Learn more about us here. We can’t just top off a feeder with fresh seed. That may seem obvious. Nyjer Seed is a tiny, somewhat exotic seed that is a firm favourite of wild birds, but what do we actually know about Nyjer seed? Black oil sunflower works well with most types of bird feeders, but I would recommend a tube feeder for feeding goldfinches. Goldfinches can be a little wary of backyard feeders. Scotts has since been named in a class action lawsuit alleging it sold toxic birdseed products to unsuspecting consumers throughout the U.S., resulting in the poisoning of countless bird species.". The high protein count will also benefit the regeneration of feathers when malting throughout the year. Be sure to inspect seed deep inside large containers, because if there is a crack or hole in the bottom, seed at the top may still appear fresh and uncontaminated. When I spread Nyjer on half of one of my platform feeders, the birds ate from the other half. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! So be sure to change the feed every 3-4 weeks. One of the most important things to consider when deciding to use nyjer, is the type of seed feeder you should use. These little seeds are the universal seed of choice for the house finch, Greenfinch and colorful Goldfinch. Birds can be picky, but not too picky. I’ve put together this little guide intended to outline the facts on Nyjer seed, and why you should think about adding it to your regular selection of wild bird feeds.. Name and Origin There are also a lot of plants that attract finches. That may seem obvious. Does anybody know if this really is a valid test? As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The UK has long been a country that allows (welcomes?) These have been designed as a round tube just like regular feeders, but with smaller ports. Here's how to get started. Or, at least, there's no universal agreement on how this enigmatic and … There are three species of goldfinch in the United States (American, Lesser, and Lawrence’s). I just bought a big bag from my local store and no oil comes out. They will often search through feeder trays, and on the ground looking for seeds that have dropped by other birds. If the seed has no smell at all, it's not fresh. Clean containers make a big difference. Our goldfinches will probably eat down to that certain level again and then we’ll have to repeat the process. But what may be less obvious is that goldfinches can be quite picky about how fresh their seed is. The test I use is smell, as in, I can't define freshness but I know it when I smell it. Without the rich oils, the seeds loose their value as a quality energy source, and the birds can taste the difference. Lyric, Delite, and Supreme are registered trademarks of Lebanon Seaboard Corporation. Goldfinches are granivores, which means seeds make up the main part of their diet. Since 1985, U.S. Department of Agriculture has required that Nyjer seed is heat sterilized as a condition of entry, so it won't germinate. But the most popular way to feed nyjer is in a long, slender tube style feeder. Nyjer has a thin shell and is vulnerable to spoilage while in the tube. The test I use is smell, as in, I can't define freshness but I know it when I smell it. If you do leave your feeder outside, check the seed the day after the storm. These will be strong, musty or sharp odors that indicate unwelcome growth in the seed. If it is heated at too high a temperature or for too long, those essential oils might be dried before the seed is even packaged. (They will also shun Nyjer if it gets wet and clumpy.) I wondered if there is an alternative to nyjer seed – to give the birds some variety. When it comes to how to attract goldfinches, the more of these tips you can employ at once, the better chance of attracting goldfinches to your yard. NIGER SEED HAS A SHELL. We can deliver fresh, top-quality Nyjer seed so you can set out a welcoming feast for the finches in your neighborhood. We switched feeders, offering Nyjer in tubes that the birds had been using for sunflower seeds, and they stopped eating at them. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Laura Erickson, a well known author and blogger in the birding world, likened Nyjer to coffee beans. I mean it won’t harm to give it a go of course! If your seed has dried out your feeder will be skipped. One way to do this is to pinch the seed with your fingernails and see if any oil comes out. I asked the owner look at it. Save over 25% and get all-access: print+iPad. 4. Also, because Nyjer is related to thistle and could germinate into noxious weeds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires it to be heat-sterilized before sale.