Safflower Seed

Have you ever considered using safflower seed in your bird feeders. If you are having problems with squirrels and grackles, you may want to give it a try.

These seeds are small, white and loaded with fat and protein. Many backyard birds can be attracted using this wild bird food - including Northern Cardinals, Chickadees, House Finches, Mourning Doves, some Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches.

It has been reported that squirrels often ignore this birdseed. However, squirrels have been known to eat them on occasion. So the assumption that squirrels won't eat these seeds is not always true. But when offered a choice, squirrels seem to avoid these seeds and their bitter taste. It has also been found that blackbirds and grackles typically do not like the taste of these seeds.
If you have been using black-oil sunflower seeds in your feeders, it is best to make a gradual change to this new bird food. Since they look and taste different from other birdseed, it may take your birds some time to adjust. Mix them with your black-oil sunflower seeds over time. Add more and more until you are offering only the new seed.

This seed is usually found in bulk at some feed stores and online birdseed stores. You can offer it in any feeder that dispenses sunflower seeds or scatter it on the ground to attract Northern Cardinals (who aren't much for perching on tube feeders).

This seed is also found in many of the quality wild birdseed mixes available on the market today. If you check the list of ingredients on a bag of mixed seed advertised as Cardinal seed, you will find that safflower seed is a main ingredient.

So if you have never tried safflower seeds, you may be pleased with the additional birds that are attracted to your yard.

Choose the best bird feeder for safflower seed learn more here.

Return from Safflower Seed to A Home for Wild Birds Home