skip to main content

Need suggestion for a nyjer seed feeder

15 years ago

Hi,

I put up a Mr. Canary disposable feeder and found that there are actually a fair number of gold finches around. Now I am thinking of buying a real nyjer seed feeder. The perch should be relatively short to deter house sparrows. Does anyone have suggestions.

Right now, the feeder is being frequented by both gold finches and tree sparrows. House sparrows try to eat, but they can't seemed to land on the perch. I like to feed both finches and tree sparrow but exclude the house sparrows. Does anyone have a suggestion of which nyjer feeder is the best?

Paul

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

soycandle
15 years ago
I LOVE my Aspects Quick Clean nyger feeder. It is the best. It's the best feeder nyger feeder I've ever had. Easy to clean, which is key in my opinion. The best price I've found is from Nottawa Bird Supply in Michigan. They ship pretty quickly at a reasonable price, as well. There are several colors to choose from, copper, brass, nickle and others that I can't remember at the moment. The bottom comes off for super easy cleaning. Also a life-time guarantee.
jiggreen
15 years ago
I have a 36 inch tube feeder that has a metal spiral running down it. It's very well built and holds a lot of nyjer. I really like it a lot, and more importantly...the finches love it!!

Here is a link that might be useful: spiral finch feeder
Related Discussions
I bought a feeder, need assist for location and height?
Q
Comments (8)
I think it can go almost anywhere but the most important thing to me is that it's in a good place to view the hummers!!! I have mine on a shepherds hook right at the edge of the patio so I can see it both when I am sitting outside and also view it through the window when I am inside! Joann I have one out front too that I can view through my kitchen window...they both get used
...See More
Will trade Red Buckeye seeds for feeders
Q
Comments (12)
The Ruby-throat actually starts the migration in July or August. The adult males are the first to leave so that they are able to establish a winter territory. Then the adult females that are not still incubating will leave. Then in Sept. females that had late hatches will leave after their babies are on their own and then the juveniles will leave. As a general rule, the majority are gone by the end of Sept. or very early Oct. The late stragglers are usually late hatches that still need to put on enough weight to survive the long journey to S. America or they are old or less healthy hummers that know they can't make the trip and they will stay behind or only migrate to a warmer part of the US. For some unknown reason this year there have been many more confirmed sitings and reports of very late stagglers. Most have been juveniles and I am guessing they were mostly late hatches. I am not sure yet but my little female migrant may have left yestereday before noon. She arrived here right after the snow storm that hit here in the Buffalo area on Oct. 12th. She has been living in my yard and nectaring on my plants that weren't destroyed by the snow storm since she arrived. We had a sunny and mild day yesterday finally so I am hoping that she has decided it is time to head south. If not I may be enclosing my front porch for the winter for her. Penny
...See More
Finches at Niger seed feeder, no birds at other feeder-why?
Q
Comments (1)
Hi! Your feeder is neat, especially the way you've hung the tray on the bottom. The only thing I can think of, relative to your question about why birds aren't using that feeder, is that at this time of year it's not the feeder - there are so many insects, seeds, buds, etc. out there that haven't been available to the birds before spring, and I know that's where most of our birds are getting their nourishment. Even the gray catbirds that have been in the garden and birdbath haven't been visiting our fruit/jelly feeder. I've actually taken everything down except the nyjer feeder, and I keep the birdbaths filled and clean because all the birds come to those no matter what. On the other hand, we have a pair of goldfinches that visits our nyjer feeder every day at about 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., like clockwork. And more goldfinches than just those two take advantage of the feeder as well. So that feeder will stay up. This will work out - you could leave your feeder up and wait and see, birds may suddenly see it and use it. Good luck - Donna
...See More
What's best Gold Finch Feeder?
Q
Comments (15)
It took a little while for my goldfinches to get used to the metal feeder but they did. Sept. 28, 2013 In the summer I don't see many goldfinches at all; only singly or in pairs. I think they're breeding now and there's plenty of wild seed to eat. Maybe you should try hanging a nyjer sock next to the metal mesh feeder to get them used to it. I think that's what I did. It will also tell you whether the goldfinches are still around now. I just found these two old pictures: March 30, 2009 - side by side February 10, 2010 - looks like I put a sock inside the mesh feeder Claire
...See More
litholad
15 years ago
I have a cheap plastic nyjer seed feeder that I bought at Home Depot that has the slits positioned so the birds have to hang upside down from the perch to get the seeds. It doesn't seem to bother the Goldfinches to feed this way, but the HOSP don't bother it.
organic_bassetlvr
15 years ago
I use the cheap "socks" & they last a long time, although the string they hang from usually breaks before the sock is damaged. I have used the tube feeders that come with interchangeable ports so you can either use BOSS or Nyger but the finches seem to prefer the socks. I don't have HOSPs so don't know if they are able to hang on socks or not. The finches, siskins and doves all like to eat the spilled seed off the ground as well. HTH
Susan
chickadeemelrose
15 years ago
I also have the cheap plastic finch feeder from either Home Depot or Lowes...and I have it out now, and had two goldfinches yesterday. The feeder has a yellow cap and is designed primarily for goldfinches. As Litholad said, the HOSPS don't bother it.
bob414
15 years ago
The stainless steel mesh type works very well for me. I never see other birds on it. Sometimes its covered with Goldfinches and others are waiting their turn.

{{!gwi}}
PKponder TX Z7B
15 years ago
Can the stainless steel type be run through the dishwasher?

Pam
bob414
15 years ago
I haven't tried it but I see no way it would hurt the feeder. I just soak mine for 30 min. in a 10% Clorox solution once a month and brush the droppings off once a week or so.
PKponder TX Z7B
15 years ago
Thanks Bob414!

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

FALL GARDENING Be Your Own Wildflower Nursery

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Gather seeds from your garden in fall, and you'll have a selection of plants for next year — without spending a dime

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: How to Care for American Goldfinches

By Habitat Network

The American goldfinch is a bright-in-the-summer visitor and one of the only vegetarian songbirds. Here's how to give them a healthy habitat

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Flowers That Hummingbirds Adore

To draw those mesmerizing little birds to your garden or doorstep, plant these flowers that are attractive in more ways than one

WINTER GARDENING 10 Native Wildflowers to Beautify Your Winter Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

They stand strong in wind, feed wildlife and are easy to grow. But you may want to add these plants for their looks alone

REGIONAL GARDEN GUIDES Welcome the Turning Season: Advice for Your September Garden

By Annie Thornton

Roll with the cooler weather by planting away. Our gardening guides tell you what plant picks are best for each U.S. region

WINTER GARDENING Yes, You Can Enjoy Your Yard in December! Here's How

By Sheila Schmitz

Garden writers around the U.S. share their favorite winter garden joys. See what to do in your region this month

40 Fun Gifts for Your Pet-Loving Friends

By Becky Harris

Houzz Gift Guide: 40 New Ways to Love Dogs, Cats and Birds in Style

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

MOST POPULAR Spring Gardens Are Blooming — Here’s What to Do in April

By Annie Thornton

Get the guide you need for gardening in your U.S. region, with tasks, climate-appropriate plantings and more

Sponsored

Premier Home Services, Inc

19 Reviews

Loudoun County Complete Turn-Key Contracting Solutions