Birds don't want suet??

This is a duplicate post from the Backyard forum--sorry, I didn't know which was best.  Please accept my apologies for the dupe posting.

I have a large suet basket (holds up to 4 suet cakes) situated under squirrel dome.  Top of suet basket just above bottom of squirrel dome--rest of basket exposed.  Multiple types of suet in basket:  combination of high energy, berry and peanut suet cakes.  4 other feeders in same area with cardinals, downy wp's, house finches, goldfinches, house sparrows, wb nuthatches and others frequently on all other feeders.  So far only one downy woodpecker has visited our suet feeder, and only once that we're aware of.  I've lowered it to its current level as it was originally higher inside the squirrel dome but still no takers...Any thoughts?  I can send photo if necessary.  Squirrels are MAJOR competitors for food here so dome is necessary for this particular feeder location.  All other feeders are squirrel-deterring types.  Wondering if the dome might be part of the problem?  All thoughts appreciated!

What do Blowfish eat?

Can't say that the problem is the dome for sure but most of my suet-eaters are clinging birds as opposed to perching birds, (in that they are used to hanging sideways and upside down.  My chickadees and wrens are that way.  The woodpeckers are used to swooping upwards.  Could it be interfering with their wings?  Just a thought?

Ray Swagerty----Charleston, SC

 I can't keep enough suet in the spring, especially during nesting and fledgling times.  Even the Mockingbirds and Blue Jays feed on it.  Since I have many squirrels, I use the No Melt Hot Pepper suet.  I've tried other "flavors," but the birds don't feed on it as well.  Perhaps they have developed a taste for the pepper!  Only occasionally will a squirrel take more than a taste. . .

I do use a caged feeder, but no dome.  The larger birds manage to stick their heads through the cage.  The suet in the non-caged feeders does go a little more quickly since the larger birds manage to flake off more--but the ground birds, especially the Robins, appreciate that.

 Hi Hootie,

 Can I ask how long the suet has been there? If this is a fairly new addition to your yard it will typically take birds a little while to find/discover new feeders, especially during the most severe periods of winter and in the middle of summer. Many birds explore their areas for new feeding opportunities during mild periods. Once a few of the birds discover your feeder they will attract the attention of other birds in the area.

Good luck and happy birding!