Are you looking to bring some beautiful blue jays into your backyard? One of the best ways to attract these charming birds is by setting up a birdhouse specifically designed for them. In this blog post, we’ll explore why blue jays prefer certain types of birdhouses, what materials make up an ideal birdhouse, and how to properly install and maintain it.
Whether you are an experienced bird enthusiast or just getting started in the hobby, there is something special about providing a safe haven for these majestic creatures. With the right birdhouse design and placement, you can bring joy and entertainment to your backyard that blue jays will appreciate. So let’s take off on this journey of creating a perfect home for our feathered friends.
Will Blue Jays Live In A Birdhouse?
Yes, blue jays will live in a birdhouse. If you’re looking to attract blue jays to your backyard, providing them with a nesting box is the best way to do it. Here are some tips on how to build or purchase the perfect nesting box for blue jays:
- The hole opening should be 1-1/2 inches wide. The height of the hole isn’t as important, but make sure it’s no more than 4 inches from the floor of the nest box so baby birds can safely fledge (leave) the nest.
- Place your nesting box 10-15 feet off the ground in an open area away from dense trees or bushes where predators might lurk. Blue jays are territorial birds and will chase away other animals that come too close to their nests!
What Kind Of Birdhouse Do Blue Jays Like?
Blue jays are attracted to several different types of birdhouses, but some factors must be taken into consideration when choosing the right one for your backyard. The size of the hole is important. A hole that is too small will make it difficult for them to enter and exit the house, while a hole that is too big may allow other birds or animals to invade their space. The material of the birdhouse is also important; cedar and redwood are durable woods that weather well, making them ideal choices for outdoor use. Blue jays also prefer houses with perches so they can keep an eye on their surroundings.
Do Blue Jays Use Nesting Boxes?
Yes, blue jays use nesting boxes. They are cavity nesters and will readily use a nest box if it is the right size and has the correct type of opening. Blue jays prefer a large nest box with an entrance hole that is about 1-2 inches in diameter. The inside of the nest should be deep enough so that the bird can easily turn around without touching the sides or top of the box.
How Do You Attract And Befriend Blue Jays?
Blue jays are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and mischievousness. They are also very social birds that love to interact with other blue jays as well as humans. If you want to attract and befriend a blue jay, here are a few things you can do:
- Hang out in your yard or garden – Blue jays will naturally be curious about any activity going on in their territory so spending time outside in your yard or garden is a great way to get their attention. Make sure there are no bird feeders around though because they can be quite aggressive when it comes to food!
- Make some noise – Blue jays are attracted to loud noises so try clapping your hands or calling out to them (in a friendly voice of course!). You could even try playing recorded sounds of other birds since they love communicating with others of their kind.
Benefits Of Blue Jays In Your Yard
Blue jays are a common backyard bird that can provide many benefits to your yard. Here are some of the top reasons why you should encourage blue jays to visit your property:
- Blue Jays Are Excellent Scavengers – One of the best things about having blue jays around is that they will help keep your yard clean by scavenging for food scraps and insects. If you have a lot of trees on your property, blue jays can also help control the population of caterpillars and other destructive pests.
- Blue Jays Help Spread Seedlings – Another benefit of blue jays is that they play an important role in spreading seedlings throughout forests and woodlands. When these birds eat fruits and berries, they excrete the seeds in their droppings which helps new plants to grow elsewhere. This process is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems since it ensures plant diversity from one generation to the next
- Blue Jays Can Deter Other Pests – While most birds only eat insects, baby rodents make up a significant portion of the diet for adult blue jays. This makes them valuable allies in controlling mice and rat populations near homes. In addition, because these animals tend to be shy around humans, their presence may scare away smaller birds, snakes, and even squirrels.
Do Blue Jays Eat From Bird Feeders?
Yes, bluejays typically eat from bird feeders. Some of the items they might consume include sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.
Best Birdhouses For Blue Jays
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a birdhouse for blue jays. The most important factor is the size of the opening, which should be at least 1-1/2” in diameter. It’s also important to choose a material that will withstand the elements and last for years, such as cedar or redwood. Other factors include:
- Drainage holes: Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the birdhouse so water can drain out easily.
- Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is key to keeping your blue jay happy and healthy, so look for houses with small openings on either side or front and back panels that can be opened up slightly.
- Roof: Choose a roof that slopes down from front to back to help keep rain and snow from entering the house; metal roofs work well for this purpose but shingles may also suffice depending on your climate.
What Should You Put Out For Blue Jays?
If you want to attract blue jays, it is important to put out the right type of food. They are attracted to a variety of foods but prefer those that are high in fat and protein. Some good options include:
- Sunflower seeds: Blue jays love sunflower seeds and will often visit feeders that offer them. Be sure to get seed shells removed from sunflower seeds as they can be messy eaters! You can also find special birdseed mixes that contain sunflower seeds at your local pet or hardware store.
- Peanuts: Another favorite food of bluejays is peanuts (in a shell or out). You can usually find these for sale near where you purchase birdseed. If you have squirrels in your area, however, beware that they may try to steal your peanuts!
- Fruit: While not all fruit appeals equally to different species of birds, most enjoy some sort of berries or other small fruits like grapes. Blue Jays especially enjoy eating cedar berries, serviceberries, and hackberries. You might already have some bushes or trees on your property that provide perfect snacks for passing bluejays!
Other than the food, water is essential for any backyard wildlife habitat regardless of the time of year—birds need clean water not only to maintain their bodily functions but also to preen their feathers (which helps keep them waterproof and insulating). A simple birdbath can be sufficiently long as the sides are shallow enough for young chicks.
Birdhouses For Blue Jays Conclusion
Blue jays are beautiful birds, and their birdhouses should be just as beautiful too! With a well-built birdhouse, you can provide a safe place for bluejays to make their home while adding an aesthetically pleasing addition to your backyard. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be glad you did!
