Nyjer (finch) tube: which birds use it
Tiny slit ports release one seed at a time.
Is a nyjer (finch) tube right for your yard?
| Holds | Nyjer, fine chips |
|---|---|
| Best for | Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Redpolls, House Finches |
| Not for | Anything larger than a finch |
| Squirrels | Squirrels ignore nyjer |
| Cleaning | Moderate |
| Budget range tracked | under $25 to under $50 |
Nyjer (finch) tubes 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.
- Hopper feeder: A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals.
- Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder: A spring-loaded shroud drops over the ports under a squirrel's weight. The most reliable squirrel-proof design at a hanging feeder.
- Caged tube feeder: A wire cage keeps squirrels and large birds (grackles, starlings, pigeons) out.
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 sock · 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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After the checklist, a few short emails, then a couple a month at most. Unsubscribe anytime.Frequently asked questions
What birds use a nyjer (finch) tube?
goldfinches, pine siskins, redpolls and house finches use it most. Tiny slit ports release one seed at a time. It is not a good fit for anything larger than a finch.
What do you put in a nyjer (finch) tube?
Nyjer, fine chips. 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 (finch) tube 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 (finch) tube?
Moderate. 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 (finch) tube 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.
