Have you ever watched a brilliant blue flash dart through your backyard, only to see it fly away frustrated from your current bird feeder? Blue Jays are some of the most striking and intelligent birds in North America, but feeding these clever corvids can sometimes feel like a challenge. They are strong, demanding eaters, and many standard feeders just don’t hold up to their enthusiastic visits.
Choosing the perfect bird feeder for a Blue Jay means more than just picking the prettiest one. You need durability, the right size opening, and a design that keeps their favorite snacks accessible without attracting every squirrel in the neighborhood. It’s frustrating to invest in a feeder only to watch the Blue Jays ignore it or, worse, destroy it within a week. Many bird lovers feel stuck between wanting to attract these majestic birds and dealing with constant feeder maintenance or wasted seed.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most for these energetic birds. By the end of this article, you will know the best feeder types, the must-have materials, and how to set up a feeding station that keeps your Blue Jays happy and coming back for more. Let’s dive into creating the ultimate Blue Jay buffet!
Top Bird Feeder For Blue Jays Recommendations
- Chew-Proof Metal Build: The top and base of this bird feeder are made of metal. Advanced metal processing techniques make it more sturdy for outdoor use and resistant to squirrel damage.
- 2 Steps Disassemble Easy Clean Thoroughly: No tools needed! Disassemble in just 30 seconds. Easy to maintain and refill weekly. Say goodbye to the hassle of cleaning and reassembling bird feeders.
- One-Handed Refilling Made Simple: Press the roof button and slide up to lock it in place on the steel cable. No need to remove the entire feeder, making refills quick and easy.
- High Guardrail Seed Tray Design: Prevents seeds from falling while birds feed, reducing waste.
- No Assembly Required – Just Unbox and Use: 360-degree perch design allows multiple birds to feed simultaneously without being limited to fixed feeding holes, providing a more comfortable and free feeding experience for your birds.This is an excellent gift choice, adding vibrant colors to your yard and enriching garden life. It brings more joy to families and children.
- Durable Metal Bird Feeder – The bird feeders for outdoors hanging are made entirely of metal.Animals such as squirrels, deer and raccoons can barely open the lid because of the bird-shaped safety lock that securely locks onto the feeder. We recommend placing the feeder out of reach of squirrels because they are smart enough to jump on the perch and eat the seeds.
- Large Capacity, Easy-Fill Design – Our hanging bird feeders for outdoors offer easy food access and can be filled with food birds love including corn, peanuts, nuts, and organic product large seeds to attract wild birds.
- Decorative Bird Feeder – Offering a designer look with functional appeal this large capacity bird feeder holds up to 6.5 lbs. of bird seed and supports a range of different birds includes finches, cardinals, blue jays, robins, and much more wild birds.Metal lanyards can be easily hang on a shephards hook or tree.
- Accessible 360° Feeding Tray – This wild bird feeder features a four-sided food distribution design with four long, fold-out bird perches to support birds landing and feeding from every side. A smart choice for avid bird watchers and natural lovers.
- Sturdy, Chew-resistant – The wild bird feeders are crafted chew-resistant, sturdy metal to stand up to sharp talons, heavy pecking, and even rain, snow, and inclement weather. Important for keeping those birds fed all year-round.
- 🐦Sturdy Bird Feeder: Except for the transparent material panel on the front of the bird feeder, the rest are made of metal.ensuring it can withstand the challenges posed by outdoor elements. Its durability is further reinforced by a layer of waterproof paint, offering excellent protection against rain, wind, and harsh weather conditions. Rest assured, this large bird feeder will maintain its pristine condition for years to come.
- 🐦Functional Compartments: Equipped to accommodate two types of seeds, such as sunflower seeds and thistle, this birdfeeders features divided feeding areas. This segregation enables the separation of small finches from larger birds, mitigating conflicts between them. With a capacity of up to 4 lbs of seeds, the bird house feeders design ensures a steady supply for our feathered friends, automatically refilling after birds have eaten.
