Blue jays are beautiful creatures, that’s a fact.
But inviting them to your backyard is not always easy if your place lacks what attracts them the most.
So...
Installing a bird feeder is the first step to invite them.
Now, with a ton of choices to choose from, that simple job of purchasing a bird feeder for blue jays can be tedious.
And that’s why:
In this article, I have listed 4 of the best blue jay feeders that would surely catch their attention.
Getting my checklist fully ticked, Perky-Pet Sapphire Starburst Vintage Glass, got to the top of my list. And below, I’ll tell you the reasons why.
Keep on reading! 😉
The 4 Best Bird Feeder for Blue Jays Reviewed
1. Perky-Pet Sapphire Starburst Vintage Glass Bird Feeder – Best Overall
Perky-Pet Sapphire Starburst Vintage Glass Bird Feeder is a high-quality bird feeder that should attract blue jays, too.
Perky-Pet’s well-known reputation in the market is one of the main reasons why it’s definitely going to be a good purchase. They manufacture high-quality bird feeders at affordable prices.
This feeder is made of Sapphire blue vintage glass bottle and embossed with accents of starbursts.
It is definitely a classic beauty with a touch of antiquity that is a great addition to your outdoor setting.
Refilling it is quite a breeze. Its large capacity of 0.56 lbs. Is not gonna get you coming back and forth refilling it several times.
The circular perch gives space for more blue jays to come to it, and more chances of the great view from your windows.
Pros
- Attracts blue jays and other birds
- Circular perch accommodates more blue jays
- Narrow slots prevent seeds from dropping out of it
- Affordable
- Keeps seeds dry and fresh
Cons
- Suitable for small seeds only
- The blue color is not permanent and fades over time
Takeaway
The perky-Pet bird feeder is a beautiful decorative piece-looking product for people on a tight budget.
2. Nature’s Way Cedar Tray Bird Feeder – Most No-Fuss Maintenance
Nature’s Way Cedar Tray is a good fit for blue jays and other birds who’d opt to feed on the ground.
Made of cedarwood, it’s a no-fuss cleanup job for you. It is also insect-proof and mold-resistant which makes it last longer. Filling it is a no-brainer, too. Pour the seeds and turn your back and enjoy watching the birds fly by and dive into it!
Best for newbie bird lovers as a start-up bird feeder and even suitable for kids to take part in feeding these lovely birds. Oh, but be on the watch, please.
Coated with a water-based resistant stain as an added feature against rough weather conditions and rust-proof hardware it’s made with, this feeder sure is durable.
Pros
- Removable seed tray for easy cleaning
- Rust-resistant hardware
- Made with long-lasting material
Cons
- Holes at the bottom causes smaller seeds to fall
Takeaway
This cedar tray is perfect for people who want a quick and easy-to-clean bird feeder at a reasonable price.
3. Brome Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder – Best Squirrel-Proof
Feeding blue jays is all fun and game till squirrels start munching on the birdseed. Brome Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder has got you covered against that.
This hanging bird feeder will prevent squirrels from frequenting your yard to steal those precious seeds meant to attract only the lovely birds! Of course, it also steals the entertainment part where you should be watching the blue jays flying in and out from there.
If you have a bunch of squirrels that steal all the bird food then you would love this Squirrel Buster from Brome. This bird feeder is a hanging one which prevents squirrel from accessing the food.
The Brome’s Squirrel Buster has a unique mechanism that closes the shroud denying access to seed when heavier animals try to get onto it. That’s how it differs from other hanging birdfeeders.
Being made of metal and plastic material it is (obviously) chew-proof and durable, too. The UV stabilized coating helps it retain its brand-new look longer. Components are detachable, allowing an easier cleanup for you. And it’s dishwasher safe!
Pros
- Lifetime customer support
- Truly squirrel proof
- Easy to clean – dishwasher safe
- Better seed ventilation
Cons
- Raccoon damage is not covered
- Not suitable for winter as snow alter the weight mechanism
Takeaway
Aesthetically pleasing blue jay feeder that prevents squirrels from emptying the feeder, what else would you be looking for?
4. Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder – Best Value
The last on the list, but not the least... Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder lets you watch them blue jays closer when you install it on or by your glass window.
