Mesmara Safflower Seeds for Birds – Natural Bird Feed | Kusuma Seeds | 900g
Give your backyard visitors something different. Safflower seeds are a traditional bird-feed seed used for wild birds and pet birds. Their firm outer shell and nutritious seed kernel make them a popular choice for birds that are comfortable cracking open whole seeds. Mesmara Safflower Seeds are ideal for placing in bird feeders, feeding trays or designated bird-feeding areas at home.
What Are Safflower Seeds?
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a flowering oilseed crop related to the sunflower family. The plant produces small, firm seeds that are usually white or ivory in colour. While safflower is widely grown for its oil, whole safflower seeds are also used as bird food. In India, safflower is traditionally known by names such as Kusuma and Kusum.
Why Do Birds Eat Safflower Seeds?
Safflower seeds contain naturally occurring fats, protein and carbohydrates, making them an energy-rich seed option for birds. Their hard outer shell means that some smaller or less experienced birds may take time to learn how to eat them. Birds accustomed to cracking sunflower and other hard-shelled seeds may accept safflower more readily.
Which Birds May Eat Safflower?
Safflower is commonly offered to a range of seed-eating birds. Depending on your region and the birds visiting your feeder, these may include finches, sparrows, doves, chickadees, nuthatches, grosbeaks, cardinals, buntings, jays, titmice, quail, woodpeckers and some parrot species. Bird preferences vary by species and location, so don't worry if birds take a little time to discover a new seed.
Safflower For Your Balcony Or Terrace
You don't need a large garden to feed birds. A small feeding tray, hanging feeder or suitable bird-feeding bowl can be placed on apartment balconies, terraces, window areas, gardens, courtyards or outdoor bird-feeding stations. Place the feeder in a quiet location where birds can approach safely.
How To Feed Safflower Seeds
- Fill a clean, dry bird feeder or feeding tray with safflower seeds.
- Place it somewhere birds can easily spot and access.
- Keep the feeding area clean and dry.
- Start with a small quantity and observe which birds visit.
- Refill regularly with fresh seed.
If birds are unfamiliar with safflower, they may need some time to accept it. You can initially mix it with a seed they already enjoy and gradually increase the proportion of safflower. Mesmara Safflower Seeds are supplied as whole seeds, ready to offer directly in a feeder or feeding tray without grinding or processing.
Why Choose Mesmara Safflower Seeds?
- Whole safflower seeds, suitable for bird feeding
- Natural seed-based bird food
- Convenient 900g pack
- Suitable for balconies, terraces, gardens and bird feeders
- A useful addition to a varied bird-feeding routine
A Natural Source Of Energy
Safflower seeds naturally contain fat, protein, carbohydrates and fibre. The exact nutritional composition can vary depending on the seed variety and growing conditions.
Important: Bird Feed, Not Cooking Seed. This product is specifically packed and sold as bird feed. It is not intended to be used as a cooking ingredient or human food.
Safflower vs. Sunflower Seeds For Birds
Sunflower Seeds: Widely accepted by many bird species, easier shells in some varieties, a common everyday bird-feed choice attractive to a broad range of birds.
Safflower Seeds: Firm, hard outer shell, favoured by a range of seed-eating birds, a useful alternative or addition to sunflower, though some birds may take longer to accept it.
Why Keep More Than One Type Of Bird Seed?
Different birds have different feeding preferences. Instead of offering only one type of seed, you can create a more varied feeding station with suitable seeds such as sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, millet and niger seeds. This can help attract a wider variety of birds to your feeding area.
Keeping Your Bird Feed Fresh
Store the seeds in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in a clean, airtight container after opening. Don't leave wet or spoiled seed in the feeder, and clean your bird feeder regularly to remove old or contaminated food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is safflower seed, and is it the same as sunflower?
Safflower seed comes from the safflower plant, Carthamus tinctorius, an oilseed crop whose whole seed is also widely used as bird food. It's not the same as sunflower; they're different plants and different seeds, with safflower generally smaller and harder-shelled than many sunflower varieties.
What is safflower called in India, and do all birds eat it?
Safflower is known by regional names including Kusuma and Kusum. Not all birds eat it; preferences vary, and birds with stronger bills and seed-eating habits may be more comfortable cracking its firm shell.
What if my birds don't eat it immediately, and can I mix it with other seeds?
Give them time; birds may take several days to become familiar with a new seed. You can initially mix safflower with a seed they already eat, and it can be offered alongside other appropriate bird seeds as part of a varied feeding setup.
Can I put safflower seeds on my balcony, and is this product for human consumption?
Yes, a clean feeding tray or suitable bird feeder can be placed on a balcony or terrace where birds can safely access it. No, Mesmara Safflower Seeds for Birds are specifically sold and packed as bird feed and should be used only for feeding birds.
Product At A Glance
- Product: Safflower Seeds for Birds
- Botanical Name: Carthamus tinctorius
- Common Indian Name: Kusuma / Kusum
- Type: Whole safflower seeds
- Use: Bird feed
- Suitable For: Bird feeders, feeding trays, balconies, terraces & gardens
- Pack Size: 900g
A little seed can create a beautiful daily ritual. Place a feeder on your balcony, terrace or garden and watch as birds discover it, return regularly and become part of your everyday surroundings.
MESMARA SAFFLOWER SEEDS – Simple Food For The Birds That Visit Your Home. Feed. Watch. Discover. Enjoy.