If you cannot get enough of your bird watching, you probably want to attract more wild birds to your garden. If that is the case, what about luring Blue Jays? Sure, the sweet, melodious song and the attractive blue hues of these birds bring a sense of tranquility within you.Â
The only problem is attracting these beautiful creatures is quite challenging, especially if your area has a small flock of Blue Jays. However, creating a perfect spot for them can help attract Blue Jays to your garden. Are you wondering how? Install the Best Blue Jay Feeder. Here is a complete guide that will help you choose the right feeder for Blue Jays.
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What Do The Blue Jays Eat?
It is no secret that Blue Jays have very sturdy black bills that can even crack acorns and nuts easily. However, most of their diets composed of seeds, nuts, and acorns.Â
In addition, they also eat small creatures like beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars (1). Other than this, they also eat grains, peanuts, shell, suet blends, cracked corn, mealworms, orange halves, and Bark Butter Bits.
Blue Jay Feeding Tips
- These birds are cautious and will not approach your installed feeders when humans are near. Therefore, make sure to watch these beautiful birds from a window rather than sitting next to your feeder.
- Make sure to install a ground feeder to support Blue Jays. If not this, you can spread some seeds on the ground to attract them.
- You will need a ground bird feeder or a large bird feeder to support blue jays. Alternatively, you can put some seeds on the ground in order to attract them.
- Blue jays are fond of black oil sunflower seeds, corn, peanuts, and acorns.
- Make sure your yard has a pot filled with water for the birds to bathe in and satiate their thirst.Â
- Other than grain and seed feeders, these birds love to eat from suet feeders.
- Do not forget to clean the bird feeder to avoid mold development, food clumping, and to prevent spreading disease.
- Place your feeder near a shrubbery where birds can seek a tree or shelter. This will allow them to sit while they eat, making them feel comfortable and safe using your feeder.
Types of Blue Jay Feeders
When you will do the market survey, you are likely to find different types of feeders for Blue Jays. Make sure to choose two different types of feeders for the Blue Jays to install in your garden. Set up a feeder in an open area, ideally which is near to the shrubbery. Below are the common types of Blue Jay feeders; read them and compare each option to make the best shopping decision.
Tray Feeder – If you are looking for a feeder that can accommodate more and bigger Blue Jays, then tray or platform feeders are the best options to go for. This feeder allows birds to move freely and enjoy eating seeds. Not to forget, it can feed many Blue Jays.
Tube Feeder – These feeders are more like dispensers with a hatch at their bottom. This hatch allows seeds or grains to move downwards, which makes it easy for Blue Jays to peck at the food. If you want to feed a small number of birds, it is the best option.
Suet Feeder – These feeders are sturdier and more durable than other feeders. If you want to offer suet to these birds, make sure to choose a suet feeder that can accommodate Blue Jays easily. Some basic wire suet feeders fail to accommodate large Blue Jays.
Mealworm Feeder – No doubt, Blue Jays love too much on mealworms and therefore it can be a great idea to install a mealworm feeder in winters. Since it comes in a larger size and allows you to offer voracious appetites, mealworm feeders can be a bit expensive.
Hopper Feeder – These feeders feature a design including a tiny house, where birds hop on and enter the feeder to eat. Hopper feeders are typically made of wood and are a great option if the Blue Jays in your area are quite small.
How to Attract Blue Jays to Your Feeder?
When it comes to attracting the Blue Jays, it can be quite intimidating until you use the smart strategies to lure them. Lucky for you, here is the list of things you can try to attract these beautiful birds to your garden.
Food – Adding food to your feeder can help attract different birds. For Jays, you can fill the container with their favorite treat; peanuts! Sunflower seeds, cracked corn, mealworms, and suet are the other best options to attract these bluebirds. Make sure to offer them peanuts in a tray feeder or on the ground.
Water – Birdbaths can be another great way to attract Blue Jays to your yard. However, make sure the birdbath you are installing is wide and big enough to accommodate these birds. During winters, install a heated birdbath for them.
Placement of Feeder – As mentioned earlier, the Blue Jays will love to sit near shrubbery and enjoy their food. So, make sure to install a feeder where these birds can feel comfortable and protected using your birdhouse. Also, watch them from a window or any other distant area, since they avoid approaching places where humans are there.
