what to feed a blue jay

Blue jays will consume the following common bird foods:

• Bird seed mixes, particularly large seeds such as sunflower seeds
• Peanuts, hazelnuts and pretty much any other nuts
• Suet
• Leftovers, particularly small meat scraps in winter

Full Answer

What is the best feeder for Blue Jays?

What Type of Feeder Do Blue Jays Like?

1. Tray Feeder A tray feeder is a great choice for those who want to offer an easy, stationary feeding station. ...
2. Plastic Platform Feeder A platform feeder is another simple bird feeding solution that you can get without worrying too much about the size of your backyard. ...
3. Tube Feeder WITH Attached Tray

What is feeder do you recommend for Blue Jays?

What Do The Blue Jays Eat?

• These birds are cautious and will not approach your installed feeders when humans are near. ...
• Make sure to install a ground feeder to support Blue Jays. ...
• You will need a ground bird feeder or a large bird feeder to support blue jays. ...
• Blue jays are fond of black oil sunflower seeds, corn, peanuts, and acorns.

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What type of bird feeder should be used for Blue Jays?

Suet Feeders: Like most wild birds, Blue Jays love Suet-particularly during cold winter months. If you're offering this type of bird food to them make sure you have chosen an extra-sturdy model of the feeder. Many of the basic wire suet feeders are not made to accommodate large songbirds like Blue Jays.

What do Blue Jays like to eat?

What Do Blue Jays Eat?

• Insects. Blue jays enjoy eating insects that are both big and small. Blue jays eat ants, dragonflies, bugs, bees, beetles, cicadas, carpenter bees, flies, grubs, and grasshoppers.
• Fruits. All blue jays can and will fruits. ...
• Vegetables. Vegetables are also a part of the diet of blue jays on a daily basis. ...
• Eggs. Yes, blue jays love to eat eggs. ...

What food do blue jays eat?

Eats many insects, especially caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and others; also eats spiders, snails, birds' eggs, sometimes small rodents, frogs, baby birds, carrion, other items.

Can you hand feed a blue jay?

But there are some bird species that can grow comfortable with human interaction—even to the point where they will eat out of people's hands. Blue jays, gray jays, chickadees, and even hummingbirds, have been known to land on people to eat.

Will blue jays eat apples?

Aside from berries, blue jays will also happily munch on other fruits such as apples, oranges and cherries. If feeding apples and oranges, make sure that you slice them up into manageable pieces for the birds to enjoy.

Can you feed a blue jay bread?

Blue Jays will definitely eat bread, but it is to be avoided because feeding bread to blue jays can lead to nutritional problems and deficiencies.

How do you befriend a blue jay?

You can offer them mealworms, cracked corn, suet, and even sunflower seeds. These are all among some of Blue Jay's favorite treats. But nuts aren't the only treat you can offer a Blue Jay. They also enjoy sweeter treats such as berries and fruits.

Do Blue Jays recognize humans?

Ravens and other members of the corvid family (crows, jays, and magpies) are known to be intelligent. They can remember individual human faces, expertly navigate human environments (like trash cans), and they even hold funerals for their dead.

Can blue jays have bananas?

This particular treat has suet dough, mealworms, and sunflower seeds all combined into a healthy and tasty treat. Or if you prefer: I also recommend Wild Sciences Suet. Besides the healthy rendered beef fat, they have a couple of formulas containing fruits, nuts, seeds, and peanuts, which blue jays go bananas for.

Do blue jays eat vegetables?

The Blue Jays will eat plenty! Their natural winter diet consist mostly of vegetable matter, acorns, beechnuts, seeds and berries. Summer food consist of larger insects, grasshoppers, caterpillars, mice, bird eggs, and baby birds.

Can baby blue jays eat peanut butter?

“What type of peanut butter should I feed to birds?” asks Beth Mucci of Swanzey, New Hampshire. Peanut butter is a good high-protein food for birds, and they can eat any of the same types humans do.

What human food can birds eat?

