3 Best Safflower Seeds for Squirrel Deterrence
If you’re trying to keep squirrels at bay while feeding your preferred backyard birds, choosing the right safflower seeds is key—and there are several good options to weigh up. Top picks like Old Potters, Wagners, or Pennington not only feature high purity and freshness but are often offered in resealable packaging to maintain quality and resist pests. These seeds, with their bitter taste and tough shells, usually deter squirrels better than regular sunflower seeds. Still, understanding what makes each brand effective can make all the difference—so, what truly sets these apart?
Old Potters Wildlife Safflower Seed for Bird Feeding, Non-GMO & USA Grown, 6 lbs
- Small Farm USA Grow
- Non-GMO
- Rich in Nutrients: High in fat, protein, and fiber, safflower seeds offer essential nutrients that help support the health and vitality of various...
Looking for a bird seed that is healthy and keeps squirrels away? Old Potters Wildlife Safflower Seed is a good choice. It is grown on small farms in the USA. The seed is non-GMO, which means it does not have any unwanted chemicals or genetic changes.
The seed comes in a sturdy, resealable bag. This bag holds 8 pounds of seed and helps keep the seed fresh, dry, and free from pests. The seed itself weighs 6 pounds and is good for many types of birds. You can feed the birds by scattering it on the ground or putting it in a tube feeder.
Birds like cardinals, finches, and doves often choose safflower seed. Squirrels are less interested in safflower seed, so this option can save you money.
This seed is simple to use. Just keep the bag sealed after each feeding to stay fresh and keep pests out. You might want to have several feeding spots if you have many birds visiting.
Who Should Use This? Anyone who loves watching birds and wants a safe, good-quality seed that attracts many birds but keeps squirrels away.
Pros:
- Attracts many kinds of birds like cardinals, finches, and doves
- Grown in the USA, non-GMO, and fresh
- Squirrels don’t like it as much, saving you money
Cons:
- It costs a little more than some other cheaper seeds
- You need to reseal the bag after using
- You might need several feeding stations for busy bird visitors
Old Potters Safflower Seed gives you a simple way to enjoy watching birds. It is good for the birds and helps keep squirrels at bay.
Wagners 57075 Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food, 5 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Made in the USA
- A favorite seed of Cardinals and other songbirds
- Highest quality grains used
Wagners 57075 Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food comes in a 5-pound bag. It is made in the USA. This seed is good for attracting birds like Cardinals, Chickadees, and Grosbeaks. The safflower seeds appeal to these birds.
Safflower seeds have a bitter taste. This taste keeps squirrels from eating the seeds. It also stops unwanted birds like Starlings and House Sparrows from coming to the feeder. The seed stays fresh because it resists spoiling. The design of the seed helps birds flick away seeds they don’t want. This cuts down on waste. The resealable bag keeps the seed dry and fresh for a longer time.
Best for: Bird lovers who want to attract Cardinals, Chickadees, and Grosbeaks. It also keeps squirrels and unwanted birds away.
Pros:
- Good quality safflower seed that attracts the right birds
- Bitter taste stops squirrels and unwanted birds
- Resealable bag keeps the seed fresh and easy to store
Cons:
- You might need a special feeder to stop big birds from getting the seed
- It may not attract birds that like other types of seeds
- It can cost more than regular seed mixes
Pennington Select Safflower Seed 15 lb Bag
- Safflower seed is bitter-tasting to squirrels, but birds love it
- Attracts fewer squirrels and blackbirds
- Great for year-round bird feeding
The Pennington Select Safflower Seed comes in a 15-pound bag. It’s a good choice if you want to attract birds and stop squirrels from stealing your seed. This seed has safflower in it, which many birds like. Birds such as cardinals, nuthatches, and grosbeaks enjoy this seed the most. It also has Bird Kote technology. That means it gives birds vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.
This seed makes less mess because it produces low dust. Your feeder stays cleaner, and it’s easier to keep the area tidy. Squirrels don’t like safflower because it tastes bitter to them. This helps keep squirrels away from your feeder.
The bag is heavy-duty. It’s easy to store and refill your bird feeder. You can enjoy bird watching all year long with this seed. It’s a tasty, clean, and squirrel-resistant option.
Who should buy this: Bird lovers who want healthy seed that keeps pests away and feeds many types of songbirds.
Pros:
- Attracts many birds like cardinals, finches, and grosbeaks
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals for healthy birds
- Creates less dust, so it stays cleaner
Cons:
- Some people say the seed isn’t always very clean
- The bag doesn’t have a resealable top, so it might go stale
- It costs more than some generic seeds
Factors to Consider When Choosing Safflower Seeds for Squirrel Deterrence
When selecting safflower seeds, you’ll want to consider their quality and freshness, since fresher seeds offer better nutrition and last longer during storage. It’s also important to look at their squirrel-deterring properties—some seeds are palatable to squirrels, while others are intentionally less appealing, which helps keep your feeders bird-friendly. Ultimately, pay attention to packaging durability and how well the blend suits your existing bird feeder setup, ensuring ease of use and consistent attraction.
