best bird feeder for blue jays
Everything you need to know about feeding Blue Jays in your backyard
So you wanna attract Blue Jays to your yard? Smart move. These birds are absolutely stunning - that brilliant blue plumage, that bold personality, those intelligent eyes watching everything you do.
I've been feeding birds for about twelve years now. Started with a cheap plastic feeder from the hardware store. Big mistake. Blue Jays destroyed that thing in less than a month. They're strong, determined, and honestly pretty aggressive when it comes to getting food.
But here's the thing - once you figure out what they actually need, having Blue Jays around is incredible. They're entertaining, gorgeous, and yeah... loud as hell. But that's part of their charm, right? If you're looking for more information on blue colored birds and their behaviors, there's tons to learn about these fascinating creatures.
This guide covers everything I wish someone had told me when I bought my first blue jay bird feeder. The good stuff, the mistakes to avoid, and how to actually keep these birds coming back without going broke on birdseed.
Why Blue Jays Are Actually Special Birds
Look, I get it. Some people think Blue Jays are bullies. And yeah, they can be pushy at feeders. But spend some time watching them and you'll realize there's so much more going on.
Blue Jays are ridiculously smart. Like scary smart for birds. They can recognize individual humans - I swear the ones in my yard know my schedule. They show up right when I usually refill feeders. They'll remember if you've been a reliable food source or not.
That bright blue color isn't even really blue. It's structural coloration - light scattering through their feathers. Hold a Blue Jay feather up to light and it looks brown. Put it down and boom, blue again. Nature's weird like that.
They're also incredibly vocal. According to research on Blue Jay behavior, these birds can mimic hawk calls to scare other birds away from feeders. Sneaky? Absolutely. But also pretty clever survival strategy.
Family groups stick together. You'll often see several Blue Jays traveling as a unit - parents with their offspring from previous years. They warn each other about predators, share food sources, and generally look out for their crew.
What Makes a Good Blue Jay Feeder Different
Not all bird feeders work for Blue Jays. Actually, most don't. These are big, strong birds with specific needs.
First thing - durability matters. A lot. Blue Jays will absolutely demolish cheap plastic feeders. I'm talking ripped-apart-in-days level destruction. They land hard, they peck aggressively, and they don't care about being gentle.
The best bird feeder for blue jays needs wide perches or platforms. Blue Jays aren't tiny finches. They need space to land comfortably and room to maneuver. Small perches? They'll knock into the feeder constantly, spilling seed everywhere.
Material-wise, you want either heavy-duty metal or solid wood. Cedar's great because it's naturally weather-resistant. Metal works too, especially powder-coated steel that won't rust. Skip anything thin or flimsy.
Size matters too. Blue Jays prefer feeders where they can see what's happening around them while eating. They're cautious birds despite their bold attitude. An open design lets them watch for predators while grabbing food.
Platform vs Tube Feeders
Platform feeders are honestly the best feed for blue jays setup. Flat surface, room to move, easy access. Blue Jays feel comfortable on them immediately.
But tube feeders can work if they're built right. Needs to be sturdy with large feeding ports and substantial perches. Those tiny little perch nubs on cheap tube feeders? Blue Jays can't even use those properly.
I run both types in my yard. Platform feeder gets the most action, but the heavy-duty tube feeder sees plenty of use too, especially when multiple birds are feeding.
What Is the Best Feeder for a Blue Jay?
Alright, let's get specific. After trying probably fifteen different feeders over the years, here's what actually works.
Woodlink Platform Feeder - The Reliable Choice
This thing's a tank. Solid cedar construction, screened bottom for drainage, holds about four pounds of seed. Blue Jays love it because there's plenty of landing space.
I've had mine for six years now. Still going strong despite constant use and sitting outside through Oregon winters. The wood's developed this nice weathered look but it's structurally perfect.
Setup's easy - comes with mounting hardware or you can hang it. I mounted mine on a pole about five feet up. High enough that cats can't reach, low enough I can refill without a ladder.
Price is reasonable too. Not cheap-cheap, but you're paying for something that'll last years instead of months.