What Can Birds Eat From the Kitchen?Apples. Birds that eat apples: Eastern bluebird, pine grosbeak, gray catbird, northern cardinal, northern flicker, American robin, scarlet tanager, cedar waxwing and red-bellied woodpecker. ... Bananas. ... Eggshells. ... Melon, Pumpkin and Squash Seeds. ... Peanut Butter. ... Raisins.

Can blue jays eat blueberries?

Blueberries are a favorite food of many birds. Most often seen feeding on them in our region are robins, followed next by blue jays. The latter also may peck at peaches, pears and apples, as will crows. If so, leave these fruit for them to peck so that you'll get some whole fruit to eat too.

Can baby blue jays eat blueberries?

What do baby Blue jays eat? Baby Blue jays eat whatever their parents bring them, including insects, berries, seeds and grains. While Blue jays also eat meat in the form of small animals and other birds, the young are unlikely to be able to digest it. Soft foods are preferable.

How to keep blue jays from eating?

Avoid the sun. Place the feeder in the shade, if possible. Blue Jays are diurnal, so they feed during the daylight hours. Since they take mass quantities of food at a time so that they can hide it, their visit to the feeder can be rather lengthy. That’s a lot of time in the heat of the sun.

How many acorns can a blue jay eat?

Carrying several nuts at a time in the gular pouch of its esophagus, a single blue jay can cache as many as 5,000 acorns in a 2.5-mile radius. Some of those acorns tucked under grass or leaves eventually become trees. New: Check out my review of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders.

What is a blue jay?

The blue jay is a partially migratory songbird in the Corvid family, along with ravens and crows. It has black and blue plumage, a white face and a thick bill. Those who have spent time or live in central or eastern North America tend to recognize them easily.

Can blue jays snub feeders?

They certainly won’t snub a more traditional feeder, though. Be sure that whatever feeder you get, it is sizable enough to support blue jays. There are several ground feeders and larger bird feeders on the market. You can also scatter seed on the ground to attract blue jays. Stock the feeder with their favorites.

Do blue jays mate in the winter?

Both parents share equal responsibility for feeding their young once the eggs have hatched. Into late summer, fall and winter, blue jays may have to search for food in other locations.

Can blue jays eat suets?

Or from a window, if available. Don’t forget the suet. Blue Jays also enjoy eating from suet feeders, but be sure not to leave the suet for too long in the summer months as it will go rotten. Provide a source for hydration… and cleanliness.

What do blue jays eat?

In addition to nuts and seeds, blue jays may eat other food sources such as berries, bugs and frogs. They usually don’t eat adult bees or wasps, but sometimes they will break open a wasps’ nest to eat the soft larvae inside.

Do blue jays eat bees?

They usually don’t eat adult bees or wasps, but sometimes they will break open a wasps’ nest to eat the soft larvae inside. Around a small wasps’ nest, blue jays have been observed catching and crushing the adult wasps and dropping them on the ground.

How to feed baby blue jays?

Try not to deal with tofu or wet bread or dry birdseed or milk to baby blue jays. Utilize an eyedropper to put the food toward the rear of the child bird’s mouth, past the windpipe. Feed hatchlings at regular intervals from morning until night.

What do baby blue jays eat?

Baby blue jays usually eat seeds, crickets, caterpillars, and worms brought by the parent birds in the nest. Read the full post to know what you can properly feed baby blue jays and their favorite foods.

Do blue jays eat eggs?

However, worms positively advance into many infant baby blue jay’s weight control plans. Blue jays are known to eat eggs or little birds, and it is the training that has discolored their standing. The fact is, they are generally veggie-lover birds.

Can blue jays eat fruit?

No, they don’t tend to eat fruits because blue jays are omnivorous. They only consume food from plant and meat sources. But somewhat they can eat fruits. It would be best if you select unsalted nuts and delicate grains for your saved baby blue jays. Berries should be new or frozen for baby blue jays, not tinned.

Can baby blue jays eat raspberries?

So, baby blue jays can eat blueberries without any hesitation if provided carefully. Blueberries are the most loved food of numerous birds.

