Duncraft Safflower Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag
Duncraft Safflower Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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The seed squirrels hate — and cardinals love.
Safflower seed has a secret: squirrels can't stand the bitter taste. While cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, and doves flock to your feeder, squirrels take one sniff and walk away. If squirrels have been emptying your feeders faster than birds can eat, switching to safflower is one of the most effective non-mechanical solutions available. No baffles, no special feeders — just seed that does the work for you.
How to make the switch.
Birds may take a few days to adjust to a new seed, especially if they're used to a blend. The easiest approach: mix safflower with your current sunflower seed and gradually reduce the sunflower over 1–2 weeks until you're serving pure safflower. Birds continue eating without interruption, and squirrels lose interest as the sunflower disappears. Many customers report squirrels abandoning the feeder entirely within a week.
- 100% premium safflower seed — no fillers, no additives
- Bitter taste naturally deters gray squirrels
- Loved by Northern Cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, and doves
- Works in hopper, platform, tube, and tray feeders
- Easy transition — mix with sunflower and phase in gradually
- 5 lb resealable bag for freshness
Birds attracted: Northern Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, House Finches, Purple Finches, and White-breasted Nuthatches.
How to feed: Serve in any hopper, platform, tube, or tray feeder. Safflower works in the same feeders as sunflower seed, so no equipment changes are needed. For the fastest squirrel deterrence, serve pure safflower from the start rather than blending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does safflower seed really deter squirrels?
Yes — for most gray squirrels. Safflower has a naturally bitter coating that most gray squirrels find unpalatable. Many customers report a significant drop in squirrel activity within days of switching. Note that some squirrels, particularly red squirrels and chipmunks, may still eat safflower, as individual tolerance varies.
What birds eat safflower seed?
Safflower is especially popular with Northern Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, House Finches, Purple Finches, and White-breasted Nuthatches. It is one of the best seeds for attracting cardinals specifically, as they strongly prefer it over most other seeds.
Will birds eat pure safflower or do I need to mix it?
Birds will eat pure safflower, but they may take a few days to recognize it as food if they're not used to it. The easiest approach is to mix safflower with your current sunflower seed and gradually increase the safflower ratio over 1–2 weeks. Once birds are accustomed to it, you can serve it pure.
Can I use safflower in any feeder?
Yes. Safflower seed is similar in size to black oil sunflower seed and works in hopper feeders, platform feeders, tube feeders, and open tray feeders. No special equipment is needed to switch from sunflower to safflower.
Is safflower seed good for year-round feeding?
Yes. Safflower is an excellent year-round seed. Cardinals and other safflower-loving birds are resident species that stay through winter, making it a reliable choice in every season. Its high fat and protein content also provides the energy birds need during cold weather.
THE DUNCRAFT GUARANTEE
We want you to be completely happy with our products and service. We guarantee products for one year from date of purchase. If you are anything less than completely satisfied, you may return your purchase for an exchange or a product refund.
DELIVERY & SHIPPING
Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Standard shipping usually takes 3-7 business days, depending on your location. Please note, during high-demand periods, shipping may take a little longer.
Duncraft Safflower Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag
Specifications
Specifications
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Bird SpeciesCardinals
❤️ Why Bird Lovers Trust Duncraft
The Leader in Backyard Bird Feeding Since 1952
Truly an American original, Duncraft has stayed true to its mission since the 1950s: to make backyard bird feeding easier, more enjoyable, and more rewarding.
We design and build over 500 exclusive products you won’t find anywhere else—each one made for birds, field-tested for success, and built to last. Backed by exceptional service and dependable home delivery, Duncraft is the trusted choice for bird lovers everywhere.
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Need help finding the right bird feeding solution?
Our friendly birding experts in Concord, NH are just a call or email away. Reach out Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST at 800-593-5656 or info@duncraft.com—we’re happy to help!
What makes Duncraft bird seed so popular?
We’ve been perfecting our bird seed blends since 1952—using only premium ingredients birds actually eat. Our small-batch, fresh-packed seed attracts more birds and supports healthier feeding with less waste. It’s the food your backyard birds come back for.
What if I’m new to bird feeding and not sure what to expect?
No problem at all—we’re here to help! Every Duncraft product is designed to make bird feeding easy and enjoyable, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience. And if your feeder doesn’t work out, you’re covered by our 365-Day Guarantee. We’ll help you exchange it or find the right fit for your birds.
Where are Duncraft Brand products made?
Right here in the USA! Duncraft has been family-owned and operated since 1952, with over 500 exclusive products designed and built in Concord, NH. Our team combines hands-on experience with expert care to bring you the best in backyard bird feeding.
Duncraft Safflower Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag
The seed squirrels hate — and cardinals love.
Safflower seed has a secret: squirrels can't stand the bitter taste. While cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, and doves flock to your feeder, squirrels take one sniff and walk away. If squirrels have been emptying your feeders faster than birds can eat, switching to safflower is one of the most effective non-mechanical solutions available. No baffles, no special feeders — just seed that does the work for you.
How to make the switch.
Birds may take a few days to adjust to a new seed, especially if they're used to a blend. The easiest approach: mix safflower with your current sunflower seed and gradually reduce the sunflower over 1–2 weeks until you're serving pure safflower. Birds continue eating without interruption, and squirrels lose interest as the sunflower disappears. Many customers report squirrels abandoning the feeder entirely within a week.
- 100% premium safflower seed — no fillers, no additives
- Bitter taste naturally deters gray squirrels
- Loved by Northern Cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, and doves
- Works in hopper, platform, tube, and tray feeders
- Easy transition — mix with sunflower and phase in gradually
- 5 lb resealable bag for freshness
Birds attracted: Northern Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, House Finches, Purple Finches, and White-breasted Nuthatches.
How to feed: Serve in any hopper, platform, tube, or tray feeder. Safflower works in the same feeders as sunflower seed, so no equipment changes are needed. For the fastest squirrel deterrence, serve pure safflower from the start rather than blending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does safflower seed really deter squirrels?
Yes — for most gray squirrels. Safflower has a naturally bitter coating that most gray squirrels find unpalatable. Many customers report a significant drop in squirrel activity within days of switching. Note that some squirrels, particularly red squirrels and chipmunks, may still eat safflower, as individual tolerance varies.
What birds eat safflower seed?
Safflower is especially popular with Northern Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, House Finches, Purple Finches, and White-breasted Nuthatches. It is one of the best seeds for attracting cardinals specifically, as they strongly prefer it over most other seeds.
Will birds eat pure safflower or do I need to mix it?
Birds will eat pure safflower, but they may take a few days to recognize it as food if they're not used to it. The easiest approach is to mix safflower with your current sunflower seed and gradually increase the safflower ratio over 1–2 weeks. Once birds are accustomed to it, you can serve it pure.
Can I use safflower in any feeder?
Yes. Safflower seed is similar in size to black oil sunflower seed and works in hopper feeders, platform feeders, tube feeders, and open tray feeders. No special equipment is needed to switch from sunflower to safflower.
Is safflower seed good for year-round feeding?
Yes. Safflower is an excellent year-round seed. Cardinals and other safflower-loving birds are resident species that stay through winter, making it a reliable choice in every season. Its high fat and protein content also provides the energy birds need during cold weather.