Perky-Pet Metal Tube Feeder - For Serious Protection
If squirrels are a problem where you live, this is your answer. All-metal construction with weight-activated perches. Blue Jays can feed just fine, but when a squirrel tries, the perches close off access.
Holds about five pounds of seed. Easy to fill from the top. The feeding ports are large enough that Blue Jays don't struggle getting seed out.
Only downside? It's not cheap. But if you're losing tons of seed to squirrels every week, it pays for itself pretty quick. Plus it's squirrel-proof hardware, which means it survives the inevitable chewing attempts.
Nature's Way Cedar Feeder - The Eco Pick
This one's all natural cedar, no stains or treatments. Just good quality wood that weathers naturally. Hopper-style design with a decent capacity.
Blue Jays seem to like the natural wood. I don't know if they actually care or if I'm just projecting, but they definitely use it regularly. The pitched roof keeps rain out of the seed, which matters a lot in wet climates.
Easier to clean than platform feeders. Just lift the roof and scrub out the hopper. Takes maybe ten minutes including drying time.
Real talk from experience: Don't buy those decorative feeders that look cute but aren't functional. Blue Jays need practical, not pretty. Function first, always.
Do Blue Jays Actually Eat at Bird Feeders?
Hell yeah they do. Blue Jays are feeder regulars once they figure out you're a reliable food source.
Here's how it usually goes - first Blue Jay shows up cautiously. Checks things out from nearby trees. Maybe lands on the feeder for two seconds and takes off. This goes on for a few days.
Then one morning you look out and there's three of them just going to town on your seed. After that? Daily visits, sometimes multiple times a day.
They're creatures of habit. My Blue Jays show up around 7 AM, again mid-afternoon, and sometimes early evening. Pretty consistent schedule unless weather's bad.
Making Them Feel Safe
Blue Jays want to feel secure while feeding. Who can blame them - they're watching for hawks and other predators constantly.
Keep your feeder stable. Wobbly feeders freak them out. Mount it solidly or hang it from something that doesn't swing around too much in wind.
Place it near trees or shrubs where they can escape quickly if needed. But not too close - you don't want cats hiding in nearby bushes. About fifteen feet from cover is the sweet spot.
Don't make sudden movements near the feeder when birds are eating. They'll bolt and take longer to come back. Just watch from inside or stay still outside.
What Do Blue Jay Birds Actually Eat?
Blue Jays aren't picky eaters. They're omnivores with pretty varied diets. But yeah, they definitely have favorites.
Peanuts - Their Number One Pick
Unsalted peanuts in the shell are like crack for Blue Jays. Seriously. The first time I put out peanuts, I had eight Blue Jays show up within an hour. Word travels fast in bird world apparently.
They grab whole peanuts and fly off to cache them. You'll see them stuffing peanuts under bark, in leaf litter, basically anywhere they can hide food for later. Smart birds planning ahead.
Shell-on is better than shelled. Gives them something to work on, keeps them busy. Plus it's natural enrichment - they evolved cracking open acorns and nuts.
A dedicated blue jay peanut feeder is worth having if you're serious about attracting them. Platform works, but mesh feeders designed for peanuts are even better.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
These are the universal bird food that works for almost everyone. Blue Jays love them. High fat content, easy to crack open, nutritious.
I go through probably twenty pounds of black oil sunflower seeds a month during peak season. Blue Jays aren't the only ones eating them, but they definitely take their share.
Buy in bulk if possible. Way cheaper than those little bags from the grocery store. Feed stores or Costco usually have good deals.
Other Foods They'll Eat
Cracked corn works great, especially mixed with other seed. Cheap filler that Blue Jays actually eat unlike some birds that just kick it out of feeders.
Suet cakes during winter provide crucial energy. The high-fat content helps them survive cold nights. I hang suet cages near platform feeders.
Fresh fruit if you wanna get fancy. Apple pieces, berries, grapes cut in half. Blue Jays will grab these opportunistically. Not a staple food for them, but they appreciate variety.
According to wildlife feeding guidelines, keeping food fresh and clean matters more than offering tons of variety. Rotate what you offer and keep it interesting.
Money-saving tip: Mix your own seed blend instead of buying pre-mixed. Black oil sunflower, peanuts, and cracked corn. Way cheaper and Blue Jays prefer it anyway.