- 🐦Weatherproof Design: Featuring double suet cages, a weatherproof roof, and perch, this bird suet feeder effectively keeps seeds dry, even during rainy days. Small holes on the bottom tray and in the middle prevent water accumulation and seed soaking, ensuring they remain dry for the birds' enjoyment.
- 🐦Easy to Clean and Fill: Designed for convenience, this outdoor hanging bird feeder comes with a lift-lid for effortless filling. Its transparent seed compartment allows for easy monitoring of seed levels, ensuring timely replenishment. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance, attracting a variety of lovely birds to your garden.
- 🐦A Present That Keeps on Giving: This bird feeders outside hanging is an ideal present for bird lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. Whether for Mother's Day, Christmas, or a birthday, it's a thoughtful present that brings joy year-round.
- CLASSIC TUBE DESIGN: Attract all your favorite clinging birds to your yard with this large metal tube feeder; Easy-Cling 360-degree mesh feeding
- EASY TO REFILL AND CLEAN: Twist-off lid and large tube opening allow for easy filling with less spill and wasted seed; ALL parts can be removed for cleaning without the use of tools
- KEEP THE BIRDS HAPPY: Drain holes in seed tray promote rain drainage to keep seed fresh and prevents seed waste
- DURABLE QUALITY MATERIALS: Constructed from all metal with durable powder-coated materials for a long-lasting feeder
- 🐦Sturdy Bird Feeder: The Metal Bird Feeder is constructed with a firm and sturdy build, ensuring it withstands the rigors of outdoor elements. Its durability is further enhanced by a layer of waterproof paint that provides excellent protection against rain, wind, and harsh weather conditions. Rest assured, this large bird feeder will remain in pristine condition for years to come.
- 🐦BIRD FEEDERS BUILT-IN DRAINAGE HOLES: Double Suet Cage Bird Feeders with Weatherproof Roof & Perch that effectively keep the seeds dry, even during rainy days. The small holes on the bottom tray and in the middle prevent water from accumulating and soaking the seeds, ensuring they remain dry for the birds' enjoyment.
- 🐦GENEROUS SEED CAPACITY:With its large 3.7LBs seed capacity, this wild Bird Feeders can be filled with black oil sunflower seeds or a mix of shelled nuts, perfect for attracting various bird species such as cardinals, red finches, blue jays, sparrows, starlings, and more. The birdfeeder design allows the seeds to automatically fill after birds have eaten, ensuring a steady supply for our feathered friends.
- 🐦EASY TO CLEAN AND FILL: The hanging bird feeder removable roof and large opening make this bird feeders for outside easy to fill with seeds, the windows also allow you to monitor seed levels. Cleaning the hanging bird feeders for outdoors is even easier, just gently remove the cover and rinse directly with water!
- 🐦PERFECT PRESENT FOR BIRD LOVERS: Hang the red wild BIRD FEEDERS in your yard to attract a variety of birds, including beautiful cardinals. Its vibrant color and easy setup will add excitement and charm to your outdoor space, making it an ideal present for any bird lover.