What to Do if They Become a Problem
Although it is fun to see Jays in your garden, they can become bully and chase away other birds. Not only this, but Blue Jays may also empty your feeders rapidly and demand more food raucously. Moreover, they may eat eggs and kill nestlings. Their tricks can scare away skittish birds.Â
If Blue Jays become a big nuisance for you, consider creating a separate feeding spot for them. Protect the bird feeder from predators using different preventative techniques. Make sure to use the appropriate holes for entrance to protect nesting birds.Â
Keep ration peanuts to daily servings; this way these birds will recognize the food source but do not drain the complete supply. If it does not work, you can remove the food supplies for a few days to disperse them. Blue Jays can be the most entertaining birds to watch flying and eating in your yard.
However, it is important to provide them with the right nesting sites, shelter, water, and food. This way, it will become easier to attract them to your garden. Birders who understand the needs and behavior of Jays can enjoy watching them all year round.
How to Choose the Right Blue Jay Feeder?
Blue Jays are attractive creatures, among which the Florida Blue Jay is the smallest species. Its coloration is somewhat the same as of Northern Blue Jay. No matter the species, if you want to attract these beautiful birds to your yard or garden, make sure to choose the right feeder. Here is what you need to consider when buying a feeder for Blue Jays.
Material –Â Blue Jay’s feeder comprises of cedarwood, stainless steel, and recycled plastic. However, some of them come with UV protected, rust-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and anti-rot features. Choose a feeder that offers these qualities.Â
Capacity –Â Consider the capacity of a feeder before buying it. Check how much feed can a birdhouse hold. However, id it is fine for you to refill the feeder, you can opt for a small feeder.
Size –Â Blue Jays feeders come in different sizes. If you want to watch a small number of birds, go for a small feeder. Otherwise, you can choose a big feeder that accommodates more than three birds at a time.
Design –Â While Blue Jays feeders are available in different designs, make sure to choose that perfectly suits your requirements. We have already discussed the types in detail above.
Best Blue Jay Feeder
1. Birds Choice Whole Peanut Blue Jay Feeder
This Birds Choice feeder comes with a green roof and can attract Blue Jays with its appealing aesthetics.Â
Birds Choice manufactured it with perforated feeding hole ports, which are constructed from recycled plastic.Â
The removable screen-based allows you to clean the feeder easily. Since it used good plastic material, this feeder is quite sturdy and durable.Â
Moreover, the roof of this feeder helps protect bird seed from spoiling, especially in rainy or snowy season.
It is very easy to install this feeder; however, add support on the wire to prevent it from falling. If you want to attract a large number of Blue Jays into your backyard, then you must consider installing this bird feeder.Â
The built and design will make feeding for Blue Jays more fun.
Check the price of Birds Choice Whole Peanut Blue Jay Feeder here
What we liked
- Manufactured to add in whole peanuts
- Easy to clean and install
- Perfect feeder for Blue Jays
- Eco-friendly feederÂ
- Comes with a removable screen base
What we didn’t like
- It can only serve nuts and big seeds
- It is heavy weighted and needs extra support
How much seed can fit: 1 ½ lb. of peanuts
What special about it: Birds Choice built it specifically to fill in the whole peanuts
Measurements: 7-inches x 10-inches x 15-inches
2. Woodlink Going Green Platform Bird Feeder
If you are searching for an open style bird feeder, then it is a perfect feeder you can choose for your Blue Jays.Â
The open design of the feeder allows birds to peck on the seeds easily while enjoying a view. Moreover, it features an attractive design and beautiful aesthetics.
Not to mention, this feeder is spacious enough that it can allow you to add more bird seeds without making you worried about refilling it every now and then.Â
Woodlink manufactured it with recycled plastic; if you want an eco-friendly feeder, it is an ideal option for you.
As compared to other bird feeders, this open space feeder by Woodlink comes at affordable price. Due to the open design, the seeds can be spoiled in rainy or snowy days. However, you can add a DIY roof on its top to protect the feed.
Check the price of Woodlink Going Green Platform Bird Feeder here
What we liked
- Comes with attractive design
- Features metal screen bottom that allows drainage
- It is easy to clean
- It renders a quick installation process
- This feeder is quite affordable than other options
What we didn’t like
- It is not as sturdy as other options
- Offers less durability as compared to other feeders
How much seed can fit: capacity depends on seed type
What special about it: It is one of the best eco-friendly bird feeders
Measurements: 12.63-inches x 12.75-inches x 2.13-inches
3. Songbird Essentials Whole Peanut Wreath Feeder
If you are looking for a sturdy, reliable, and durable bird feeder to attract Blue Jays, then this feeder by Songbird Essentials is the best option for you.Â
One of the best features in this feeder is its unique shape. It comes with twisted metal wires that provide a solid foothold for Blue Jays.Â
Moreover, these twisted wires allow you to store peanuts inside and keep them fresh since it also allows air circulation.Â
It can withstand harsh weather conditions, keeping your feed from spoiling due to rain or snow. Because of its vibrant red color, Blue Jays can easily spot this feeder.