Blue Jays vs Bluebirds - Know the Difference
People confuse these all the time. Totally different birds with different needs.
Blue Jays are corvids - related to crows and ravens. Big birds, crested heads, loud calls. They're bold, intelligent, and have that distinctive "jay" call that carries forever.
Bluebirds are small thrushes. Much tinier, no crest, gentle personalities. They eat mostly insects during breeding season and prefer mealworms at feeders.
Feeder Differences That Matter
Blue Jays need sturdy platform or large tube feeders. They want room and strength.
Bluebirds prefer mealworm feeders with smaller openings. Or just open dishes with live mealworms. They're not seed eaters primarily.
You can absolutely attract both species. Just use different feeder types and different foods. My yard gets both regularly because I've set up for diverse species.
How to Actually Attract Blue Jays to Your Feeder
Having a feeder isn't enough. Location, food, setup - everything matters.
Location Is Everything
Place your feeder where Blue Jays feel comfortable. Near trees or large shrubs but not right next to them. They want nearby escape routes without giving predators hiding spots.
Fifteen to twenty feet from cover is about right. Close enough they feel secure, far enough that cats can't launch surprise attacks.
Height matters less than you'd think. I've had Blue Jays use feeders anywhere from three feet to fifteen feet up. They're strong fliers, so height isn't limiting. Just make it convenient for you to refill.
Make It Obvious
Blue Jays are visual hunters. They spot food from distance. Put some peanuts in the shell on top of your feeder where they're clearly visible.
First Blue Jay that spots those peanuts will investigate. Once one bird figures out your feeder, others follow. Blue Jays watch each other and share information about food sources.
Keep the feeder consistently stocked. Blue Jays remember which food sources are reliable and which aren't. Empty feeders get visited less and less until they just stop coming.
Add Water
A birdbath near your feeders increases traffic from all species including Blue Jays. They need water for drinking and bathing.
Keep it clean. Change water every couple days minimum. Scrub out algae weekly. Dirty water spreads disease.
Moving water attracts more birds. You can get solar fountains pretty cheap now. The sound and movement draw birds in from farther away.
Timing and Patience
Don't expect instant results. It might take days or weeks for Blue Jays to find your feeder and start using it regularly.
Morning and afternoon are peak feeding times. They're most active then. Evening too sometimes, right before dusk when they're topping off for the night.
Be patient. Once they establish your yard as part of their territory, you'll have Blue Jays reliably. Just takes time for them to trust the setup.
Success marker: When Blue Jays start caching food from your feeder, you've won. They only cache food from sources they trust and plan to return to.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Every feeder setup runs into issues. Here's what'll probably happen and how to deal with it.
Squirrels Eating Everything
Yeah, squirrels are persistent little jerks. They'll empty a feeder in hours if you let them.
Squirrel baffles work. Dome-shaped things that go above hanging feeders or cone-shaped ones for pole-mounted feeders. Squirrels can't get past properly installed baffles.
Metal feeders with weight-activated perches are worth the investment. Squirrels trigger the closing mechanism, birds don't. Problem solved.
Placing feeders away from launch points helps. Squirrels can jump about ten feet horizontally and four feet up. Keep feeders outside that range from trees, fences, and structures.
Mess Under the Feeder
Blue Jays are messy eaters. They knock seed everywhere looking for their favorites. Shells pile up. It gets gross.
Install a seed tray underneath to catch spills. Makes cleanup way easier. Just dump the tray every few days.
Use no-mess seed blends. These are seeds without shells - already hulled. More expensive per pound but zero shell mess.
Rake or sweep the area under feeders weekly. Prevents mold and keeps things sanitary. Wet decaying seed can make birds sick.
Aggressive Bird Behavior
Blue Jays can be bullies. They'll chase smaller birds away, dominate feeders, and generally act like they own the place.
Multiple feeding stations spread out helps. Can't guard three feeders at once. Other birds get opportunities while Blue Jays are busy elsewhere.
Different feeder types for different species. Small finch feeders that Blue Jays physically can't use give little birds safe feeding spots.
Honestly? Some aggression is just nature. Blue Jays are assertive birds. If it's not excessive harassment, it's probably fine.
