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.