Is Nyjer seed the same as thistle seed?
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
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.
How do you collect thistle seeds?
Harvest seeds by cutting off flower heads at the end of the growing season, often May-July, when white cottony fibers (pappus) appear. Dry flower heads in a warm, sunny place for around a week. Put in a burlap bag and tumble the bag around. Then chop the flower heads to remove seeds, and winnow in the open air.
How do I make thistle seed feeder?
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.
Why are birds not eating nyjer seed?
Nyjer for finches.
Nyjer is a tiny seed which goldfinches will crack open to eat the edible interior; squirrels and rats are generally not interested in this seed.
Does nyjer seed attract rodents?
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.
Do squirrels eat thistle seed?
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 I put thistle seed in a regular bird feeder?
Health Risks: Entire plant is highly toxic to humans and livestock, causing vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, and spasms.
Is thistle poisonous?
In addition to the root, the stems are edible, when peeled. However, the thistle contains inulin, which gives some people digestive issues.
Can I put thistle seed in a regular bird feeder?
Thistle?sometimes called Nyjer®?is ideal for attracting finches, pine siskins, buntings and juncos. Because of its small size, thistle is best offered from a finch feeder. Whether it’s a tube feeder with narrow ports, a screen feeder or a mesh sock, finch feeders allow you to serve thistle without any waste.
Can you put thistle in a regular bird feeder?
Squirrels’ favorite natural foods are hickory nuts, pecans, black walnuts, and acorns. Their favorite feeder food is black oil sunflower seeds, their least favorite feeder food is Nyjer® (thistle) seed.
Will squirrels eat 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 do thistle seed attract?
Can I just throw bird seed out on the ground in my yard? Yes, you can throw bird seed out on the ground. Many birds will eat seed on the ground. But it could become messy, attract pests, and harm the birds if not done with some planning and forethought.
Do squirrels eat thistle seed?
Birds primarily use vision, their sense of sight, to locate food. Birds may see seeds that they recognize as food in your feeder. But to do so, they have to be pretty close.
Do birds Know Who feeds them?
Birds throw out the seeds from the feeder they don’t want in order to get to the seeds they do want.
Why do birds kick seed out of feeder?
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.
Does thistle seed attract rats?
As it turns out, squirrels hate coffee grounds! It’s the smell they dislike, and for this reason, using coffee grounds (especially those with a strong odor) can be useful for deterring squirrels from your yard.
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away?
You can store thistle seed for 3 months up to 1 year, depending on its quality and storage condition. But, if you can’t prevent nyjer or thistle seeds from oxidation, they will turn dry sooner than later. Many birds don’t eat thistle seed if it is old, dry, stale, moist, or clumpy.
Will squirrels eat thistle seed?
Lubricate Your Pole And Feeder To Protect From Squirrels
It’s time to grab your trusty blue and red can of WD-40® Multi-Use Product. This high-performance lubricant will make the surface too slippery for squirrels and other pests to climb, so they will have no choice but to stay away.
Will wd40 keep squirrels away?
Rodents hate the feeling of foil between their teeth, too, so placing strips of foil in your garden mulch will help deter squirrels and some bugs. If squirrels are eating the bark of your tree, you can also wrap the trunk in foil.
