Thistle Seed Bird Feeder

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Thistle seed bird feeder

Nyjer seed (also referred to as Nyger or thistle), is a small, black seed high in oil content, making it an excellent source of energy for the birds who eat it. Many birders choose to offer Nyjer in their bird feeders throughout the winter months since many non-migratory birds feed on the nutritious seed.

How do I feed thistle seed to birds?

Pour the thistle into the stocking. Until it's about three to four inches. High. Then take the

Is thistle seed and Nyjer seed the same?

Nyjer seed, also known as niger seed or thistle seed, is a high oil content seed used frequently in backyard bird feeders to attract a variety of finches.

Can you put Nyjer seed in a regular bird feeder?

Because of its small size, most seed feeders aren't suitable, as the seed will just fall out of the holes. We recommend purchasing a pre-filled Niger Seed feeder to start off with so your birds can get used to it.

What birds are attracted to thistle seed?

Birds That Eat Thistle Seed Lure American goldfinches, pine siskins, dark-eyed juncos and chickadees with nyjer, a tiny black seed that is sometimes called thistle. Nyjer seeds come from the African yellow daisy. They have a good mix of protein, fat and fiber, so they're a good high-calorie option for winter birds.

What birds prefer thistle seed?

“Although it can be expensive, Nyjer, or thistle, seed is eagerly consumed by all the small finches—goldfinches, house, purple, and Cassin's finches, pine siskins, and redpolls,” says Thompson.

Why won't the birds eat the nyjer seed?

Nancy Castillo, co-owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Saratoga Springs, New York, and author of the blog Zen Birdfeeder, points out that Nyjer contains natural high-calorie oils that attract finches. When the oils dry out, the seed loses both its food value and its flavor, and birds shun it.

Do squirrels go after thistle feeders?

Squirrels (generally speaking) don't eat thistle seed, but mice do. Be sure that you don't allow thistle seed to reach the ground either. Safflower Seed. Safflower seeds are not enjoyed by squirrels, but mice do enjoy.

Why aren't birds eating my thistle seed?

Make sure your thistle feeder is clean and full of fresh seed. If it has been hanging out for awhile with no activity, take it down, clean it and fill with fresh seed. Don't fill it up all the way at first, use a small amount of fresh seed, then adjust as your bird activity improves.

Do finches prefer thistle or nyjer seed?

Nyjer Seed (aka niger seed or thistle seed) is a teeny-tiny, high-oil content seed (~40%) mostly favored by finches and siskins.

Do you need a special feeder for thistle seed?

Using a Nyjer and thistle feeder is a great way to attract large flocks of gorgeous winter finches like Pine Siskins. While sunflower seed feeders can also accomplish this task, thistle feeders rarely attract other feeder pests like squirrels, House Sparrows, and European Starlings.

Why do goldfinches stopped coming to feeder?

During this part of the year, Goldfinches are busy, well....getting busy, so they tend not to visit our feeders as often as they do the rest of the year. But rest assured, they will be back in September in full force when they bring their fledglings with them!

Do birds eat the entire nyjer seed?

Birds, including chickadees, don't eat the whole thistle seed but only eat the meat portion from inside the hardened shell. Chickadees, as an example, will often hold the thistle seed by their feet, using their beak to shell the seed and expose the fruit of the seed.

What food should you not put in a bird feeder?

Are any human foods UNSAFE to feed birds?

Bread (fresh or stale): provides no real nutritional value for birds; moldy bread can harm birds.
Chocolate: toxic to birds, just as it is to dogs and cats (it contains theobromine); never offer birds any foods containing chocolate.

What birds are attracted to nyjer seed?

Nyjer is suited for attracting finches, chickadees, pine siskins, juncos, sparrows, mourning doves and buntings, among others. Nyjer seeds are tiny, but they still have a shell. If you think your backyard birds might be just pecking at their food—not eating it—check the ground litter for thin hulls.

Does thistle seed attract rats?

Rodents aren't usually a fan of thistle seed. However not all birds enjoy it either, so this may not be a good option depending on what bird species you are hoping to attract. If you do try thistle, it's best to use a thistle feeder which is made specifically for the small shape of these seeds.

How do I attract birds to my thistle feeder?

The key is to offer year-round nagger thistle or a combination of niger. And fine chopped sunflower

Where is the best place to put a thistle feeder?

All in all the most important place to put a Thistle/Nyjer feeder is where you can see it easily. To make sure your Thistle/Nyjer seed is fresh, pinch the seed with your fingernails and see if any oil comes out. The finches use their bills to twist the seed, sip the oil and eat the inner seed, then discard the shell.

Do goldfinches eat thistle seeds?

Goldfinches eat seeds almost exclusively. Main types include seeds from composite plants (in the family Asteraceae: sunflowers, thistle, asters, etc.), grasses, and trees such as alder, birch, western red cedar, and elm.

Does thistle seed for birds grow thistles?

However, the thistle seed you purchase to feed chickadees and goldfinches is not a threat to agriculture, nor is it even from a real thistle. The seed actually comes from a plant named Nyjer, Guizotia abyssinica, which is native to tropical regions in Asia and Africa.