What is the best finch food?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

When it comes to attracting finches, there’s no doubt that Nyjer® seed and sunflower seeds are the go-to food choices. These tiny birds have small beaks, so they prefer seeds that are easy to eat. Nyjer® seed, also known as thistle seed, is particularly loved by finches for its high oil content and small size.

One of the best ways to offer Nyjer® seed to finches is by using special feeders called socks. These socks are made of mesh material that allows the birds to easily cling onto them and extract the tiny seeds. The mesh also prevents the seeds from spilling out, making it a neat and efficient way to offer this food.

I have personally witnessed the attraction that Nyjer® seed and socks have for finches. As soon as I hung up a sock filled with Nyjer® seed in my backyard, it didn’t take long for the finches to discover it. Within minutes, I had a flock of bright yellow finches fluttering around and feasting on the seeds.

What I find fascinating is how these small birds have a preference for the combination of Nyjer® seed and socks. It’s as if they know that this duo provides them with the perfect meal. The seeds are packed with the nutrients they need, while the socks provide an easy and accessible feeding platform.

If you want to attract finches to your garden, I highly recommend investing in a Nyjer® seed sock feeder. These feeders are widely available and come in various sizes and designs. Simply fill the sock with Nyjer® seed, hang it in a quiet and sheltered spot, and watch as the finches flock to it.

In addition to Nyjer® seed, sunflower seeds are also a favorite among finches. These seeds are larger than Nyjer® seed but still manageable for finches with their small beaks. Sunflower seeds are rich in oil and provide a good source of energy for these active little birds.

To offer sunflower seeds to finches, you can use a standard bird feeder with small feeding ports. Opt for black oil sunflower seeds, as they have a thinner shell that is easier for finches to crack open. Again, I have observed finches eagerly feeding on sunflower seeds from my bird feeders, proving their love for this nutritious food.

To sum it up, if you want to attract finches to your garden, provide them with a combination of Nyjer® seed and sunflower seeds. The high oil content and easy-to-eat nature of these seeds make them a perfect fit for finches. Pair them with a Nyjer® seed sock feeder and a standard bird feeder, and you’ll have a vibrant display of yellow feathers in no time.