I am trying to make some Fat Balls

Type 'Home made fat balls' into the search box on the right of the page, Diane and you should find various recipes! I seemed to make mine either too sloppy or too stiff ... so I now buy them when they are on offer.

I put a block of lard in a bowl and squish it together with whatever scraps I have, then I mould into balls and pop them on a tray in the freezer. This hardens them and they prove very popular with the feathered friends.

Wallpaper paste often contains a fungicide. Leave out the flour and you won't need the water. A little dried fruit or some seeds are a good addition.

I also make mine from lard or suet and add dried fruit, old cheese, bread, unsalted bacon and seeds but I have never added flour or water. I melt the fat mix it all up and freeze till needed. I never thought of adding oats that sounds a good idea Diane.

We use a recipe that came from the RSPB which is 1 part fat to 2 parts other things, the other things being sunflower hearts, raisins, broken-up peanuts, breadcrumbs ... I then keep them in the fridge till I need them (or rather the birds do).

Thank you everyone. Mine wouldnt solidify until I put the flour and water in. I put them on a tray in the airing cupboard and they seem nice and hard this morning. Will take them down to my Feeding Station in the alcove at the top of my Allotment, and see whether they are eaten. Got many more for much less cost anyway. Will have a look at the website.
Will stick to my recipe for the time being.
The bird seed, and peanuts, are in seperate feeders.
I just wish they would stop bathing in the large flower pot saucer tied to the top of several old breeze-blocks - and throwing the water out ! Suppose this lark will stop when it gets colder.
All good fun.

Am very pleased to report to all that my Home Made Fat Balls have been very successful this morning. Put 4 in the feeder. About 50 + Dunnits, Sparrows and Tits have been rushing about getting excited about them,
pecking away in between swoops and circling.

Pleased your feathered friends like it, have to give it a try Diane, I often use recycled yoghurt pots for my homemade fat recipes, I also pop them in my freezer for a few mins to set.