Birdfeeders

Nyjer, often called thistle, is a very small seed originally from Africa. Although it is not a thistle at all, it will spread quite quickly if allowed to grow. Fortunately, all the Nyjer available for sale in the U.S. is heat-treated to prevent germination. Of course there is the occasional seed that will grow under your feeder. You will identify it by it’s pretty yellow daisy type flowers.

The seeds are quite small and more expensive per pound than other seeds. Therefore, to avoid wasting any, it is a good idea to offer it in sturdy, specially designed thistle feeders. These thistle bird feeders are usually made of a screening material that birds can cling to and pull out the seeds. Nyjer is adored by Gold finches. If they are in your area when you hang thistle feeders, the Gold finches will find these bird feeders very quickly. Also attracted will be house finches, pine siskins and purple finches. If you offer nyjer in platform feeders, many more birds can feed at a time which may be necessary during migration time. The problem with this method is seed will be lost when the wind blows for it is very lightweight. It will also be scattered all over the ground. If you have 100 or more Gold finches, which can happen during the spring, using platform bird feeders for a thin layer of nyjer may be necessary, but also very entertaining. If the Gold finches suddenly move on, the other small birds will be happy to clean up any spilled nyjer seed.