Nyjer (thistle): which birds eat it
Finch food for small-port feeders. Tiny, oily seed.
Which birds does nyjer (thistle) attract?
| Bird | Where it feeds | Best feeder |
|---|---|---|
| Goldfinches | Hanging feeder | Nyjer (finch) tube |
| Pine Siskins | Hanging feeder | Nyjer (finch) tube |
| Redpolls | Hanging feeder | Nyjer (finch) tube |
| House Finches | Hanging feeder | Tube feeder |
| Purple Finches | Hanging feeder | Tube feeder |
Nyjer (thistle): bags from small to bulk
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
Cheapest per pound among these listings: $2.77 per lb; dearest: $4.20 per lb. Bulk bags only save money if you can store them dry.
How do you feed nyjer (thistle)?
| Feeder | Nyjer (finch) tube, Nyjer sock |
|---|---|
| Squirrels | Squirrels ignore it |
| Mess | Little |
| Storage | Goes stale in weeks; buy small bags |
Feeders that suit nyjer (thistle)
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
Other seed and food types
Black oil sunflower · Striped sunflower · Sunflower hearts and chips · Safflower · White proso millet · Cracked corn · Milo (sorghum) · Shelled peanuts · Peanuts in the shell · Suet and suet dough · Mealworms · Fruit (oranges, apples, berries) · Grape jelly · Nectar (sugar water) · Mixed seed blends
Get the seed-by-bird cheat sheet
Which food brings which bird, the feeder it needs and how to store it, on one printable page.
Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What birds eat nyjer (thistle)?
goldfinches, pine siskins, redpolls, house finches and purple finches are the main takers. Not related to thistle despite the name. Imported nyjer is heat-treated so it does not sprout. Needs a feeder with tiny ports or mesh or it pours out. Offering it in a nyjer (finch) tube gives the birds that want it easy access without spilling it for the ones that do not.
Do squirrels eat nyjer (thistle)?
Squirrels ignore it. That makes it a useful choice in yards where squirrels are a constant problem, although a baffled pole is still the only complete fix.
How should I store nyjer (thistle)?
Goes stale in weeks; buy small bags. Keep any seed in a sealed metal can in a cool, dry place so mice, insects and moisture cannot reach it. Throw out anything that smells musty, clumps or shows mould, since mouldy food can make birds sick.
What feeder is best for nyjer (thistle)?
nyjer (finch) tube and nyjer sock. Tiny slit ports release one seed at a time. Matching the feeder to the food matters: the wrong ports either jam or pour the food out onto the ground.
Is nyjer (thistle) messy?
Little. Tiny, oily seed. If mess under the feeder is a concern, hulled foods such as sunflower hearts leave nothing behind, and a seed tray under the feeder catches most of what is dropped.