Urban Nature Store carries both niger (often called nyjer) seed and safflower seed online and in store, shipping nationwide and offering larger bulk sizes for pickup at its Ontario locations. Niger draws finches, especially goldfinches, while safflower draws cardinals along with several other larger billed species, so the right pick depends on which birds are being targeted.
Where Can Niger (Nyjer) Seed Be Bought in Canada?
Urban Nature Store's Nyjer seed ships nationwide and comes in four sizes:
- 4 lb, home delivery: $16.95
- 6 lb, in store pickup: $17.95
- 18 lb, in store pickup: $49.95
- 50 lb, in store pickup: $124.95
Only the 4 lb bag ships to a home address; the three larger sizes are reserved for pickup at one of Urban Nature Store's ten Ontario locations, listed on the store locations page.
Where Can Safflower Seed Be Bought in Canada?
Urban Nature Store's Safflower seed ships nationwide and comes in four sizes:
- 4 lb, home delivery: $14.95
- 7 lb, in store pickup: $16.95
- 21 lb, in store pickup: $45.95
- 50 lb, in store pickup: $97.95
Only the 4 lb bag ships to a home address; the three larger sizes are reserved for pickup at one of Urban Nature Store's ten Ontario locations.
Which Seed Should Be Bought for the Birds Being Attracted?
Niger mainly draws finches, especially goldfinches, and performs best in a small port finch tube feeder or a mesh sock built for the seed's tiny size. Safflower draws cardinals along with nuthatches, chickadees, house finches, rose breasted grosbeaks, and mourning doves, and works in any standard sunflower feeder. A full side by side comparison, including squirrel resistance and feeder choice for each, is covered in What Is the Difference Between Niger Seed and Safflower for Bird Feeding?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Niger and Safflower Be Bought in the Same Order?
Yes. Both are listed in the bird seed collection and can be added to the same cart, though only the 4 lb size of each ships to a home address; the bulk sizes still require in store pickup.
Does Niger Seed Need a Special Feeder?
Yes. Its small size calls for a feeder built with narrow finch sized ports or a mesh design, such as those in the nyjer and thistle feeder collection, rather than a standard sunflower feeder's wider ports.
Why Is Safflower Seed Often Recommended for Keeping Squirrels Away From a Feeder?
Squirrels generally find safflower less appealing than sunflower seed, which is why it's often suggested for yards with squirrel pressure. The full reasoning and a comparison with niger's own squirrel resistance is covered in the niger versus safflower guide.
Does Buying a Larger Bag Save Money Per Pound?
Yes. Niger drops from about $4.24 a pound in the 4 lb bag to about $2.50 a pound in the 50 lb bag, and safflower drops from about $3.74 a pound in the 4 lb bag to about $1.96 a pound in the 50 lb bag, so buying in bulk for in store pickup costs meaningfully less per pound than the smallest home delivery size.
