Mine ignore the Niger seeds as well, all the finches here, all prefer the sunflower seeds, and to make matters worse, the Niger seeds germinate everywhere.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Must admit that what has germinated from my nyger seed is not very nice to say the least. It almost looks like animal fur. Have bought "no grow" bird seed but no birds are interested. Have put the wheelbarrow underneath bird feeders to catch the throwaways as a temporary measure.
I never get much to sweep up from the feeders, they are over slabs, as the ground birds eat it all very little waste. Which is a very good thing. I have a raised slab onto which I put sunflower hearts so the small birds get a look in at the feeders, maybe this encourages them to eat the spills from the feeders too.
Must admit that what has germinated from my nyger seed is not very nice to say the least. It almost looks like animal fur. Have bought "no grow" bird seed but no birds are interested. Have put the wheelbarrow underneath bird feeders to catch the throwaways as a temporary measure.
Thank you everyone for your comments. I have emptied the seed from the feeder. Gone into recy?ing bin. I will replace with sunflower hearts, which I have also used.
Posts
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20Kg-Robin-and-Wild-Bird-Food-Mix-with-Sunflower-Hearts-Suet-Pellets-Mealworms/131315488683?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/opinion/blogs/an-unwelcome-new-plant-in-my-garden/10032020.blog?firstPass=false
And this is what the plant looks like
https://fatfinch.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/nyjer-2/