- ADJUSTABLE DESIGN & DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Smart design to adjust the height to control the size of visiting birds. The rust-proof metal base can maintain a better balance even in the windy weather
- THE SQUIRRELS WILL HATE IT: The special system in the top will keep spinning if squirrels sit on it, which helps to keep them away
- FUNCTIONAL COMPARTMENTS: Built-in drainage holes keep seeds fresh. Fill your feeder with different types of seeds, to attract an even wider variety of birds
- NATURE EVERYWHERE: Invite those feathered friends to your cozy backyard environment! Our superb bird feeders will attract a variety of birds and most of all more enjoyment for your family and friends! Unique gifts from our nest to your backyard
- MORE CHOICE: Search Kingsyard for more exclusive design bird feeders, bird houses or other birding supplies to surf our entire catalog listing on amazon for additional great collections
- SQUIRREL RESISTANT: With 1-1/2" fly-through openings, our bird feeder is designed to discourages squirrels from accessing the food as much as possible, and allowing bluebirds to feed in a safer and more comfortable environment
- DURABLE METAL MATERIAL: With its sturdy metal construction and anti-rust powder coated fnish, it can withstand a variety of outdoor elements, including wind, rain, and even pesky squirrels that love to chew. Great for year-round use
- EASY TO REFILL & CLEAN: Simply lift the top lid, and you can fill the glass bowl with Bluebirds' favorite food such as mealworms, insect suet pellets, or bluebird nuggets to continually attract your feathered friends to your yard
- KEEP DRY & FRESH: The bottom tray can hold up the scattered mealworms or be filled with seeds mix to attract more species of birds, while the tray has drainage holes, which can effectively prevent rainwater accumulation and keep the food dry and fresh
- GREAT GIFT CHOICE: The near-natural color makes birds approach more trustingly and boldly to enjoy food, so you can easily invite more birds into garden, adding more fun to the garden life. Making it a great gift for parents, children and bird lovers
- 【Hold More, Refill Just Once a Week】Designed for convenience, this large bird feeder holds up to 2.2lbs of mix seed, hold more will reduce the times for frequent refills. With precision-engineered seed ports control the flow, ensure a steady, controlled flow—keeping seeds accessible for birds while minimizing excess spillage. Enjoy a clean feeding area without wasted seeds, so your backyard stays tidy and your cardinal feathered visitors stay well-fed!
- 【2.2lbs Large Capacity-Attracting More Birds Coming】Compare those mini sized birdfeeders, iBorn large 2.2lb capacity ensures a constant food supply that keeps birds lingering in your yard longer. As they recognize your feeder as a reliable dining spot, they'll naturally invite their feathered friends - turning your space into a lively bird social hub! Watch your garden transform into a vibrant avian gathering place with this worry-free wild bird feeders.
- 【Built to Last – Premium Materials for Year-Round Use】Whole feeder using in Solid Material Construction,to Extended Lifespan: 1.Reinforced Polycarbonate Tube, refuse easy crack or fade under difference weather. With strong hardness and will not crack even if accidentally dropped. 2. Heavy-Duty Roof & Tray, thicker than other flimsy lightweight. Weighted base prevents tipping in strong winds, not swaying too much and avoid seed falling more.
- 【3-Step Quick Clean – No Tools, No Hassle!】Say goodbye to complicated cleaning! Just snap apart in minutes with no screws or tools required. Every piece detaches for thorough water cleaning, water effortlessly removes dust and seeds, then gently wipe with a cloth – Like New in Seconds,ensuring fresh, healthy seed for your feathered visitors.
- 【18cm Extra-Large Roof – Ultimate Weather Protection】iBorn Bird Feeders for outdoors18cm extended roof (30% larger than common14cm feeders) provides superior shelter from rain or wind. The seamless sealed design prevents any water from reaching into the tube, keeping inner seed fresh and dry. With 8 drain holes, quick sheds water,prevents clumping, reduce seed wasting.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Blue Jay Bird Feeders
Blue Jays are beautiful, intelligent, and sometimes noisy backyard visitors. They love seeds, nuts, and suet. To keep these vibrant birds coming back, you need the right feeder. This guide helps you choose the best home for your local Blue Jays.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a Blue Jay feeder, focus on size and accessibility. Blue Jays are bigger birds than chickadees or finches.
- Large Feeding Tray or Platform: Blue Jays prefer to perch while eating. A wide, flat platform allows them to land comfortably. Small tube feeders often frustrate them.
- High Capacity: Jays eat a lot! Look for feeders that hold at least 10 pounds of food. This means you refill less often.
- Squirrel Resistance (Optional but Recommended): Squirrels love the same food as Blue Jays. Some feeders have weight-activated perches that close when a heavy squirrel lands.
