Niger Seeds for Birds: The Finches’ Favourite Food
Niger seeds are small, nutritious seeds loved by finches and other small birds. High in protein and fat, they are a energy boost for birds in the winter months. Here’s what niger seeds are, their benefits and how to use them in your garden.
Quick Facts
- Niger seeds are a high energy food source high in protein and oils for finches and year round health.
- Choosing the right feeder, such as tube or mesh feeders, gets the most out of niger seeds by reducing waste and giving birds easy access to the seeds.
- Keeping the feeding area clean and placing feeders in the right spot can attract a variety of bird species and support local biodiversity and bird health.
What are Niger Seeds?
Niger seeds, also known as nyger seed, come from the Guizotia Abyssinica flower, mainly grown in Ethiopia. These tiny seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and are perfect for feeding wild birds all year round. High in protein, oils and soluble sugars, niger seeds give birds the energy they need to get through the winter and breeding seasons.
The protein in niger seeds is especially good for birds during moulting when they are regrowing their feathers. The high calorie count means birds can meet their energy needs even in the harshest of winter conditions. So niger seeds are not just a winter treat but a year round staple for many bird species.
Plus the oils in niger seeds are a source of fat and protein for overall bird health. Adding niger seeds to your feeding routine gives your visitors a nutritious energy rich food source all year round.
Why Feed Niger Seeds to Garden Birds
Niger seeds are good for garden birds. They are especially good for finches and other small birds. Finches, especially goldfinches, have the beak shape to extract these tiny seeds so they are their favourite.
Niger seeds are especially good in the winter when birds need extra energy to keep warm. The high oil and nutritional content of niger seeds gives them the energy boost small birds like finches and sparrows need to survive in the harshest of conditions. When other food sources are scarce niger seeds are a lifeline.
And feeding niger seeds can promote healthy feather growth and overall bird health. This is especially important during moulting when birds shed and regrow their feathers. A steady supply of niger seeds means your garden birds get the nutrients they need to be at their best.
Niger Seed Feeders
Choosing the right feeder is key to getting the most out of niger feeder seeds. Tube feeders, mesh feeders and tray feeders all help with feeding efficiency and reduce waste.
The small size of niger seeds means they are easy to get at for finches using specially designed feeders. These feeders have ports that reduce spillage and waste so the good quality seeds are eaten by the birds not wasted. They are an efficient and cost effective option.
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are designed for feeding nyjer seeds to small birds. The narrow feeding ports are shaped to fit the beak of finches and other small birds, a protected space that prevents seed spillage. These feeders usually have multiple feeding ports and a ventilation system to keep the seeds fresh so your visitors always have access to food.
The shape of tube feeders means birds can get to the seeds easily with minimal waste so they are an efficient option for feeding niger seeds. Tube feeders mean the seeds are eaten whole, no waste and a consistent food source for your garden birds.
Platform Feeder
Platform feeders offer a feeding platform for multiple birds to feed at the same time. They have a large surface area that is easy to clean and maintain including the feeder tray. But regular cleaning is essential to prevent seed spoilage and hygiene.
While platform bird feeders offer easy access for multiple birds they need regular maintenance to prevent seed spoilage. Keeping the feeder clean and fresh means a safe and healthy feeding environment for your visitors.
Bird Tables
Bird tables are great for feeding garden birds but using them for niger seeds requires a bit of extra care. Because of their small and light nature niger seeds can blow away or scatter especially on open bird tables. To prevent waste use a tray or dish with raised edges to keep the seeds contained.
While finches especially goldfinches prefer feeders over bird tables a bird table can still attract a variety of species if placed in a sheltered spot out of wind and rain. Mixing niger seeds with other seeds or bird food like sunflower hearts will make your bird table even more attractive to a wider range of garden birds.
Clean your bird table regularly and keep the seeds fresh and your visitors will come back. By offering a variety of seeds and a clean feeding area birds will attract and support a diverse community of wild birds in your garden.
