Feeding Safflower

Hello Fellow Birders,

I have recently had several people inquiring about Safflower. It is one of the stores best selling seeds! Unfortunately, due people demanding more natural cooking and beauty products the demand for Safflower has gone way up. Safflower oil is sold in many grocery stores typically in the organic or all natural section of the cooking oils. It is also put in lots of natural lotions, soaps, and make-up. When the demand for this sky rocketed so did the price.

So, if it is an expensive alternative to plain sunflower seed then why use it? Safflower has been known to deter several pesky feeder birds as well as squirrels. Now, keep in mind that we are talking about mother nature and anything is possible. Grackles are the most common problem bird at feeders. They are big and not very pretty. They can also be territorial and feed in flocks therefore they can take over a feeding station easily and clean out your feeders in just hours. Grackles least favorite seed is Safflower. Safflower can usually be used as a wonderful deterent for these birds.

Squirrels also don't care for Safflower. I am very aware that squirrels will eat anything including your "screened in porch" but trust me if you have Safflower seed or sunflower seed side by side I can 99% guarantee that they will eat the sunflower seed before the safflower seed. It is simply not their prefered seed.

Many people claim that their squirrels love safflower seed! Naturally if there is scarce food options they will eat safflower. It has also been said that you must be patient when you put it out. Each squirrel will most likely taste it before they decide they are not a fan. Others have stated that safflower is an aquired taste and after time anything will eat it.

Most all smaller birds enjoy safflower, chickadees, titmice, house finches, cardinals, and more. Woodpeckers and bluejays are not big fans and you will rarely see them eat safflower.

Safflower is not a miracle solution but I have heard enough good things about it in my career at the bird store that I feel confident enough to suggest it to people as a last resort.