Can thistle seed be used in this feeder?
784541
It could, but it will probably get all over the place seeing thistle feeder usually have very small feeding ports.
784542
I would suggest emailing the manufacturer whose name and address are included with the product. I had to contact the, and found their customer service reps extremely helpful. I know they'd be glad to answer all questions.
1592636
I would check with the Audubon society on what seed mixture is best for your area. I know the Home Depot near me carries seed blends for the region I live in. The openings in the bottom screen of the feeder are small enough to hold most seeds while still letting rain drain through. Very sturdy feeder.
2137687
Hi Bobbie, Finches, siskins, all small birds can use this feeder and really seem to like it. I put safflower in it and sometimes medium sunflower hearts and the little guys have no trouble perching and eating
1945125
Are you using thistle seed? If not, there's your problem.Take it down and shake it-sometimes the seed gets clumped. It should also be washed and rinsed before using.
2090902
This feeder is designed to accommodate mixed seed, Nyjer, and thistle seed.
1502102
I suppose you could use it for thistle but I would rather use a regular thistle feeder or sock. I think the tiny thistle seeds would blow away in the breeze before the birds got to them. I notice that the finches really like the socks. BTW, I still love this feeder and the many wild birds (including last years invasion of Red Polls) have used it heavily.
1421959
I would say yes, keeping in mind that some bird seed mixes have sun flower seeds, this could be a problem distributing the mix evenly.
1682006
I use Royal Wing brand of safflower seed because it is all they sell around here. I works great. I do have to shake it up in my colander first, though, to get the tiny black seeds out. I guess some of the seed breaks during shipping and handling. I give what falls through the colander to the birds and they love it.
1608842
We have three models of the Brome Squirrel Busters. They are designed for particular seeds. The finch style has small slits that the small birds use to extract a thistle seed. No larger seed could come through the narrow slit. For the black oil sunflower seeds, we use the classic style (1015?). It has a larger opening that allows the seed to drop down to the bottom of the enclosed opening for the bird to reach inside and extract the seed. This one is designed to hold the sunflower seed so it doesn't tend to spill out if the feeder is swinging (in case you have squirrels). We don't use thistle seed in the classic. The larger birds would throw it out. There is a new model called the peanut that is designed for clinging birds. We use the Birdacious Bark Butter Bits (a suet nugget) rather than peanuts. The tiny wrens, black caps, and all sizes of woodpeckers use it. The manufacturer has very helpful videos to help birders learn about the designs. We love these three designs and they are easy to fill and clean (as long as you watch the video first!)
2250759
this feeder and have tons of birds with no squirrels. Are you using the right type of seed? The holes are smaller so you need something like finch food or thistle seed so the birds can get it. Hope it works out for you!
891596
Thistle seed is pretty light weight (and expensive) and may blow away in the wind if you put it in a mixed seed feeder. You would probably do better with a thistle tube feeder with the tiny holes. The smaller perches are great for finches but difficult for the larger birds to perch on. I've had great luck with both the thistle tubes and the socks. With socks, cheaper is better. They don't hold up as well, but it's easier for the birds to get the seed out of the cheap ones.
1502106
Not good for thistle seeds I don't think as it is large. The sections end up in one feeding tray. Seeds would me mixed eventually. I do like the feeder. It is durable and sturdy. This is the second one I have had. Used the other for many years until the plastic which contains the seed finally got somewhat brittle and cracked. It hit the ground many times when squirrels would add too much weight to it surviving many falls. When I had it hanging from a very tall tree's limb that squirrels couldn't bother it. But, we lost the tree in the Texas drought.
940234
I'm using it for thistle. I think the holes are too small for sunflower seeds unless they are out of the shells.
1700009
Hi RebecaI think they could, but it is best for smaller birds, like chicadees. Also, if you have squirrels around, you would need some kind of clamp to keep them from dumping the seeds. Donna
1867590
The only thing that really works is a mix dominated by sunflower. They keep smaller seeds from flowing out as link openings are too big for songbird mix or thistle.
356068
I don't believe caked food would work for this type of feeder. It's meant for seeds.
388993
Many thanks to all who replied! I've been feeding safflower seeds in other feeders for over a year. I'm thinking of purchasing this type feeder for safflower also - that was the reason for my post.