Can you put thistle in a regular bird feeder?

Finches, pine siskins, buntings, and juncos are all attracted to thistle, which is also referred to as Nyjer® in some circles. Thistle is best served from a finch feeder because of its small size. As long as you’re using finch feeders, you won’t have to worry about any waste when serving thistle to your feathered friends.

How do you make a bird feeder for finches?

Two-liter bottles make simple tube feeders. Drill a hole in the lid so that a hanger can be attached to it. A thin dowel rod can be inserted into each of the bottle’s varying holes to create short perches. Add a few more holes for the birds to pick up the seeds.

How do I feed thistle seed to birds?

A thistle sock and a tube feeder with small, thistle seed-sized holes are the two most common types of thistle feeders. The Nyjer seed is contained within a fine-mesh synthetic bag known as a thistle sock. Even the tiniest finches can grab onto this bag and use the mesh to scavenge for seeds.

Where is the best place to put a thistle feeder?

The finches will feel more secure and more likely to investigate the new feeder if it is placed near a shrub or tree. Squirrels can’t get to it if they’ve discovered it, so it can be moved away from shrubs and trees.

Are Nyjer and thistle the same?

African yellow daisies produce nyjer, a small, thin black seed (Guizotia abyssinica). Even though it has no biological ties to the thistle plant, Nyjer is commonly referred to as “thistle seed.” It is a nutritious source of energy for backyard birds, and is one of the most popular types of birdseed. ‘

Do I need a special feeder for thistle seed?

For finches, only “thistle” seeds are small enough, as well as their beaks are small enough to reach inside the feeder. Droll Yankees makes the tube nyjer feeder I use the most.

How big should the hole be on a finch feeder?

The holes should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide, depending on the type of seed I plan to use (more on this later). It’s easier for birds to eat from feeding holes that are higher than they are wide. I puncture the bottle cap with an awl or a drill bit.

How do you attract goldfinches in the winter?

Offer a SnackAdditional Nyjer, black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower and millet can be added to feeding areas to provide a plentiful food source for these flocks when they appear. Feeders with mesh or screen clings are ideal, and larger finches will visit feeders with comfortable perches in the hopper or platform. Mesh or screen clings

What are Finch socks made of?

Thistle and/or nyjer seeds are commonly used in finch sock feeders, which are made of finely woven cloth mesh, usually nylon. Clinging to the feeders with their feet, finches eat the seeds by squeezing through the mesh.

What kind of birds does thistle attract?

Many birds’ primary food source is thistle seed. Thistle can attract a wide variety of birds, from quails to buntings and doves to sparrows. Even birds such as woodpeckers, thrushes, chickadees, and even some finches are known to eat thistle seeds.