- Easy Access for Cleaning: You must clean your feeders regularly to stop the spread of bird diseases. Choose a feeder where the lid or sides open easily for scrubbing.
Important Materials for Durability
The material of the feeder affects how long it lasts outside in rain, sun, and snow.
Good materials hold up against the weather. Avoid cheap, thin plastic that cracks easily. Look for:
- Metal (Powder-Coated or Stainless Steel): Metal feeders last the longest. They resist chewing from squirrels and stand up well to harsh weather.
- Durable Hardwood: Cedar or redwood resists rot better than soft woods. These materials give a natural look to your yard.
- Thick, UV-Resistant Plastic: If you choose plastic, make sure it is thick and labeled as UV-resistant. Sunlight breaks down thin plastic quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Feeder Quality
Quality matters for both the birds’ safety and your enjoyment.
What Makes a Feeder Better?
A high-quality feeder offers good drainage. Water pooling in the seed causes mold, which harms birds. Look for mesh bottoms or small drain holes in the tray. Also, strong hanging hardware (like thick chains instead of thin wire) prevents the feeder from falling during strong winds.
What Lowers Feeder Quality?
Feeders with too many small openings designed for tiny birds will waste Blue Jay food. If the roof overhang is too small, rain will soak the seed. Additionally, feeders with many small crevices are difficult to clean thoroughly, lowering the overall quality of bird care.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you plan to hang your feeder. This affects which design works best.
If you have a large yard with many trees, a **platform feeder** hung from a sturdy pole works well. This setup keeps the feeder visible from your window.
If you are trying to attract Jays away from a deck railing, a **hopper feeder** with a large landing area might be better. Hopper feeders protect the seed inside from rain until the birds pull it out.
For users who want a simple feeding station, choose a feeder that hangs easily. You should be able to fill it in under five minutes. If you live in an area with many predators (like neighborhood cats), choose a pole-mounted feeder placed far away from jumping-off points like fences or shrubs. This improves the Jays’ sense of safety.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Blue Jay Feeders
Q: What is the best food to put in a Blue Jay feeder?
A: Blue Jays love black oil sunflower seeds and cracked corn. They also enjoy peanuts (in the shell or shelled) and suet cakes, especially in winter.
Q: Do I need a special feeder just for Blue Jays?
A: Not exactly, but large platform feeders or tray feeders are much better for them than small tube feeders. Jays need space to land.
Q: How high should I hang a Blue Jay feeder?
A: Hang the feeder at least 5 to 6 feet off the ground. This height keeps squirrels from easily jumping up and helps protect the Jays from ground predators.
Q: Can I use a squirrel-proof feeder for Blue Jays?
A: Yes, if the squirrel-proof mechanism is weight-activated, make sure the weight setting is appropriate. If it is set too light, the Blue Jay might trigger the closing mechanism.
Q: How often should I clean my Blue Jay feeder?
A: Clean the feeder every two weeks, especially during warm or wet weather. Use a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) and rinse completely.
Q: Will putting out food attract rats or mice?
A: If you clean up spilled seed underneath the feeder daily, the risk is low. Rats are attracted more to spilled corn or cheap mixes. Use high-quality seed.
Q: Can Blue Jays use a regular suet cage?
A: They can, but they prefer suet that is placed on a large platform or tray. If using a cage, make sure the cage is large enough for them to perch near the suet.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when feeding Blue Jays?
A: The biggest mistake is using too small a feeder. Blue Jays get frustrated when they cannot land comfortably, and they will fly elsewhere.
Q: Do I need a special roof for my platform feeder?
A: A roof or overhang is very important. It keeps the seed dry. Wet seed molds quickly, which is dangerous for the birds.
Q: Can I leave the feeder out all winter?
A: Yes, Blue Jays rely on feeders during winter when natural food sources are buried under snow or ice. Just remember to clean it more frequently if it stays wet.