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Goldfinches & Niger Seed
Goldfinches feeding on niger seed in the Flyte so Fancy garden.
In the UK, Niger is loved by all finches, especially Goldfinches; also Siskins, Tree Sparrows and Redpolls but, if given the choice, most birds will actively choose Niger seed. Because Niger seed is so tiny, it is perfect for small seed-eating birds such as finches. It will also encourage larger seed-eating birds, which will often feed on the ground looking for seeds that have been dropped by other birds.
An important thing to consider when feeding Niger, is the type of seed feeder. Because of its small and fine size, Niger seed will spill out of regular seed feeders as their ports are too large. However, Niger Feeders are designed as a feed tube with perches just like regular feeders, but with much smaller ports. The smaller ports are helpful in keeping the seed from being eaten by any unwanted birds but also prevents it spilling out. Just place Niger Seed in a small port Niger feeder and, if you are patient, finches will soon find your feeder. We have a huge number of goldfinches here in the garden at Flyte so Fancy - we counted over 40 of them one day feeding either on the feeders or on the ground - and lately we have noticed a delightful number of Siskins visiting the feeders too.
Spilled Niger seeds can make quite a mess under the feeders though and, whilst any stray seeds wont sprout because of the sterilisation, the discarded seed hulls can prevent grass growth. Therefore, its probably wise to invest in a tray that will catch any debris, and its a good method of attracting the larger seed-eaters too.
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