Can I put thistle seed in a regular bird feeder?

Can I put thistle seed in a regular 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.

Can you put thistle in a seed tube feeder?

If you want to attract small seed-eating birds to your yard, start by trying a thistle feeder. It is usually constructed as a tube feeder with tiny feeding holes. This type of bird feeder typically works with a thistle sock or a fine-mesh bag that the birds can cling to.

What kind of bird eats 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.

Where is the best place to put a thistle feeder?

The Location of the Feeder is Key Feeders left out in the open cause finches to feel vulnerable to predators. Placing your feeders near trees and shrubs encourages safety. Position your feeders 10 to 12 feet away from shelters so that birds can quickly escape when a predator approaches.

Why are birds not eating thistle 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.

What’s the difference between Nyjer and thistle seed?

Nyjer seed is NOT thistle. The seed is not derived from any native or non-native thistle plant, but instead, Nyjer seed is actually derived from a plant in the same plant tribe as sunflowers. The seed resembles a sunflower seed but is significantly smaller.

What is the difference between nyjer seed and thistle seed?

What is the difference between Nyjer and thistle seed?

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.

Do squirrels eat thistle seed?

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.

Why won’t goldfinches come to my feeder?

Finches Need Clean Feeders Finches don’t like dirty feeders and will avoid a feeder if it’s moldy or otherwise unclean. When it rains, seed can also become clumpy, and the birds won’t be able to pull seeds out of the feeder. Adding a weather guard to your feeder can prevent the seeds from getting wet and clumping.

Do squirrels like thistle seed?

As a general rule, squirrels do not eat thistle seeds. The seeds are too small for them to eat and the mesh on the bird feeders that hold the seed are too tight for the squirrels to grab from. Thistle, along with millet, canary, safflower, and canola seeds are the recommended feed to keep squirrels away.

Do finches prefer Nyjer or thistle?

Add the best finch feeders to your yard to see flocks of finches visit. When I ask talk to new backyard birders, almost all of them say they want to attract goldfinches. Picking the correct bird feeder and birdseed can determine whether you’ll be seeing finches or not. Finches like to eat nyjer thistle seed.

Will squirrels eat thistle seed?

Do cardinals like thistle seed?

Birds with larger, less adept bills such as cardinals, starlings, and grosbeaks cannot easily munch on thistle seed, and they are more likely to use other feeders and try other seeds instead.

Why won’t the finches eat my thistle seed?

It’s a good idea to buy thistle on an as-needed basis; purchase a seed quantity that the birds in your yard will consume within a month or so. If oil doesn’t come out when you pinch a seed with your fingernail, it’s not fresh, and the finches won’t enjoy it.

Is there a difference between Nyjer and thistle?

Nyjer is a small, thin, black seed from the African yellow daisy (Guizotia abyssinica). Though it is not related to the thistle plant, Nyjer is often referred to casually as “thistle seed.” High in oil, it is a nutritious source of energy for backyard birds and is one of the most popular types of birdseed.

Do cardinals eat thistle seed?