Niger seed (nyjer seed or thistle seed) is known to be a favourite of finches, due to the shape and structure their beaks, which are suitable for a smaller type of bird seed.
“The last but one batch of niger seed had a very strange smell and no bird would touch it, it went into the compost heap! This batch is very much better, the goldfinches and siskin are enjoying it, but there are pieces of stick and many of the seeds are still in cases.”
“I’m disappointed as the gold finches ignore the seed. I put two feeders out when I received the seed and they remain untouched. Sunflower hearts are much preferred somehow. What do you think I’m doing wrong?”
