Wagner's 57075 Safflower Seed Wild

The Verdict

If your feeder has become a squirrel buffet or a grackle convention, Wagner’s 57075 Safflower Seed is the polite but firm bouncer you need. This isn’t a flashy new feeder or a tech gadget — it’s a 10-pound bag of seeds that solves a specific problem many backyard birders know all too well. With a 4.6-star average across 229 ratings, it’s clearly working for most people. But it’s not magic, and it’s not for every yard.

What you actually get

The bag contains pure, oiled safflower seed — no milo, no cracked corn, no filler. The seeds are plump and uniform, which means less dust and fewer broken bits at the bottom of the bag. As shown in the product image, the packaging is straightforward: a resealable bag (if you buy the multi-pack) or a standard paper sack depending on the listing. One thing to verify before you click: the listing sometimes shows different weights (5 lb, 10 lb, 20 lb). The per-pound price shifts significantly, so don’t assume the photo matches the size you’re ordering.

Real-world performance: What the reviews actually say

The overwhelming story from buyers is that safflower is a selective feeder’s dream. One reviewer put it bluntly: “Cardinals love it. Squirrels hate it. That’s exactly what I wanted.” Another noted, “I switched from black oil sunflower and within two days the house sparrows left and the cardinals took over.”

The bitterness of safflower is the key — it’s naturally unappealing to squirrels, raccoons, and most pest birds like grackles and starlings. You don’t need a fancy weight-activated feeder or a cage. Just swap the seed in your existing tube or hopper feeder.

That said, the selectivity cuts both ways. House finches, goldfinches, and some woodpeckers may ignore it entirely. If your goal is maximum species diversity, you’ll need to mix it with sunflower hearts. But if your goal is fewer aggressive birds and more cardinals, chickadees, and mourning doves, this delivers.

Where it falls short

The biggest practical complaint isn’t the seed itself — it’s the price. Safflower is consistently more expensive than black oil sunflower, sometimes 30–40% more per pound. If you’re feeding a large flock daily, your seed bill will climb.

Also, a handful of reviewers reported the seed arriving with some debris or a slightly damp smell. That’s not a widespread issue — most bags are clean and dry — but it’s worth checking the bag when it arrives, especially if you buy in bulk during humid months.

Who should buy this

• Cardinal lovers: This is practically a cardinal magnet. If you’ve been trying to attract them and failing, safflower is your answer.
• Squirrel-battlers: If you’re tired of refilling feeders every day, this seed will cut squirrel visits dramatically without any physical barriers.
• Mess-haters: Safflower hulls are heavier and less likely to blow around than sunflower hulls. Your patio stays cleaner.

Who should skip it

• Generalist birders who want every species at the feeder — you’ll get fewer total birds with straight safflower.
• Budget-conscious feeders who go through 20+ pounds a month — the cost adds up fast.
• Titmouse and nuthatch fans — these little guys often prefer sunflower and may show up less.

FAQ: What shoppers actually ask

Q: Will safflower seed really keep squirrels away?
A: It deters them, but not forever. Most squirrels will try a seed, find it bitter, and move on. Persistent or desperate squirrels may still raid, especially if they’re hungry. It’s a strong deterrent, not a guarantee.

Q: Can I mix this with other seeds?
A: Yes, and many buyers do. Mix it 50/50 with black oil sunflower to keep cardinals and still attract finches and titmice. Just know the pest birds will also come back for the sunflower.

Q: Does safflower sprout under the feeder?
A: No. Safflower doesn’t germinate easily in the shell, which is a hidden bonus. You won’t be weeding a seed lawn by August.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want cardinals, hate squirrels, and don’t mind paying a premium for cleaner feeding.
Skip it if you need a budget-friendly general mix or want maximum bird variety.

At 4.6/5, Wagner’s 57075 earns its rating. It’s not the cheapest seed on the shelf, but it does exactly what it promises: selective feeding with minimal mess. For the right backyard, it’s a quiet game-changer.

Rating: 4.6/5

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.