Messy Niger seed feeders (1 Viewer)

[Paul1853]

Hello.
Does anyone have a solution to the messy eating habits of Goldfinches when eating Niger seeds? I thought I would try attaching a plastic plate beneath the feeders (I do this with the sunflower heart feeders with great success) but the Niger seed just piles up on them until they overflow, there must be about 30mm of seed on these plates at the moment. The surrounding trees and bushes are covered in piles of Niger seed and the garden is covered in it, it grows well too, looks like mustard and cress growing. Apart from the mess it is such a waste of food, I am sure far more is lost than the birds actually eat. Keep thinking I will stop using Niger seed, but seems a bit cruel!
Regards and thanks.
Paul

 

[tominadel]

Messy thistle

Hello.
Does anyone have a solution to the messy eating habits of Goldfinches when eating Niger seeds? I thought I would try attaching a plastic plate beneath the feeders (I do this with the sunflower heart feeders with great success) but the Niger seed just piles up on them until they overflow, there must be about 30mm of seed on these plates at the moment. The surrounding trees and bushes are covered in piles of Niger seed and the garden is covered in it, it grows well too, looks like mustard and cress growing. Apart from the mess it is such a waste of food, I am sure far more is lost than the birds actually eat. Keep thinking I will stop using Niger seed, but seems a bit cruel!
Regards and thanks.
Paul

Contact this guy, he knows everything about Finch feeders:
Mad Mountain Feeders
E-mail Address(es):
[email protected]

Have a great birding day.

 

[mark_s]

Hello.
Does anyone have a solution to the messy eating habits of Goldfinches when eating Niger seeds?
Paul

Hi Paul,

Are you using special nyjer seed feeders or standard feeders? The nyjer feeders have smaller holes/slots and are thus designed to reduce spillage. I've just received my nyjer feeder and am still awaiting delivery of the seed so I haven't had the opportunity to verify this in practice yet.

 

[tizziec]

Tube feeders seem to make the least mess for me as well as sock feeders. With the socks you have to either replace or clean them often but the bird really love it. i have seen more than 6 on one sock. The open mesh metal feeders seem to make the most mes fo me but then that is where the mourning doves come in.... Little hoovers under the feeders they are