Do squirrels like nyjer seed?

Do Nyjer seeds have shells?

Although Nyjer seeds are very small, they do have shells. You will see these shells on the ground under the feeder, and they can turn into a mess if you don’t clean them up. When people don’t realize that they have shells, they think the birds aren’t eating the seeds.

Why is it called Nyjer Thistle?

It is believed “thistle” was used in early marketing to take advantage of the Goldfinches’ preference for thistle seeds. The plant has no prickles and it is related to sunflowers. The Wild Bird Feeding Industry has trademarked the name Nyjer in an attempt to eliminate further confusion and avoid possible mispronunciation. 2.

How do I stop squirrels from eating my bird seed?

To stop squirrels from eating your birdseed, try filling the birdseed with foods that squirrels don’t like. For example, place nyjer, safflower, or millet seeds in your feeder, which are all seeds that birds eat but squirrels don’t like. You can also add things to bird food that squirrels don’t like.

What is Thistle used for in birds?

In North America and Europe it is used primarily as a bird food. Initially it was given the unfortunate name of Niger Thistle perhaps due to the thin seeds or its desirability to Goldfinches and Siskins who also love thistle.

Is nyjer seed the same as thistle seed?

Nyjer seed resembles small grains of wild rice and is highly desirable by many finches for its high fat and protein content. Nyjer has another name, thistle, which sometimes alarms people. On the contrary, nyjer is not a thistle at all. Likewise, people ask, what kind of birds eat thistle seed?

How do I squirrel proof my bird feeder?

There are things you can do to try to squirrel proof your feeders. Here are a few suggestions from the type of feeder to get to what you can put in bird seed to keep squirrels away 2.1 1. Add foods squirrels don’t like 2.2 2. Squirrel proof your feeder 2.3 3. Squirrel proof feeder pole 2.4 4. Location 2.5 5. Use a separate feeder 3 What not to do!

How do you get rid of squirrels in your yard?

This YouTuber combined cayenne pepper (which squirrels dislike) with slippery petroleum jelly. One YouTube user commented that you can simply add 1/4 cup of powdered cayenne to 10 pounds of bird seed to keep the squirrels away.

Why does nyjer seed last longer than other seeds?

Nyjer seed lasts longer than other food for two reasons: Only finches, chickadees, and doves will be eating your nyjer seed. Most other birds will leave it alone. 2. Nyjer seed is so small that it takes a while for finches to eat it all.

Is Nyger seed the same as thistle seed?

Nyger, niger or thistle bird seed are all names for the same bird seed from Africa. The official name, nyjer, was picked in 1988 so as not to offend anyone with the name niger or to confuse anyone about it possibly being a thistle seed. It is not our common thistle that we consider a weed here in the US.

Do birds eat from thistles?

I purchased a sock filled with thistle and a large bag of bulk thistle from the same store. The sock is hung and the bulk thistle is in a feeder, but the birds don’t eat from either. Is there anything wrong with this thistle or is there something else going on?

Why is it called a thistle?

It is believed “thistle” was used in early marketing to take advantage of the Goldfinches’ preference for thistle seeds. The plant has no prickles and it is related to sunflowers.

Can you grow Thistles from seed?

If you find thistles growing in your yard, it might be from seed blowing in from a nearby location. Continue to fill your socks and finch feeders with this seed and enjoy the birds! For interest’s sake, I found some Canada Thistle seed and placed it alongside Nyjer.

Do weight activated bird feeders keep squirrels away?

This weight activated bird feeder can keep those pesky squirrels away for good. Once a squirrel gets on the feeder, the ports close off to prevent them from stealing the seeds meant for the birds.

What kind of nuts do squirrels not eat?

Peanuts, hazelnuts, sunflowerseed, wallnuts… I mean they reaaaaaly hate walnuts. Bird. ….yeah bird. Nyjer seed, millet, safflower, canary seed and canola seed all are ingredients that squirrels avoid. Unfortunately a hungry squirrel will eat anything that will provide it nourishment.

How to use a slinky to keep squirrels out of bird feeders?

You can even get creative and turn a Slinky toy into a unique baffle. To do, you’ll thread the post through the Slinky, attaching one end under the feeder and allowing it to drape down the post. If the Slinky reaches the ground then shorten it. Now, when a squirrel tries to climb the pole then get a fun ride back to the ground each time.

How hard is it to get rid of squirrels?

It is very hard to selectively get rid of squirrels, and doing so requires ongoing effort. These are climbing rodents that spend much of their time in trees, so any yard where tall trees are present—when combined with sources of food and water—will be a yard where squirrels may be present.

How do I get rid of squirrels in my yard?

This is probably the easiest way to get rid of squirrels in your yard. Simply get a dog and have him chase the squirrels off. The article is a description of the kinds of smells that repel squirrels, to keep them out of your garden or yard.

Does apple cider vinegar repel squirrels?

Apple cider vinegar has a pungent smell that many people despise, and squirrels are averse to it as well. You can also soak jalapeno peppers inside of regular white vinegar, spray the solution around the perimeter of your home, and squirrels will stay away from the odor.

Do Squirrels damage bird feeders?

To Other Wildlife: It is very common for squirrels to invade bird feeders, scaring off birds, taking the food and damaging the feeders. Even if the opening of the feeder is intended to be too small for squirrels, they can gnaw on it to create a larger opening and squeeze in.

What do squirrels eat in your yard?

Squirrels love snacking on nuts, seeds, berries and insects. Ground squirrels also love dinning in vegetable and fruit gardens too where produce is plentiful because it is much easier for them to get their little tiny paws on and eat up quickly. If there is a source of food, water and shelter around your yard, you can almost bet.

Is Nyger the same as Niger?

Nyger, niger or thistle bird seed are all names for the same bird seed from Africa. The official name, nyjer, was picked in 1988 so as not to offend anyone with the name niger or to confuse anyone about it possibly being a thistle seed.

Are thistle seeds good for birds?

Thistle seeds are small and packed with nutrients, fat, and protein. The seeds are especially hearty for winter feeding. The best way to feed thistle seed is with a thistle seed feeder, a tube feeder, or a thistle sock. These feature very small holes through which the birds can extract the seeds.

Why do you put Thistle seed in bird feeders?

This helps preserve the seed, preventing it from drying out until it goes into your finch feeders. It’s a good idea to buy thistle on an as-needed basis; purchase a seed quantity that the birds in your yard will consume within a month or so.

What kind of seeds do finches not eat?

Finches won’t feed on brown, old-looking seed. Thistle seed (aka Nyjer®) dries out quickly, so store your fresh thistle in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. This helps preserve the seed, preventing it from drying out until it goes into your finch feeders.

How do you grow Nyjer Thistles?

Sprinkle the seeds onto the ground and lightly cover them with 1/2 inch of soil. Add 1 to 2 inches of mulch, such as peat moss or sawdust, over the seeds. Choose a location that offers full sun to plant the Nyjer seed. In Africa, the black thistle seeds are grown in poor soil conditions that often suffer from extensive runoff and erosion.