Niger Seed for Birds

Niger seed can be enjoyed by wild birds all year round - however, its high oil content makes it particularly well suited for feeding during the winter months. 

Nyjer seeds have an outershell that typically isn't eaten by birds - they only eat the kernel within. 

Niger seed can go off, especially if it is exposed to moisture. If your niger seed gets rained on, it's important to to clear it away from the feeder and replace it with fresh seed.

It's also necessary to ensure that you store the niger seed correctly. Store your niger seed in an air tight container. Regularly check it for signs of damp or mould. When stored correctly, niger seed can typically last for a few months. 

We are located just outside the town of Bishop’s Waltham in Hampshire, Street End Farm spans just under 400 acres and is filled with lots of gentle, sunny slopes, which are ideal for growing bird food. 

When feeding Niger seed you will need a Niger feeder, due to the Niger seed being smaller than other seeds. We have a full range from metal, plastic and caged feeders. 

Nyjer/Niger Seed Feeder

Lots of birds love niger seeds, including the following species:

• Finches (goldfinch, chaffinch, greenfinch, bullfinch, etc.)
• Sparrows
• Redpolls
• Siskins
• Doves and pigeons

Much bigger birds like pigeons have also been known to bully their way in and steal niger seeds from smaller birds, or to loiter on the ground below bird feeders to eat any seeds that have fallen. To prevent this, we suggest placing a seed tray beneath your bird feeder to catch the seeds that fall loose.

READ MORE: How to Keep Pigeons Away from Bird Feeders