Molding suet? (1 Viewer)

[IndyMoon]

Has anyone ever had a case where suet cakes began to mold? I have two suet feeders out and while tidying up the patio today, decided to toss the one cake that had mostly melted (how, I don't know, it wasn't that warm here!) When I took it out of the basket, I noticed it had grown green, fuzzy mold on the back where it was up against the wood fence. I checked the other one out of curiosity and it too was showing signs of green growth.

I've never had this happen before. Did I just get a bad batch of cakes? We got them on sale for a ridiculously cheap price at a department store. Or is it because they were against the fence? I'm wondering if I should bother putting any suet back out for now, as so far the only attention they have gotten has been from a blue jay and a nuthatch. At the old house there were various woodpeckers visiting the suet all year. We just bought a new supply of cakes from the wild bird store to have out for the winter, so I don't want to put those particular ones out until it's much colder. One sort has dehydrated bugs... the other has peanuts, peanut butter, and blueberries. I don't suppose it's possible to spoil wild birds?

I do have one cake left of the 'cheap' suet, so I suppose I could put that one out. If I do have to throw it away, it won't be a huge loss... but do you think I'll have to worry about the expensive suet going bad or moldy in the winter?

Have a great day (or night), everyone. I'm going back outdoors to enjoy the lovely autumn weather. |:$|

Erika

 

[florall]

I would be surprised Erika that your suet went mouldy (as we spell it over here!) if the weather wasn't too hot. I suspect that there was something wrong with the cheaper fat balls you bought. Mould can be dangerous for birds, so I would chuck them all away. But do try your wild bird food store ones - I'm sure in your climate during the winter they shouldn't go mouldy.