Homemade Seed Cylinder (Seed Log)
Servings 1 seed log
Store-bought seed cylinders aren't cheap, so I decided to make my own: birdseed held together with unflavored gelatin, packed into a mold, and chilled until firm.
Ingredients
- 5 cups birdseed any mix; mine had raw peanuts and mealworms
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin 0.25 ounce each
- 4 tablespoons cold water for blooming
- 2/3 cup boiling water
Directions
- Bloom the gelatin: sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the boiling water to the bloomed gelatin and stir until it is completely dissolved.
- Pour the gelatin mixture over the birdseed in a mixing bowl. Stir well until all the seeds are evenly coated.
- Line the cylinder mold with parchment paper. Pack the seed mixture in tightly, pressing it down firmly as you go.
- Insert a dowel or the handle of a wooden or plastic mixing spoon to make the center hole.
- Refrigerate in the mold, with the dowel in place, for 24 hours. If it is solid, you're good to go. If it doesn't feel solid, wait another 12 hours.
- Remove the cylinder from the mold and carefully remove the dowel or spoon handle. If the seed log feels wet or too tacky after unmolding, let it air-dry for 24 to 48 hours before use. Place it on the feeder and enjoy watching the birds.
Notes
You'll need a cylinder mold about 4.6 inches across and 7 inches tall, parchment paper, a dowel or the handle of a wooden or plastic mixing spoon, a mixing bowl, and measuring cups and spoons. Pack firmly; it helps the log hold together. Plastic or smooth wooden handles release more easily. If your mixture seems very wet, add a little more seed. Store extra seed logs in the fridge or freezer.