Is Summer Suet Safe for Birds?
Many people have asked our team whether it is safe to offer suet to birds during the summer months. We have also admitted the occasional woodpecker whose feathers were coated in melted suet. While feeding wild birds year-round can be rewarding, it’s important to know that not all suet is suitable for hot weather.
Traditional suet is made primarily from animal fat. As temperatures rise, it can soften, melt, and release oil. If this oil coats a bird’s feathers, it can compromise their natural waterproofing and insulation, making it more difficult for them to fly and regulate their body temperature. Oil contamination may also pose risks to nesting birds if it is transferred to eggs. In addition, suet left out in warm weather can become rancid.
To better understand this issue, a McGill University intern at Le Nichoir compared traditional suet with commercially available “no-melt” suet under summer conditions. The informal study found that while “no-melt” products remained more stable than traditional suet, they were not necessarily a completely safe feeding option during periods of extreme heat (above 40°C).
Until more research is available, we recommend using seeds, dried insects and other feeder-appropriate foods and using caution when providing any type of suet during the summer months, especially during heat waves. Regularly check your feeders and remove any suet that has softened, melted, or spoiled. Keeping feeders clean and offering fresh food is one of the best ways to help protect the birds visiting your backyard.