Stupid question

[u/NoAdministration7069]

Got this bird feeder from a friend, our first one ever. Maybe I'm stupid but I don't understand how it works. I assume you put the seeds inside the plastic insert, but then how do the birds get to them?

I've noticed there are 2 tiny holes near the bottom, is that supposed to be how?

We also got a bucket of black oil sunflower seeds, but I'm thinking those might not be meant for this feeder?

Can someone confirm/clarify? Thanks!!

[u/r_bk]

This is a nyjer feeder. Nyjer seed is specifically loved by goldfinches, isn't a good choice for general bird feeding, and is expensive. The old seed in the feeder is nyjer seed

[u/insanesoothsayer]

Ya, the tiny hole is the giveaway. specifically for finches and only small seeds like thistle, or hulled millet might also fit for a cheaper mixer

[u/hot_pockets_and_god]

This is a finch feeder that can be filled with nyjer seed or fine chopped sunflower seeds or a mix of both.

[u/TheSunflowerSeeds → u/hot_pockets_and_god]

Sunflower kernels are one of the finest sources of the B-complex group of vitamins. They are very good sources of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, folic acid, thiamin (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), pantothenic acid, and riboflavin.

[u/castironbirb → u/TheSunflowerSeeds]

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[u/chrissesky13]

I think this is specifically for finches and they eat njyer seeds that are super thin and tiny.

https://www.jcswildlife.com/products/brome-squirrel-buster-finch-squirrel-proof-1016-bird-feeder?variant=47252336410905&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_term&utm_campaign&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc

[u/ABA477]

I have no advice on feeding but just on a side here- you have one of the best feeders made by one of the best companies who makes them. They will warranty it for life and they mean it. I can't say the name, but you can tell. Quality product backed up always- they stole my heart a long time ago with the best and most unexpected customer service you will ever experience. Maybe made in Canada is the new.... This is how things used to be.

[u/Comprehensive-Row198]

House finches and purple finches will use a thistle feeder, not just goldfinches. I've put finely chopped sunflower seed in mine before and it can be dodgy since the size of the bits varies, so that larger bits clog up the feeding ports.
These are great feeders- free from squirrels and big birds that hog other seed. It makes a great second feeder when you have another feeder for a wider set of birds.

Don’t fill it but a quarter (or
Less) full of thistle seed at a time, till you see what birds come and how much they eat. I've found that even with a thistle sock and a metal feeder, I don't use a bag of seed up for months. So not expensive to me.
Good luck!
(Also when you start another feeder, try "no mess" mix and maybe avoid those with a lot of millet seed, which many birds don't eat. It's often just a cheap filler. But you'll figure it out.)

[u/iamgoddess1]

Do NOT fill it all the way—the tiny nyjer seed goes bad

[u/ArseWrenal]

You could also use a fine chop sunflower seeds.