Seed Quality and Freshness
Choosing good safflower seeds is important if you want to keep squirrels away and help your backyard birds get the best food. Fresh seeds don’t usually have mold or bugs, so they are safer for the birds. Look for seeds that are all about the same size, shape, and color. These signs mean the seeds were sorted and cleaned well. Old or stale seeds smell bad and birds may not want to eat them. Store your seeds in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to keep them fresh. To check if seeds are fresh, look for regular appearance, little dust, and no debris. When you pick fresh, high-quality seeds, you will attract more birds. You will also waste less food and keep your birds healthy. This makes your backyard bird feeding more fun and rewarding.
Squirrel-Deterring Properties
Safflower seeds are tough and taste bitter. These qualities make them good for keeping squirrels away. Squirrels don’t like how the seeds taste or feel. They find it hard to crack open safflower seeds, unlike sunflower or millet seeds. Squirrels prefer seeds that are oily and high in calories. Because safflower seeds are less tasty and harder to open, squirrels lose interest. They also have a hard shell that makes them difficult to nibble on. Plus, special squirrel-proof feeders make it harder for squirrels to get to the seeds. Tests show squirrels often skip safflower seeds altogether. Instead, they go for more tempting foods. This combination of bitter taste, tough shells, and tricky handling helps keep squirrels away. It protects other birds’ food and keeps squirrels from stealing seed.
Attracts Preferred Birds
If you want to see specific birds visit your feeder, safflower seeds are a good choice. These seeds attract birds like cardinals, finches, doves, and grosbeaks. They come back because these birds like the high fat and protein in safflower. The fat gives them quick energy, which helps them stay active.
Safflower seeds also help keep squirrels away. They don’t like the bitter taste of safflower, so they leave it alone. That means your favorite birds get the food they need without squirrels stealing it.
Using safflower seeds can bring a variety of birds to your yard. The birds you want will keep returning because they find the food tasty and nutritious. It’s a simple way to enjoy watching the birds you love while keeping squirrels out.
Packaging Durability and Storage
Using good packaging helps keep safflower seeds fresh and easy for birds to eat. Choose bags that can be sealed again, so moisture, pests, and air don’t get in. This keeps the seeds fresh longer. Sturdy bags made of tough material stop tears and spills, making them easier to handle. Bags with zip locks are simple to open and close again. They help you reseal the seeds quickly and keep them fresh. Big bags are nice because you don’t have to refill often. This keeps the seeds fresh over time. Some packaging is water-resistant and lets air pass through slightly. This helps stop mold, especially in humid places. Good packaging protects your seeds from bugs, moisture, and squirrels. It helps your bird feeding station stay clean, safe, and squirrel-free.
Blend Compatibility and Use
How you add safflower seeds to your bird feeders can change how well it stops squirrels. You can use safflower on its own or mix it with other bird foods. But be careful—keep its bitter taste because that taste keeps squirrels away. Mixing safflower with sunflower chips or millet can bring in more birds while still keeping squirrels out. When you mix, make sure the blend isn’t so thin that it loses its bitter taste or stops attracting birds. Mixing safflower with grains or cracked seeds can also cut down on waste and ground mess. Just check that the mix still works to deter squirrels. The best mix depends on the birds you want and your feeder setup. Change your blend if needed to get the best results without losing the birds’ interest.
Cost-Effectiveness and Value
Safflower seeds might cost a little more at first. But they can give you good value if you look at how well they work. Because they are pricier than common birdseed, check the cost per pound. Buying big packages lowers the price for each seed and saves you money. Plus, you get better quality seeds that stay fresh longer if you use resealable containers. Safflower seeds also help keep pests away, like squirrels. This means you might not need extra pest control, saving you more money. If you choose good seeds that birds really like, you’ll see more visits and better feeding. This makes your money go further. It’s a good deal for your wallet and your birds.
FAQs
Do Safflower Seeds Contain Any Ingredients Harmful to Birds?
No, safflower seeds generally aren’t harmful to birds; they’re actually safe and nutritious. You should, however, avoid seeds with added chemicals or preservatives, as these could pose risks to your feathered friends.
How Long Does It Take to See Squirrel Deterrence Results?
You’ll usually notice squirrel deterrence within a week or two of switching to safflower seeds. Squirrels tend to avoid them quickly because they dislike the bitter taste, but patience and consistency are key for best results.
Can Safflower Seeds Be Used Alongside Other Squirrel Deterrents?
Yes, you can use safflower seeds alongside other squirrel deterrents. Mixing methods like commercial repellents, physical barriers, and planting squirrel-resistant plants together enhances effectiveness, giving you a better chance to keep squirrels away from your garden.
Are Safflower Seeds Cost-Effective Compared to Other Squirrel Repellents?
Safflower seeds are generally cost-effective compared to other squirrel repellents because they last longer, are less attractive to squirrels, and help prevent damage to your bird feeders, making them a smarter choice overall.
Do Squirrels Eventually Learn to Bypass Safflower Seed Deterrents?
Squirrels can sometimes learn to bypass safflower seed deterrents over time, especially if they find alternative food sources nearby. To keep them at bay, rotate different deterrents and regularly change your feeder setup, maintaining their uninterest.
Kashvi is a passionate bird enthusiast and nature lover who has been fascinated by the world of birds for years. With a keen eye for detail and a love for learning, Kashvi is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and insights with fellow bird enthusiasts on Avian Enthusiasts. Through her engaging and informative articles, Kashvi aims to inspire others to join her in exploring the fascinating world of birds and to promote a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
