How to Keep Raccoons Out of Suet Feeders

Raccoons can be a nuisance to bird feeders, but there are a few steps you can take to keep them away from your suet feeders. Suet feeders are an important part of a bird’s diet, and they are a great way to attract a variety of birds to your backyard. However, if raccoons are getting into your suet feeders, they can quickly deplete the food supply and leave you with an empty feeder. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep raccoons away from your suet feeders and keep your birds happy.

What is Suet?

Suet is a type of bird food that is made from beef fat. It is usually sold in blocks or cakes that are placed in suet feeders. Suet is a high-energy food that is especially attractive to birds in the winter when they need extra energy to stay warm. Suet feeders are designed to be hung from a tree or pole, and they are usually made of metal or plastic.

Why Do Raccoons Like Suet?

Raccoons are attracted to suet because it is a high-energy food that is easy to access. They are also attracted to the smell of the suet, which is why they often get into suet feeders.

How to Keep Raccoons Away from Suet Feeders

There are a few steps you can take to keep raccoons away from your suet feeders.

1. Hang the Feeder High

Raccoons are good climbers, so it is important to hang your suet feeder at least 8 feet off the ground. This will make it more difficult for the raccoons to access the feeder.

2. Use a Protective Cage

A protective cage can be placed around the suet feeder to make it more difficult for the raccoons to access the food. Make sure the cage is made of metal and has openings that are small enough to keep the raccoons out.

3. Use a Hot Pepper Spray

Hot pepper spray is a natural deterrent that can be used to keep raccoons away from your suet feeder. Spray the feeder with the pepper spray every few days to keep the raccoons away.

4. Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to keep raccoons away from your suet feeder. The sprinklers will turn on when the raccoons approach the feeder, which will startle them and keep them away.

5. Use a Suet Feeder with a Lid

Some suet feeders come with a lid that can be used to keep the raccoons out. The lid will make it more difficult for the raccoons to access the food, and it will also help keep the food fresh.

Pro Tip

If you are having trouble keeping the raccoons away from your suet feeder, try adding a few pieces of raw bacon to the feeder. The smell of the bacon will attract the raccoons, but they won’t be able to get into the feeder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to keep raccoons away from suet feeders?

The best way to keep raccoons away from suet feeders is to hang the feeder high, use a protective cage, use a hot pepper spray, use motion-activated sprinklers, and use a suet feeder with a lid.

Can I use a regular bird feeder for suet?

No, you should not use a regular bird feeder for suet. Suet feeders are specifically designed to hold suet, and they are usually made of metal or plastic.

Do raccoons eat suet?

Yes, raccoons are attracted to suet because it is a high-energy food that is easy to access. They are also attracted to the smell of the suet, which is why they often get into suet feeders.

Conclusion

Raccoons can be a nuisance to bird feeders, but there are a few steps you can take to keep them away from your suet feeders. Hang the feeder high, use a protective cage, use a hot pepper spray, use motion-activated sprinklers, and use a suet feeder with a lid. If you are having trouble keeping the raccoons away from your suet feeder, try adding a few pieces of raw bacon to the feeder. With these tips, you can keep your suet feeders safe from raccoons and ensure that your birds have plenty of food.