Wild Bird Seed With Aniseed: Does It Work?

Wild bird seed with aniseed is a seed mix that includes aniseed oil or aniseed flavoring, mostly in some UK and European blends. Aniseed is added mainly for its scent. Birds mostly choose a feeder by the seeds it holds, so a mix with plenty of sunflower hearts, peanuts or nyjer will do more for your feeder than aniseed alone.

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Does Aniseed Attract Birds?

Some sellers say aniseed oil attracts more birds. There is little solid evidence behind this claim. Birds find feeders mainly by sight and by watching other birds. The seeds themselves, fresh water and a safe feeding spot matter much more. If a mix with aniseed works for you, it is probably because it also contains seeds birds like.

What to Look for in a Bird Seed Mix

Sunflower seeds or hearts: loved by finches, tits, sparrows and many other garden birds.
Peanuts: a high-energy food, especially in cold weather. Use only products meant for wild birds, and avoid salted or flavored peanuts.
Nyjer (niger): a favorite of goldfinches and siskins.
Fewer cheap fillers: mixes heavy in wheat or red millet are often left uneaten and end up on the ground.

Feeding Tips

Put out small amounts and refill often. Fresh seed stays dry and avoids mold.
Clean feeders every week or two with hot water and a mild disinfectant, rinse and dry well.
Offer fresh water for drinking and bathing, especially in winter.
Place feeders near shrubs but away from windows or cat hiding spots.
Throw out damp or moldy seed.

Safety Notes

Do not add flavorings, salt or scented products of your own to bird seed. Store seed in a sealed container to protect it from damp, pests and rodents. If you see sick birds at your feeder, take feeders down for a couple of weeks and clean them thoroughly to limit the spread of disease.