids used peanutbutter and rolled pine cones in bird seed. Tie a red
>> ribbon on before hand.
>> They hung them every where a small kid could reach. This was a family
>> tradition and still is.
>>
>> Betsy
>>
>>
> Which would be great EXCEPT if you reread the original post, I have a GS
> that is ALLERGIC to peanuts.
>
>
> Cheryl
My error but I bet lard would suffice. And if you find it it's cheap and
with kids crafts that's a PLUS

[sockiescat]

BetsyB "Cheryl Isaak" wrote in message
...
On 11/22/05 8:27 AM, in article , "BetsyB"
wrote:


"Cheryl Isaak" wrote in message
...
On 11/22/05 7:35 AM, in article
,
"Jim Elbrecht" wrote:


-snip-
After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird
newsgroup,
but you folks are a fount of information.

news:rec.birds is to birds what rec.gardens is to gardens.g
Found it and thank you!

My gut says hold on the shortening. I'd go for plain suet-- warm
just enough to make it pliable- roll in bird seed.


My birds prefer just plain fresh lard to all the adulterated ones I've
tried-- but that doesn't make for a project. . . . unless you just
make the 'feeder'-- can be as simple as a nail driven in a board, or
as complicated as folding hardware cloth.

Jim
Sounds over the abilities of first and second graders. :)


I'm looking for extra onion bags right now! Too bad I just finished that
huge bag and tossed it. I have 4 potentials, I think I'll be doing lots
of
onions and shallots for a few days!


Thanks for your help

Cheryl
My kids used peanutbutter and rolled pine cones in bird seed. Tie a red
ribbon on before hand.
They hung them every where a small kid could reach. This was a family
tradition and still is.

Betsy


Which would be great EXCEPT if you reread the original post, I have a GS
that is ALLERGIC to peanuts.


Cheryl
My error but I bet lard would suffice. And if you find it it's cheap and
with kids crafts that's a PLUS


here is a web site that might help u out
http://animalsnackables.com/treatrecipes/BIRDRECIPES.htm#heaven

yup we used to do the pinecone idea as mentioned :) when the kids were younger also. but we did two kinds one with peanut butter and the other we rolled the pinecone in lard, then in bird seed and then we hung it using ribbon. maybe the lard and seed one might work for ya.
good luck. sockiescat.

[BT]

I don't see your location...can you get hold of some crabapples or mountain ash
berries? Various birds will eat those and they'd look good hanging on an
evergreen tree too. Many stores that sell seeds for wild birds also carry a
selection of suet cakes that don't contain any nuts (if you trust the
manufacturer).

Forget the vegetable based shortening. Birds eat animal fats, including butter!

BT


"Cheryl Isaak" > wrote in message
...
> It is a troop tradition to make bird treats for a holiday tree in the town
> common. This year, I have a girl with peanut allergies, so there goes the
> cheap and easy pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed.
>
> I've found recipes using rendered suet/lard, but frankly, none of the
> leaders have the time to do that.
>
> Would solid vegetable shortening work?
>
> After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
> but you folks are a fount of information.
>
> Thanks a million
>
> Cheryl
>

[sockiescat]

BT I don't see your location...can you get hold of some crabapples or mountain ash
berries? Various birds will eat those and they'd look good hanging on an
evergreen tree too. Many stores that sell seeds for wild birds also carry a
selection of suet cakes that don't contain any nuts (if you trust the
manufacturer).

Forget the vegetable based shortening. Birds eat animal fats, including butter!

BT


"Cheryl Isaak" wrote in message
...
It is a troop tradition to make bird treats for a holiday tree in the town
common. This year, I have a girl with peanut allergies, so there goes the
cheap and easy pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed.

I've found recipes using rendered suet/lard, but frankly, none of the
leaders have the time to do that.

Would solid vegetable shortening work?

After everyone is at school/work, I'll look for the right bird newsgroup,
but you folks are a fount of information.

Thanks a million

Cheryl



here ya go i hope this answers your question about the shortening verses the lard question. have fun making your bird treats and good luck.
http://www.sialis.org/suet.htm sockiescat.