This clear, window-mounted bird feeder is easy to install. Just wipe clean the area where you’ll place it and stick the suction cups and there you have it.
No pain, all gain, too with its easy-clean design.
You just have to lift the seed tray, discard old sees and wash the tray or wipe it clean with a wet towel. Job done then, you just fill it with seeds again.
Stick it and forget it. 😉
Pros
- Easy installation
- Easy to clean
- Provides you a closer view of the birds
- Made with high-quality acrylic material
- Lifetime guarantee on suction cups
Cons
- Not squirrel proof
- Small seeds might clog in the drainage hole
Takeaway
Nature’s Hangout bird feeder is an easy way to hang out in nature and enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your home. To me, its easy installation, and the suction cup’s lifetime guaranty has won me.
How To Choose The Best Blue Jay Feeder
Size
The first thing to consider when buying a bird feeder for blue jays is the size of it. As blue jays are around 9 to 12 inches big, it is only appropriate to have a feeder that can hold their weight.
Seed Capacity
Capacity is one of the main aspects of a bird feeder. Get a product that has enough capacity to hold seeds for almost a week. This minimizes the burden of refilling it every day.
Storage
Now, if you are buying a bird feeder that can hold seeds for a week, it is only smart that the seeds stay fresh. To be sure of that, get a bird feeder that saves seeds from bacteria and mold, choose a product with a closed design. This will prevent the seeds from getting wet. A well-ventilated bird feeder with drainage holes also keeps the seeds fresh and dry for longer.
Design
Get one that would be suitable for your outdoor setting. I can’t be sure if blue jays or even other birds are attracted to lively colors, but I’m sure you are, most of all when it blends with your yard’s setup.
Durability
Buying a bird feeder is not an everyday thing. People like to buy one, once and then forget about it. So let’s go for durability, too, aside from its cost. Adding a few dollars won’t hurt if it’s gonna last you for years.
Maintenance
No one likes to add another chore to their unending list of daily tasks. This is why it is important to have a bird feeder that is easy to maintain. For instance, a bird feeder with a removable lid and seed tray makes cleaning easier. Also, check for one that is dishwasher-safe.
What Types Of Food Blue Jay Enjoy
If you want to blue jays to keep coming to your backyard, then only installing the best feeder for blue jays doesn’t cut it. It is also necessary to fill that bird feeder with blue jay birds’ favorite food. But what do blue jays like to eat?
Blue jays are not very picky when it comes to food. They eat pretty much everything any average bird eats. From nuts to worms, you can feed them everything.
Their favorite nuts are peanuts, shelled, or whole. Sunflower seeds are also a blue jays’ favorite. Suet and mealworms are also great food for blue jays.
Lastly, if you have berry plants in your backyards, such as blueberry or raspberry then blue jays will also munch on them.
How To Attract Blue Jays To A Feeder
If you live in an area where blue jay birds are found in abundance then you may not have to do anything more than installing a bird feeder. Otherwise, here are some tips to attract blue jays:
Food & Water
The first and most obvious tip to attract any bird is by providing food and water. The blue jay birds’ favorite food is mentioned above, so you can use that same list to attract them. Also, keep a small dish of water in your backyard somewhere near the bird feeder.
Shelter & Nesting
Blue jays don’t use birdhouses so, there is no need to install one. However, if you have big trees around the premises that offer food then that will definitely attract more blue jays.
Plants & Flowers
Lastly, just like any other bird, blue jays are attracted to bright colors that remind them of flowers. So, if you get a birdhouse ensure that it is color is welcoming. But if your backyard is already filled with flowering plants then the birds will be attracted to them anyway.
Conclusion
As I’ve already mentioned, Perky-Pet Sapphire Starburst Vintage Glass Bird Feeder is the clear winner here.
For me, its vintage design and antique touch that blends with my outdoor setting draw me in. Got me for its affordability, too. It can accommodate more blue jays, which is a plus for me, as well - as I would be able to see and enjoy the view of a lot of them all at the same time.
All four of these products are tops for me for more reasons than one. But I recommend that you check each one of them out carefully and more importantly, consider the location where you’re going to place your bird feeder.
Don’t forget your checklist, tick them up and go for the winner!
