I did a study of suet cake "flavor" preferences a few years ago. A
peanut-based suet was the clear winner. A writeup is below and at these
two links:
http://www.umich.edu/~bbowman/birds/se_mich/links.html#misc
http://www.umich.edu/~bbowman/birds/suetpref.txt
Bruce Bowman
Ann Arbor, Michigan
========================================================================
Suet Cake Preferences Study
Type
ID # Suet name
1 Heath Blend
2 Heath Orange Burst
3 Heath Peanutty Raisin
4 Heath Apple Dough
Test description: Suet cake halves are side by side in the same hanging
suet feeder. The feeder has a wooden frame around the suet. The lower
portion of the frame serves as a tail prop for woodpeckers. Squirrels
are not able to reach the feeder.
This study was conducted in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in June/July 2003.
Bruce Bowman <[log in to unmask]>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test Results
Test Type and
No. Date amount eaten Birds observed
1 06/28/03 1 5% 3 100% downie,hairy,red-belly,flicker
2 06/30/03 2 25% 3 75% same plus a starling
3 07/04/03 1 67% 4 83% " "
4 07/07/03 2 35% 4 95% " "
5 07/12/03 1 60% 2 80% " "
6 07/18/03 3 83% 4 50% " "
7* 07/23/03 3 50% 4 83% *plus blue jay & grackles
8 07/28/03 1 ? 2 ? (study terminated)
* aberrant result? - excluded from analysis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis of results for suet types 1, 2, 3, and 4
Suet Type
1 - Heath Blend - liked less than all others
Test 1 - liked FAR less than Peanutty Raisin
Test 3 - liked less than Apple Dough
Test 5 - liked less than Orange Burst
2 - Heath Orange Burst - 2nd worst; liked only slightly more than Blend
Test 2 - liked much less than Peanutty Raisin
Test 4 - liked much less than Apple Dough
Test 5 - liked more than Blend
3 - Heath Peanutty Raisin - easily the best liked
Test 1 - liked GREATLY more than Blend
Test 2 - liked much more than Orange Burst
Test 6 - liked significantly more than Apple Dough, the second best
4 - Heath Apple Dough - easily the 2nd best liked but not close to the
best
Test 3 - liked more than Blend
Test 4 - liked much more than Orange Burst
Test 6 - liked significantly less than Peanutty Raisin
Note: These tests were done in mid summer. A similar study conducted in
winter might produce different results.
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Summary
Rank Suet name Comment
1 Heath Peanutty Raisin (ID = 3) the clear winner
2 Heath Apple Dough (ID = 4) 2nd but not close to 1st
3 Heath Orange Burst (ID = 2) not close to 2nd
4 Heath Blend (ID = 1) even worse than 3rd
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Recommendation
If using Heath brand suet cakes always put out two types, Peanutty
Raisin and Apple Dough. You may need to stock nearly twice as much
Peanutty Raisin as Apple Dough. Don't use either Blend or Orange Burst.
While other brands of suet cakes were not tested, the results of this
study suggest that peanut-based suet cakes of any brand will be the
single best choice for birds and feeder watchers.
In the winter real suet is also relished by many feeder birds,
especially woodpeckers. It should be put out in addition to the suet
cakes.
As noted above, these tests were done in mid summer. A similar
study conducted in winter might produce different results. Also, results
of studies done in other parts of the country clearly could be different.
Bruce Bowman
Ann Arbor, Michigan
August 10, 2003
=======================================================================
Date sent: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 06:41:13 -0500
Send reply to: Snively <[log in to unmask]>
From: Snively <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [Ohio-birds] suet
To: [log in to unmask]
> FYI
>
> Marc's stores are carrying a new blueberry suet. It smells good
> enough to eat. The birds are crazy about it.
>
> Elaine Snively, Stark Co.
> Massillon
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
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