When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, it is quite easy to do that with this feeder. Due to its size, this feeder can hold more peanuts. That means, you will not need to worry about refilling the seeds over and again.
Check the price of Songbird Essentials Whole Peanut Wreath Feeder here
What we liked
- Easy to install and clean
- It offers a secure feeding spot to Blue Jays
- Ideal feeder for bluebirds
- Comes in red color that makes it more attractive
- Features a wreath design
- Offers amazing quality
What we didn’t like
- Can be difficult to refill for some
- You can use it only to attract Blue Jays
How much seed can fit: 3.4 lbs
What special about it: This feeder offers high durability, reliability, and sturdiness.
Measurements: 13-inches x 13-inches x 2.75-inches
4. Gray Bunny Hanging Bird Feeder Tray
This platform bird feeder is best for those who are looking for a high-quality feeder that comes with classy design.Â
Unlike other regular products, this Blue Jays feeder is quite durable and can last you for longer. It comes with heavy-duty mesh that is rust-resistant.Â
The Gray Bunny platform feeder can withstand the harsh weather condition, protecting the feeder and seeds.Â
The double-looped hanging chains ensure stability.Â
The golden clips that attach hanging chains with a bird feeder can attract Blue Jays with its sparkling color.
Furthermore, these stylish brackets add an elegant flair to your garden or yard. It is easy to clean and maintain; turn the tray down and rinse off the mess. If you want a feeder that requires less maintenance, then it is the best option for you.
Check the price of Gray Bunny Hanging Bird Feeder Tray here
What we liked
- The feeder is sturdy enough
- Comes with elegant design
- Features attractive aesthetics
- Easy to install and clean
- It offers 30-days money-back guarantee
What we didn’t like
- It is only suitable for peanuts and sunflower seeds
- Does not come with more serving options
How much seed can fit: 9.25-inch dish; you can fill it up according to the seed size
What special about it: features an attractive design that comes with extreme durability
Measurements: 9.25 inches x 9.25 inches x 1.75 inches
5. Woodlink Going Green Large Premier Bird Feeder
If you are looking for a Blue Jays feeder that is sturdy enough, then you must choose the Going Green Large Birdfeeder by Woodlink.Â
The company constructed it with 90 percent recycled plastic, making it one of the best eco-friendly bird feeders in the market.Â
The robust design ensures its longevity, whereas the material used in its manufacturing ensures its durability.
It comes with a meshed bottom, which provides a great level of drainage. As a result, it keeps the rainwater from spoiling the feed.
This feeder comes with two suet cages, allowing you to watch the birds from all angles. The dimensions are spacious enough to fill more seeds as compared to other regular options. Moreover, the roof of the feeder helps protect seeds from spoiling during rain and snow.
Check the price of Woodlink Going Green Premier Bird Feeder here
What we liked
- Features a sturdy design
- It can hold two suet cakes
- The roof on a feeder protects food from spoiling
- It helps attract a wide variety of birds
- Made with plastic and 90 percent recycled materials
- It is easy to clean
What we didn’t like
- It comes with a pole that has no cap
How much seed can fit: 2 suet cakes and 5-½ of seeds
What special about it: Woodlink constructed the feeder with 90% post-consumer recycled plastic
Measurements: 13.5 inches x 11.75 inches x 10.5 inches
Conclusion
In terms of aesthetics, Blue Jays are quite different from other birds. Sure, the attractive features of this bird are enough to mesmerize you. Whether your area has high or low traffic of Blue Jaya, you will never want to miss attracting these beautiful birds to your backyard.Â
Now that you know the tips to attract them, make sure to choose the right feeder for Blue Jays. Your plan to attract these birds will succeed only when you have the right birdhouse.
Related:Â Blue Jay Symbolism & Meaning (+Totem, Spirit & Omens)
i’m looking for a feeder that will feed blue jays only – not black birds! i don’t care what type it is. the preferred menu is peanuts in the shell but i’ll feed them sunflower seeds too. the wreath design is not very effective. black birds eat peanuts as well as everything else.
i’m also looking for a cardinal-only feeder. i like to feed them black oil sunflower seed and safflower seed.
i’m tired of the black birds and the doves emptying the feeders before the colorful birds even appear. the doves even eat niger seed.
so far i do not have a squirrel problem. tall feeders and squirrel guards took care of that.