Predators
Hawks sometimes stake out feeders. Unfortunate reality of backyard birding. You're creating a hunting opportunity.
Add more cover nearby so birds can escape quickly. Shrubs, brush piles, anything that provides shelter.
Don't put feeders too close to windows though. Window strikes kill tons of birds every year. At least three feet away or right up against the window - the dangerous zone is that middle distance.
Cleaning and Maintenance That Actually Matters
Dirty feeders spread disease. This isn't optional maintenance - it's critical for bird health.
Weekly Cleaning Routine
Once a week minimum, take feeders down and clean them thoroughly. More often if you're seeing sick birds or the feeders are visibly gross.
Use warm water and mild soap. Scrub everything - perches, feeding ports, inside surfaces. Get into corners where mold grows.
Rinse completely. Soap residue can be harmful. Run water through tube feeders until it's clear.
Let everything dry completely before refilling. Wet seed molds fast. Sun-drying works great if weather cooperates.
Disinfecting
Monthly deep clean with diluted bleach solution. One part bleach to nine parts water. Soak feeders for a few minutes.
Rinse extensively after bleaching. Multiple rinses. You want zero bleach smell remaining.
This kills bacteria and viruses that soap alone won't eliminate. Especially important during disease outbreaks.
When to Replace Feeders
Cracked or damaged feeders need to go. Sharp edges can injure birds. Cracks harbor bacteria you can't clean out.
If a feeder's falling apart, replace it. Cheap feeders might last one season. Good ones last years, but eventually everything wears out.
Inspect feeders regularly for damage. Caught early, some things can be repaired. Ignored, they become hazards.
Disease prevention tip: If you see a sick bird at your feeders, take all feeders down for at least two weeks. Clean them thoroughly. This stops disease transmission to other birds.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Can Blue Jays share feeders with other birds?
Sometimes, yeah. Blue Jays will feed alongside other jays and large birds like Cardinals. But they often chase away smaller species.
Having multiple feeders helps everybody get along better. Less competition, less aggression.
Do Blue Jays eat mealworms?
They'll eat them if available, but mealworms aren't a preferred food. Blue Jays are more into nuts and seeds.
Save the mealworms for species that really love them - bluebirds, wrens, chickadees.
How do I stop squirrels without hurting them?
Use metal feeders they can't chew. Install baffles they can't climb past. Place feeders where they can't jump to them.
Give squirrels their own feeding station away from bird feeders. Corn cobs work great. Keeps them occupied elsewhere.
What about hawks?
Hawks are protected. You can't do anything to harm or harass them. Add cover near feeders so small birds can escape quickly.
Honestly, seeing a hawk hunt is part of nature. It happens. Not fun to watch, but it's the ecosystem functioning.
Best time of year to start feeding?
Fall's great. Birds are establishing winter territories and looking for reliable food sources. But really, any time works.
Once you start, try to maintain consistency. Birds come to depend on your feeders. Taking them down suddenly during winter can be rough on birds.
Final Thoughts on Feeding Blue Jays
Look, feeding Blue Jays isn't complicated. Sturdy feeder, good food, decent location. That's 90% of it right there.
Yeah, you'll spend some money on seed. You'll deal with squirrels and mess and occasional aggressive behavior. But watching Blue Jays come into your yard daily? Totally worth it.
These are incredible birds. Smart, beautiful, full of personality. Having them as regular visitors adds so much life to a backyard.
Start simple. One good platform feeder, some peanuts and sunflower seeds. See what happens. You can always add more feeders and options later once you figure out what works for your situation.
The first time a Blue Jay caches a peanut from your feeder, you'll feel pretty good. That's a bird trusting your setup enough to store food for later. That's success.
Don't overthink it. Birds don't care if your setup is Instagram-worthy. They care if there's food, if they feel safe, and if you're consistent. Handle those basics and the Blue Jays will come.
Want more help figuring out your backyard bird setup? Check out Cornell's All About Birds for comprehensive bird information, or visit Audubon Society for conservation resources and local bird feeding guidance.
Start feeding Blue Jays today and turn your backyard into a vibrant wildlife scene. Trust me, once these bold blue birds become regulars, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner.