Nyjer Thistle Feeder (1 Viewer)

[M505XL]

I have 5lbs of Nyjer Thistle but no specific feeder. When I put the seeds in a regular feeder the house sparrows quickly eat them all eliminating any chance of a Goldfinch or Siskin of finding them. The feeders are too expensive so I was wondering if there were any home made feeder ideas?

 

[longbow]

How 'bout a cardboard tube of some sort with holes punched in it? I would think you could also find some sort of clear plastic tube somewhere or pvc or something of that sort. I'm the opposite. I have two feeders but can't afford the nyer seeds.

 

[Geni3]

I have 5lbs of Nyjer Thistle but no specific feeder. When I put the seeds in a regular feeder the house sparrows quickly eat them all eliminating any chance of a Goldfinch or Siskin of finding them. The feeders are too expensive so I was wondering if there were any home made feeder ideas?

I use these two feeders (links follow) but wouldn't plastic carbonated beverage bottles (Coke, Pepsi, etc) or spring water bottles work just as well? Poke two holes thru the bottle near the top, for a string or hook for hanging. (Be careful that there's enough space, so that the birds won't get caught there.)

https://www.hardwareworld.com/Bird-Feeder-Goldfinch-Upside-Down-p9W7ARU.aspx

https://www.hardwareworld.com/Finch--Wild-bird-Feeder-18-lbs-p10KALV.aspx


You may have some better ideas, but I'd prob'ly cut a thin wooden dowel into pieces the right length -- or find some reasonably straight sticks somewhere -- for perches.

Don't make your "perch sticks" too long, or the bigger birds (sparrows, house finches, some doves, etc) will be able use that feeder too ...... unless you make the feeder holes below the perches (as seen on the "upside down" feeder" in the first link).

Goldfinches are the only birds that I've ever seen that can feed upside down at seed feeders. Some of the housefinches try -- and sort of learn -- to use that feeder a little bit (amusing to watch ||) but they can't do it very well and can't empty the feeder in half a day like they do with the "right side up" nyger feeders. None of the sparrows ever even tried to use it.

Will be interested to hear what you decide to do -- and what works for you.

 

[M505XL]

Great tips, thanks a lot!

 

[KC Foggin]

Why not use a Thistle/Nyjer Sock? Cheap, washable and the finches love them.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=9089+20767+21987&pcatid=21987

 

[M505XL]

Shipping cost wouldn't make that affordable. I wish there was something like that I could pick up at a supermarket.
For now I want to try that soda bottle idea.

 

[YourBirdOasis]

Here are a few "do it yourself" feeders:

Drink Carton
The most popular bird feeder that can easily be is made with a milk or juice carton, popsicle sticks, wooden dowel, metal hanger, and paint. Cut out two openings on opposites sides of the box approximately 1.5 inches from the bottom of the carton. Use wood glue to attach overlapping popsicle sticks (shingles) to the top of the carton. Color the popsicle sticks and cartons with non-toxic paint from your local craft store. For a perch, punch a hole below each opening and slide a wooden dowel through the holes. You can also cut out photos from magazines and with rubber cement, paste them on the carton for decoration. Fill the bottom of the carton with your favorite birdseed, such as black sunflower oil seeds. String a metal hanger near the top of the carton and hang in your favorite tree!

Orange Peel
Another bird feeder involves an orange, which is fun and nutritious. Cut off the top 1/2 of your orange and hollow it out. Punch holes 3 holes about 1 inch from the top and string thin rope through the holes. Hang the orange from a branch and fill with seed!

Pop Bottle
Grab an empty pop bottle. Punch holes near the bottom and slide sticks or large wooden spoons through for perches. The spoons will provide a perch and a place for the seed to roll out onto (at least on one side). Then, poke a few more holes (big enough for the seeds to be eaten but small enough so all the seeds don't flood out) where the birds can pull out the seeds!