I’ve always been fascinated by Blue Jays—their vibrant blue feathers, intelligence, and playful personalities make them some of my favorite backyard visitors. Over the years, I’ve tried multiple bird feeders to find the best ones that truly attract these beautiful birds while keeping pesky squirrels at bay. Some worked wonderfully, while others didn’t quite meet my expectations. Based on my personal experience, here are my top 10 Blue Jay bird feeders that have worked best in my backyard.
1. Whole Peanut Bird Feeder – A Must-Have for Blue Jays
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Blue Jays absolutely love peanuts—especially whole peanuts in the shell. When I first introduced a whole peanut feeder in my backyard, the Blue Jays quickly took notice. They would swoop in, grab a peanut, and fly off to crack it open elsewhere.
What I love about this feeder:
- Specifically designed for whole peanuts, which Blue Jays adore.
- Easy for birds to perch and grab their food.
- Helps keep the mess minimal compared to loose food trays.
I’ve found that placing the feeder in an open space, away from dense tree cover, works best to attract more Blue Jays.
2. CWF3 Cedar Platform Tray Bird Feeder – Perfect for Spacious Feeding
One of my early attempts at attracting Blue Jays involved using a standard hanging feeder. While it worked for smaller birds, the Blue Jays struggled to perch on it. That’s when I decided to try a CWF3 Cedar Platform Tray Bird Feeder.
Why I love it:
- The open platform makes it easy for larger birds like Blue Jays to land.
- Made of durable cedar wood, it blends beautifully with my backyard setting.
- It accommodates different types of food—peanuts, sunflower seeds, and even suet pieces.
The only drawback? Squirrels love it too! I had to place it strategically away from tree branches to minimize their visits.
3. Whole Peanut Black Wreath Feeder – A Fun and Interactive Feeder
This feeder was a game-changer for me. Unlike traditional feeders, the Whole Peanut Black Wreath Feeder has a circular design that makes Blue Jays work a little harder to get their treat. Watching them twist and turn to grab a peanut is quite entertaining.
Pros:
- Encourages natural foraging behavior.
- Keeps peanuts secure and prevents them from scattering everywhere.
- Sturdy design that holds up in various weather conditions.
Since introducing this feeder, I’ve noticed fewer peanuts wasted. The Blue Jays have to pull them out one at a time, making the food last longer.
4. Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder – A Battle Against Squirrels
I can’t even count how many times squirrels have outsmarted my bird feeders. After multiple failed attempts with basic feeders, I finally invested in a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
What I noticed:
- The weight-sensitive mechanism works great—when a squirrel jumps on, the feeder closes!
- It still allows Blue Jays and other birds to eat without problems.
- It has saved me a lot of money on wasted bird food.
No more watching helplessly as squirrels devour everything before the Blue Jays arrive!
5. Hugeleaf Peanut Bird Feeder – A Sturdy and Reliable Choice
I stumbled upon this feeder when looking for something specifically designed for peanuts. The Hugeleaf Peanut Bird Feeder quickly became one of my favorites because of its durability and design.
Why it stands out:
- Large capacity—it holds more peanuts than my other feeders.
- Metal construction makes it squirrel-resistant.
- Easy to clean and refill.
The Blue Jays in my backyard seem to prefer this feeder over others when I fill it with fresh peanuts. I highly recommend it if you want something long-lasting.
6. WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder – A Natural and Rustic Touch
I’m a fan of wooden feeders because they blend so well with my backyard. The WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder is another open-style tray that has worked well for attracting Blue Jays.
Here’s why I like it:
- The natural cedar wood gives it a classic, rustic look.
- Plenty of space for Blue Jays to perch comfortably.
- Ideal for a mix of seeds, peanuts, and suet.
The downside? It’s not squirrel-proof. But placing it on a high pole with a baffle has helped keep the squirrels away.
7. Hanging Bird Feeder for Outdoors – Versatile and Convenient
I wanted a feeder that I could move around easily, and this Hanging Bird Feeder has been the perfect choice. Whether I want it near my deck or further out in the yard, it’s easy to adjust its location.
What I love:
- Simple but effective design.
- Works well for peanuts, sunflower seeds, and other mixes.
- Easy to clean and refill.
I often use this one when I want to test different feeder placements to see where the Blue Jays prefer to eat.
8. Gray Bunny Bird Feeder – Small but Effective
At first, I wasn’t sure if this feeder would work for Blue Jays since it’s not as large as my tray feeders. But surprisingly, they took a liking to it.
Key features:
- Compact but sturdy.
- Great for mixed seeds and nuts.
- Easy to hang and move around.
I usually keep this feeder filled with a mix of sunflower seeds and crushed peanuts, and the Blue Jays seem to enjoy it.
9. Hanging Bird Feeder Tray – A Simple Yet Effective Option
Sometimes, simple is best. This Hanging Bird Feeder Tray is a basic open-style tray, but it does the job well.
Why I like it:
- Spacious enough for multiple Blue Jays to eat at once.
- Allows me to experiment with different food types.
- Super easy to clean.
I use this feeder when I want to offer suet or fruit along with nuts. It’s also great for attracting other backyard birds.
10. Another Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder – Because One is Never Enough!
After seeing how effective my first squirrel-proof feeder was, I decided to get another one. Having multiple feeders helps distribute food better and prevents one area from becoming overcrowded.
Benefits of adding another:
- Ensures all birds get a fair chance at feeding.
- Reduces aggressive behavior among the Blue Jays.
- Keeps the squirrels frustrated (which I secretly enjoy watching!).
Final Thoughts – My Best Advice for Feeding Blue Jays
Over the years, I’ve learned that attracting Blue Jays isn’t just about the feeder—it’s also about food quality, placement, and squirrel management. Here are some final tips from my personal experience:
- Use Whole Peanuts – Blue Jays LOVE them, and they’re easy to store.
- Place Feeders Strategically – Away from thick branches where squirrels can jump onto them.
- Keep Feeders Clean – Dirty feeders can spread disease, so regular cleaning is a must.
- Offer a Variety – Some days, Blue Jays prefer peanuts; other times, they like sunflower seeds.
Watching Blue Jays visit my backyard has been incredibly rewarding. Their intelligence and lively nature make them one of the most entertaining birds to observe. If you’re looking to attract them, I highly recommend trying out some of these feeders!
