DIY Bird Seed Block
DIY Bird Seed Block
We discovered how easy it is to make our own bird seed block and save a lot of money in the process as well. Now this is economical when you purchase the two main ingredients in bulk, bird seed and plain gelatin.
Knox unflavored gelatin is available in the grocery stores in a box containing 1/4 oz. envelopes. For the recipe below you would need 6 envelopes but if you bought it on Amazon in a 1 pound jar it is much less per ounce. I have looked at Sams Club and Cosco and they do not carry it in this size. Amazon-Knox Gelatin 1 pound
I did the calculations, your average 1 pound seed bell is around $7. When you make my bird seed block it will weigh 3 pounds and cost you around $3.73 if you buy the gelatin packets at the grocery store. If you purchase the can from Amazon the cost reduces to $2.86. These costs were also based upon purchasing a 40 pound bag of seed for around $20.
Now your creativity can be endless at this point by creating seed blocks to attract different varieties of birds. Substitute out a cup or two of seed and add in nuts, dried fruit or orange peel. You can also add in a cup of melted peanut butter or suet from the butcher.
Choose any type of container you wish to form your bird seed block, make sure that it will hold the six cups of bird seed. You can even choose a small box and line it with a plastic bag, parchment or wax paper. I find using one of my storage bowl the easiest for me.
Recipe
- 6 c. bird seed
- 1 c. cold water
- 1 1/2 oz. Knox unflavored gelatin (6- 1/4 oz. envelopes)
Directions
Pour cold water into small metal bowl
Slowly and evenly sprinkle gelatin over cold water, if needed stir so all is absorbed. This step is called blooming the gelatin.
Place bloomed gelatin over a double boiler and watch for all gelatin to melt. Mixture will now be clear and not grainy. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Measure your 6 c. of bird seed into the container you want to make sure it fits.
You know have all your mise en place. Pour seed into large mixing bowl, lightly spray your container for easy release later.
I like to put gloves on at this point because this step is very sticky. Pour slightly cooled melted gelatin over the bird seed and thoroughly mix to coat all seeds.
Return coated seeds back to lightly sprayed container. DO NOT pack mixture down into the bowl, this will create too solid of a block. It will seem like you have more seed than you started with, this is fine just lightly add it in and flatten as much as possible. Allow to completely set for 3 hours. Your gelatin bowls will easily clean with very hot soapy water.
After 3 hours, turn out from bowl or form and place in your bird house or feeder.
Sit back and watch all the birds enjoy your efforts for them.
If you enjoyed making this for our little feathered friends, try one of our recipes for yourself!
