Nyjer sock: which birds use it
Cheap and effective for a season; finches cling all over it.
Is a nyjer sock right for your yard?
| Holds | Nyjer |
|---|---|
| Best for | Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Redpolls |
| Not for | Wet climates, where socks clump and mould |
| Squirrels | Squirrels ignore nyjer |
| Cleaning | Replace rather than clean |
| Budget range tracked | under $25 to under $50 |
Nyjer socks from budget to premium
Budget ranges are a guide; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
What other feeders pair well with it?
- Tube feeder: The workhorse for small clinging birds. Metal ports resist squirrel chewing.
- Caged tube feeder: A wire cage keeps squirrels and large birds (grackles, starlings, pigeons) out.
- Nyjer (finch) tube: Tiny slit ports release one seed at a time.
Ranked picks: Best finch feeder.
Other feeder types
Tube feeder · Hopper feeder · Platform or tray feeder · Ground tray · Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder · Caged tube feeder · Nyjer (finch) tube · Suet cage · Tail-prop suet feeder · Peanut mesh feeder · Peanut wreath · Window feeder · Hummingbird feeder · Oriole feeder · Mealworm feeder · Smart camera feeder
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What birds use a nyjer sock?
goldfinches, pine siskins and redpolls use it most. Cheap and effective for a season; finches cling all over it. It is not a good fit for wet climates, where socks clump and mould.
What do you put in a nyjer sock?
Nyjer. The foods that suit it best are nyjer (thistle). Use one food per feeder so birds are not tossing unwanted seed on the ground to reach what they want.
Is a nyjer sock squirrel-proof?
Squirrels ignore nyjer. The only complete protection for any feeder is a smooth pole with a baffle whose bottom edge sits 4 to 5 feet up, placed at least 10 feet from trees, fences, decks and roofs.
How do you clean a nyjer sock?
Replace rather than clean. Every two weeks, or weekly in wet weather, empty it, scrub with hot soapy water, soak in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for ten minutes, rinse well and let it dry completely before refilling.
How much does a good nyjer sock cost?
Listings we track run from under $25 to under $50. The cheapest models work, but mid-priced ones usually add metal ports, sturdier hangers and easier cleaning, which is what decides whether a feeder lasts one season or ten.
