Table of Contents
What’s the difference between Nyjer and thistle seed?
Nyjer seed is NOT thistle. The seed is not derived from any native or non-native thistle plant, but instead, Nyjer seed is actually derived from a plant in the same plant tribe as sunflowers. The seed resembles a sunflower seed but is significantly smaller.
What does thistle seed grow into?
They are the seeds of the annual safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius). This herbaceous, thistle-like plant is also grown commercially to produce vegetable oil.
Do squirrels like thistle seed?
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 seeds are not enjoyed by squirrels, but mice do enjoy. Safflower seed is taken regularly by chickadee, titmouse, house finch, and cardinal.
What birds will eat thistle seed?
Although it can be expensive, Nyjer (aka thistle) seed is eagerly consumed by all the small finches—goldfinches, house, purple, and Cassin’s finches, pine siskins, and redpolls. You need to offer this tiny seed in a specialized feeder of some kind.
Do hummingbirds eat thistle seed?
Now, the question is, “Do hummingbirds eat seeds?” The answer is no. Hummingbirds don’t eat seeds at all. This is because their bills are not made for cracking and eating seeds. Not only that, but their quickest metabolism won’t also allow seeds to be properly digested.
What does a thistle plant look like?
Stems are leafy, stout, branched, and somewhat woolly. Flower heads are large, rose to purple with many sharp spine-tipped bracts. Leaves are irregularly lobed, with the end lobe being longer than the side lobes, and all tipped with yellow prickles. Leaves are woolly on the underside.
Why is thistle seed so expensive?
It’s one of the more expensive seeds due to the transport costs from tropical regions and because it is heat sterilized to kill weed seeds such as Dodder that is present in many Niger seed harvests.
Why won’t birds eat my thistle?
When the oils dry out, the seed loses both its food value and its flavor, and birds shun it. (They will also shun Nyjer if it gets wet and clumpy.) 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.
How do you harvest thistle seeds?
Place a bucket on the ground outdoors or hold it with one arm. Pour the milk thistle seeds from the sack into the bucket. As you pour the seeds into the bucket, the unwanted chaff will blow away. If any chaff lands in the bucket, remove it and discard.
How do I save thistle seeds?
Store the seeds in an airtight container. Transfer the seeds to an airtight storage container and put it in a cool, dry place. Plan on harvesting about 1 tablespoon (5 g) of seeds for each milk thistle head you gathered. If stored properly, you can keep the seeds for up to 1 year.
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.
Do birdfeeders attract snakes?
Birds are messy eaters and often leave seed scattered below the feeder. Seed on the ground attracts rodents, which may also attract snakes seeking a meal. Store bird seed in a metal can with a tight-fitting lid.
What animals eat thistle seed?
Nyjer is a popular seed with many other finches, sparrows, doves, towhees, quail, and buntings. Even unexpected birds may try a bite of Nyjer when it is offered, and woodpeckers, thrushes, chickadees, and other birds have been spotted snacking at thistle seed feeders.
Can thistle seeds spoil?
Niger seed is vulnerable to spoilage while in the feeder. Replace niger seed every 3-4 weeks if it is not being actively eaten. If bird activity slows, only fill the feeder halfway. If the seed gets moldy, it should be discarded and a 10% bleach/water solution should be used to clean the feeder.
Do robins eat thistle seed?
American robins do not eat many seeds, and won’t regularly visit feeders offering Nyjer seed, hummingbird nectar, mixed birdseed, cracked corn, safflower seed, or whole peanuts. They may initially try these foods, but aren’t likely to return and be frequent guests if other foods are available.
Do mourning doves like thistle?
Mourning doves, song sparrows, pine siskins, and American goldfinches are some of the most common species of birds that eat thistle. Thistle seeds provide these birds with the necessary food they need to survive.