How to hand feed a blue jay?

If you want to succeed in hand-feeding a Blue Jay, you should stay consistent. When you show up at the same time each and every day, the birds will get to know you better. If the bird flies away, avoid the temptation to follow it. Let the birds feel safe enough to move away from you. If you do follow or chase the bird, they could interpret that as predatory.

How to make sure blue jays are welcome?

First up, make sure you are offering them something to suit all their needs. You need to make sure that you provide shelter, food, water, and comfortable nesting sites. If you bring all of these to your backyard, Blue Jays are sure to feel welcome in your backyard.

Do blue jays robins?

Blue Jays have a bad reputation for being bullies of the bird world. They are beautiful, bold creatures that have often been spotted robbing a robin’s nest. They do sometimes scoop a young robin hatchling out the nest. For this reason, they haven’t garnered the love of many birders.

Do blue jays take offense?

Remember that Blue Jays are brave and will take offense if they feel threatened. Be sure to be consistent and show up around the same time each day. This will help earn Blue Jay’s trust, and they will begin to recognize you as a non-threatening presence.

Is a blue jay good for the environment?

Blue jays are renowned for their bravado and beautiful plumage, but did you know they are excellent environmentalists too? While the blue jay is not an activist, they are great for the environment. They have a strong proclivity for planting acorns and seeds, helping encourage biodiversity, amongst other things. So, we know they are excellent for encouraging foliage, but are they good at hand feeding? Is hand feeding Blue Jays recommended?

1. Songbird Essentials SE6019 Wreath Feeders

There are three things that I love about this feeder: simple, sturdy, and effective. At a glance, you might think it’s nothing but a piece of refurbished metal that you can just hang on a tree or post. But the straightforward design is beyond innovative because it can offer ample capacity for whole peanuts and even suet.

2. Twinkle Star Wild Bird Feeders

I won’t deny that it’s love at first upon seeing this beautiful feeder. The hexagon roof embellished with fish scale patterns and antique copper finish truly is a stunning sight that can stand out in your garden or backyard.

3. Songbird Essentials SE6020 Wreath Feeders

Contrary to our first wreath peanut feeder for blue jays, this one comes in a cherry red color. It stands out in the yard and it’s a whole lot of fun when blue jays and other birds stop by for a snack.

4. Droll Yankees Seed Saver Platform Feeders

For a sophisticated perch and feeder for your feathered friends, this Seed Saver Domed feeder from Droll Yankees is probably what’s missing in your yard. It is definitely a beauty that compliments the house exteriors but its versatility is what makes it one of a kind.

5. Birds Choice Whole Peanut Blue Jay Feeders

When you’re in need of a blue jay peanut feeder that you can set up in your backyard and attract blue jays with their favorite whole nuts, you would love this feeder from Birds Choice.

6. Brome Store Squirrel Proof Buster Peanut Feeders

Unless you’re feeding squirrels, you’ll need a squirrel proof blue jay feeder to shoo them all away from those precious peanuts. I’ve come across a lot of bird feeders but this one from Brome is definitely a tough contender.

7. Droll Yankees 21964205201 Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

When flocks of birds usually come around your area or the seeds seem to run out too fast, you should get a bird feeder with a larger capacity.

What do blue jays eat?

Their large size, blue feathers, and distinctive call mean that just about anyone can recognize a blue jay. Adults can often be seen eating large acorns, and are drawn to feeders full of things like peanuts and sunflower seeds. They also have been known to occasionally raid ...

What is baby blue jay food?

Mostly, that means seeds, nuts, and insects. If you find yourself caring for baby blue jays that have been abandoned while waiting for help from a rehabber, pet food or commercially sold baby bird food will help to meet their nutritional needs.

How long do blue jays stay in the nest?

Adult blue jays bring nuts, seeds, insects and small animals back to the nest for their chicks. For at least six weeks after hatching, the chicks are totally dependent on their parents to bring them food, and the parents bring whatever they can find.

What happens if you dive bomb a blue jay?

