Suet Cage From Scrap Mesh and Wire. : 8 Steps

This is an easy project that takes less than a half hour to complete (took me under ten minutes).

Start wish some wire mesh scrap (about 1-2 square feet is plenty). The smaller holes are better if you have squirrels and will make the cage somewhat squirrel resistant.

What's needed:

1. wire mesh
2. some scrap wire (one foot of wire is more than enough)
3. wire cutters
4. small board for bending (to ensure straight bends)
5. gloves for anyone wanting to protect their hands. the mesh is sharp!

Step 1: The First Bend!

Use the suet you will be giving the birds as your size guide.

In general, you will simply bend the mesh around the suet.

Image: Bend one edge up the depth of the suet.

Step 2: Second Bend

Bend the other side of the mesh as shown.

I used a board as a bending guide to ensure a straight bend of the wire mesh.

Be sure to give extra space so the suet has some wiggle room (and hope your suet doesn't wiggle).

Step 3: Cut It!

Keeping in mind that you want to give extra space around the suet, cut the few wires at the top as shown (on both sides).

Step 4: Cut It Again!

Cut the wire mesh again to enclose the suet.

Remember to use a board to get those straight bends.

Keep it simple, put the suet in its wire mesh space, see what fits and then take it out for the bends (you don't want suet all over your work space). :)

Step 5: Wire It Closed

You can use insulated wire, uninulated wire, rusty wire, anything that will twist and is a little stronger than a twist tie.

Wire it closed so the all but one side is open.

The little bottom/top flap can go over or under, whatever you feel it best. I tucked my little pieces into the wire frame.

Step 6: More Wire Cutting

Cut the mesh on the edges so you can bend it over to close it all the way.

Unwrap the suet and put it in before you bend it over.

Now you have a suet cage with a little standing area for the birdies! Yay!

Some would say to trim the sharp wires to keep the birds save, but I left my pokey ends standing up to discourage squirrels from jumping on it. The birds fly through thorny trees in my back yard without a scratch, so I'm figuring they should be able to navigate the anti-squirrel measures I left in place.