Thistle Feeder

November 16, 2024 Post a Comment

Thistle feeder

So the idea is you're going to fill this with thistle seed just hang it up. And the goldfinches.

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.

How do you feed thistle?

“You need to feed thistle in a thistle feeder of some kind--the two most commonly used types of thistle feeder are a tube feeder with small thistle-seed-sized holes, and a thistle sock. A thistle sock is a sock-shaped, fine-mesh, synthetic bag that is filled with thistle seed.

What is thistle bird feeder?

A thistle feeder is a specially designed birdfeeder that dispenses the seeds of the niger (also trademarked as "Nyjer") flower Guizotia abyssinica. A thistle sock is a type of thistle feeder made with an open weave fabric mesh that resembles a sock.

Do squirrels bother 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.

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

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.

Why won't birds come to my thistle feeder?

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.

Can you put thistle 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.

How do you make a thistle feeder?

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

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.

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.

Is thistle and Nyjer seed the same?

What is Nyjer or thistle seed? 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.

Why are birds not eating 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.

What type of feeder attracts the most birds?

Hopper or “House” Feeders Hopper feeders are attractive to most feeder birds, including finches, jays, cardinals, buntings, grosbeaks, sparrows, chickadees, and titmice; they're also squirrel magnets.

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.

What should you never feed a squirrel?

Avoid: Cashews, sunflower seeds, dried corn, pine nuts (will cause severe calcium loss).

Do raccoons like thistle seed?

The raccoons ignore the thistle feeder, which mostly attracts goldfinches. (Thistle seed is too small to interest the big bruisers.) They do, however, like my suet feeder, and at one time could access the hook that it hung on.

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.

When should I put out thistle for finches?

Since finches do not migrate, you can put out thistle seeds anytime. If you notice finches in your neighborhood during winter and want to attract them in your yard and take care of them when the weather gets colder, you can put out a thistle feeder right away.