Goldfinch grumble...

JackBD95 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 03:31 PM

i have been trying to temt goldfinches onto our feeders as they hang around our garden eating teasel. i bought niger seed then realised you need a special feeder with little rectangular holes in. I have seen them in the tree the feeder is situated on, i have seen them on the other feeder with sunflower cereal peanut mix etc. but never on this one.
help!

Jim Ford · #2 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 03:34 PM

I've got a couple of nijer seeds feeders as you describe, but don't use them anymore. I find these are the best feeders - they're also by far the cheapest.

Lantern Niger Feeder - Haiths Bird Seed

Jim

Michelleatiisis · #3 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 03:35 PM

I started feeling the birds in early November.... seed feeders, fat blocks, peanuts.
There is a 15 strong flock of goldfinch that fly about around here. I watch them go from tree to tree and down to the long grass, but never on my feeders.
Well, 3 days ago I went out and bought a new seed feeder which I filled with sunflower hearts (my other seed feeder has mixed general bird seed in) and a niger seed feeder. For over 2 months I have been waiting for the goldfinch to find my feeders and within an hour of the new feeders being up, 15+ goldfinch were queuing to use them and they have been every day!

Deb London · #4 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackBD95

i have been trying to temt goldfinches onto our feeders as they hang around our garden eating teasel. i bought niger seed then realised you need a special feeder with little rectangular holes in. I have seen them in the tree the feeder is situated on, i have seen them on the other feeder with sunflower cereal peanut mix etc. but never on this one.
help!

Mine learnt to use this type of feeder in about two weeks. They were hanging from the same feeding station, so maybe you could move them nearer each other until they learn.

artdemole · #5 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 03:48 PM

The lantern shape is clear and not obtrusive.Many of the Tit and Finch family use it no matter Which type of seed I put in.The couple of Green finch and some of the Gold finch are quite happy feeding from the lantern.

tameblackbirds · #6 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 04:06 PM

my Niger feeder is attractive to the Goldfinches and the Greenfinches occasionally tidy up the mess that clings to feeder that I have to brush off occasionally

My feeder has a pink top and base not sure if that makes any difference lol

~T~ · #7 (**permalink**) 01-01-2011, 04:17 PM

No way I had no idea the lantern one was for nyjer. I have one filled with general seed and finches, sparrows, reed buntings and tits all use it regularly. I got it out the pound shop too

actionfinch · #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I've got a couple of nijer seeds feeders as you describe, but don't use them anymore. I find these are the best feeders - they're also by far the cheapest.

Lantern Niger Feeder - Haiths Bird Seed

Jim

i think i shall invest in one... my standard niger feeder has not been touched....

so ill give it ago...

nightshade · #9 (**permalink**) 02-01-2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackBD95

i have been trying to temt goldfinches onto our feeders as they hang around our garden eating teasel. i bought niger seed then realised you need a special feeder with little rectangular holes in. I have seen them in the tree the feeder is situated on, i have seen them on the other feeder with sunflower cereal peanut mix etc. but never on this one.
help!

The goldfinches here turn their noses up at Niger, they arrive by the dozen or so and just sit and eat Sunflower Hearts all day. I also thought that niger was very expensive and with plastic feeders the slightest condensation caused it to pack and stick to the sides

slimrbp · #10 (**permalink**) 02-01-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

The goldfinches here turn their noses up at Niger, they arrive by the dozen or so and just sit and eat Sunflower Hearts all day. I also thought that niger was very expensive and with plastic feeders the slightest condensation caused it to pack and stick to the sides

It's the same in our garden all finches (gold, green & chaff) go for the sunflower hearts first. If there is no room on those feeders they go for the nyger. Unless the collared dove that uses the feeder is in residence!