Nyjer / Niger Seed
Tiny, oil-rich seed with one famous devotee. If goldfinches are the goal, this is the food.
New nyjer / niger seed lines are landing soon - here are our current bestsellers in the meantime.
About our nyjer / niger seed
Nyjer seed - you will also see it spelt niger seed - is the specialist's food, and the specialist in question is the goldfinch. This tiny black seed is nearly forty per cent oil, and goldfinches will cross several gardens for a reliable source, arriving in small flocks called charms that take a feeder over entirely. Siskins join them in winter; the occasional greenfinch and chaffinch investigates; and very little else bothers, which means no pigeons, no squabbling and no waste. Nyjer needs its own equipment - the seed is so fine it pours straight through standard feeder ports, so pair it with a dedicated nyjer feeder with slot ports. Freshness matters more with nyjer than any other seed: its oils fade within a few months and goldfinches bluntly snub stale seed, so buy modest amounts, store them sealed, and replace anything past its best. Then be patient - the first charm takes a fortnight, and stays for years. Free UK delivery over £20.
Nyjer / Niger Seed - FAQs
Nyjer or niger - is there a difference?
Same seed, two spellings - 'nyjer' is the modern trade name for what was long sold as niger seed. Whatever the label says, it is the small oil-rich seed goldfinches love.
Why are birds ignoring my nyjer seed?
Either it is stale - nyjer loses its oils within a few months and goldfinches refuse it - or the local flock has not found it yet, which genuinely takes one to two weeks. Fresh seed and patience win.
Do I need a special feeder for nyjer?
Yes - the seed is fine enough to pour straight through normal ports. A nyjer feeder's narrow slots meter it out properly; ours are all-metal so the oily seed stays dry.
100% money-back guarantee
Love it, or it costs you nothing
Every order from British Bird Feeders is covered by our 100% money-back guarantee. If it's not right, tell us and we'll refund the lot.
Not happy? Full refund – we even pay the return postage.