Which Birds Eat Niger Seeds?
Niger seeds are favourite of finches especially goldfinches due to their beak shape to extract the tiny seeds. Goldfinches, Siskins and Redpolls are the most common visitors to niger seed feeders. Their beak shape makes it easy for them to enjoy these nutritious seeds.
In addition to these species House Finches, Lesser Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Blue Tits, Dunnocks and Bramblings also eat niger seeds. Offering niger seeds attracts a variety of birds, supports local biodiversity and helps with UK breeding bird conservation.
Feeding niger seeds is not only for bird watchers but also for the health and well being of various bird species. A welcoming environment with niger seeds means you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of wild birds in your garden.
How to Clean Your Niger Seed Feeder
Cleaning your niger seed feeder is key to attracting and keeping birds healthy. Fresh seed is essential as stale seed is ignored. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of infection to your visitors.
To clean your feeder use hot soapy water and a brush to scrub away food debris. After cleaning rinse the feeder thoroughly and spray with a veterinary disinfectant to make it hygienic. Consider replacing old feeders with new ones that have features that make them easier to clean.
In the summer only fill feeders half full to prevent mould as birds don’t need supplementary food as much during this season. A clean and fresh feeder means a safe and healthy feeding environment for your garden birds.
Where to Put Your Niger Seed Feeder
The placement of your niger seed feeder is key to attracting birds. Place your feeder in a quiet area of the garden to reduce human and pet disturbance. Placing the feeder in a visible spot will help birds see it more easily and visit more often.
Consider placing the feeder near natural perches where birds can rest and observe their surroundings safely. Make sure the feeder is sheltered from harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rain which can spoil the seeds.
Rotate the feeder’s position regularly to find the best spots for birds. Choosing the right location for your niger seed feeder creates a welcoming environment for various bird species.
Niger Seeds vs Other Bird Foods
Niger seeds and black sunflower seeds are two of the most popular bird foods, each with its own benefits. Black sunflower seeds have higher fat content and bigger seeds which attracts a wider range of birds including larger species. But unlike niger seeds black sunflower seeds can sprout if not stored properly.
While niger seeds are processed to prevent germination they are designed for small birds like finches. Niger seeds and black sunflower seeds have their own advantages so it’s suitable for different feeding methods depending on the bird species you want to attract.
Knowing the difference between these bird foods helps you choose the best to attract and feed the birds in your garden. Whether you choose niger seeds or black sunflower seeds offering a variety of bird foods will make your garden bird population more diverse and lively.
Conclusion
In summary niger seeds is a great way to attract and support various garden birds. With high nutritional value and the right feeders and cleaning, you can create a bird friendly environment. By knowing the benefits of niger seeds and how to use it you can bring joy and life to your garden all year round.
Whether you want to attract finches, goldfinches or a variety of species niger seeds has the nutrients these birds need to thrive. Try niger seeds and turn your garden into a bird paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are niger seeds and where do they come from?
- Answer: Niger seeds also known as nyjer seeds come from the Guizotia abyssinica flower grown mainly in Ethiopia. They are a nutritious food source high in proteins and oils loved by wild birds all year round.
Why are niger seeds good for birds in winter?
- Answer: Niger seeds are good for birds in winter because they are high in calories and oil content to provide energy for birds to stay warm and meet their nutritional needs in cold weather.
What birds are attracted to niger seeds?
- Answer: Finches especially goldfinches are the main birds attracted to niger seeds because of their beak shape. Other species like Siskins, Redpolls, House Finches and Blue Tits may also enjoy these seeds.
How do I clean my niger seed feeder?
- Answer: Clean your niger seed feeder with hot soapy water and a brush, rinse well and spray with veterinary disinfectant. Always use fresh seeds to attract birds and prevent health issues.
Where to place my niger seed feeder?
- Answer: Place your niger seed feeder in a quiet spot in your garden, near natural perches and sheltered from the weather to keep the seeds fresh and attract birds.