In all likelihood, if you’re dive bombed by a blue jay, you were walking too close to their nest. Blue jays like to build their nests high up in trees and they hide them well, so it’s rare to spot them. The parents, though, are fierce protectors and won’t hesitate to chase of potential predators.

When do blue jays learn to fly?

The parents, though, are fierce protectors and won’t hesitate to chase of potential predators. This is especially true around May and June, when the babies are just learning to fly. This is when they’re at their most vulnerable, and the adults get extra protective of them. That’s when most blue jay attacks occur.

Do blue jays take turns feeding?

Male and female blue jays both take turns feeding the young, however it has been observed that males may often do the majority of the feeding. Some feedings can be very quick, and the adults will only stop by for a minute before leaving to find food again.

Can you rehab baby blue jays?

If you have determined that the baby blue jays do need help, it is important to contact a qualified bird rehabber. In many states, only certified rehab specialists are allowed to be in possession of wild birds. Not to mention they are trained in exactly how to care for them.

Do Blue Jays Like Fruits?

Yes, blue jays sometimes like to eat fruits. The preference of Blue Jays is to eat grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. But along with this diet, they can also eat fruits and grains.

What Kind Of Fruits Do Blue Jays Eat?

Blue Jays like to eat various berries such as raspberries, strawberries, elderberries, and blackberries. Feed berries to Blue Jays, and you must have a separate feeder.

Can Blue Jays Eat Berries?

Yes, Blue Jays can eat all kinds of berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Berries contain antioxidants which are called anthocyanins. This anthocyanin gives red-purple and blue color to your berries.

Do Blue Jays Eat Strawberries?

Yes, Blue Jays eat strawberries. Strawberries contain vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Strawberries are great for Blue Jays to snack on. It is a very juicy, tasty, and healthy fruit for them.

Do Blue Jays Eat Apples?

Yes, Blue Jays can eat apples. apples provide many essential nutrients to Blue Jays, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. Apple should not be offered to Blue Jays without removing the seeds.

Do Blue Jays Eat Watermelon?

Yes, Blue Jays can eat watermelon. Watermelon provides an energy boost to Blue Jays and keeps your bird healthy. As watermelon contain a large amount of vitamin B, that’s why it can provide energy to your blue jay.

Do Blue Jays Eat Oranges?

Yes, Blue Jays can eat oranges. Oranges are a great source of essential nutrients for Blue Jays as it contains a large amount of vitamin C.

What do blue jays eat?

Generally, blue jays are omnivorous which means they can eat a blend of plant and meat sources such as worms. This eating characteristic also makes it easier for birders to decide which food is best given to them.

How to feed baby jays?

Feed the baby jays using the dropper by pressing the food at the back of their mouth. Try to avoid pressing it into their throats as it might cause choking. Allow each bird to swallow the food well, spacing feeding. Keep a cup of water nearby. They will benefit from a drink after feeding.

What color are baby jays?

There is no better way to enjoy a baby jay than feeding and nursing it to grow into a beautiful bird that is ready to explore the world and give happiness to many. Enjoy watching their grey baby feathers turn into beautiful blue and white.

How long do blue jays stay in the nest?

Those beautiful but tiny jays need all the help you can give while trying to outgrow their next. For six weeks, blue jays abandoned by their mother should be fed and cared for but not removed from the nest. Here are some ways how to feed a baby blue jay:

How to soften baby birds?

Add water to soften the food. Use a baby food dropper with a tip that resembles the beak of a mother blue jay. This will make sure they won’t feel alienated with plastic use. By instinct, baby birds open their mouths wide when it is time to eat.

Why are blue jays so popular?

It is one of the most chosen mascots for ball teams because of its mythical beginning as protector of the universe. Most importantly, their blue colors radiate under the summer sun yet maintains its beauty against the white backdrop in the winter.

What is the importance of bird diet?

As a birder, three of the most important considerations are knowing proper bird diet whether homemade or store bought, proper way of feeding them and finally, proper ways of maintaining their health. Like other pets, their diet intake has a direct impact on their activities, improving their feathers and colors as well as their overall well-being.