Can I deter bluejays from devouring suet?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
peony8 Westford, MA(Zone 6a) May 29, 2009

The neighborhood squirrels were plowing through a suet cake every 36-48 hours until we got a baffle, and then each cake would last up to 2 weeks. Now the bluejays have discovered the suet, and we're back to replacing cakes every 48 hours.

I very much want to keep the red-bellied, downy and hair woodpeckers coming, as well as the cardinals and other suet-loving birds. But it sometimes feels like we'll have to take out a second mortgage to cover the cost, thanks to the blue gluttons.

I don't suppose there's anything to keep the bluejays away that won't scare off our treasured visitors?

Post #6615548
Quote
PuddlePirate Indianapolis, IN(Zone 4b) Jul 12, 2009

You're in luck.

http://www.duncraft.com/Duncraft-Upside-Down-Suet-Save-500-P241C35.aspx

Post #6810093
Quote
peony8 Westford, MA(Zone 6a) Jul 13, 2009

Thanks! I'll get one for the clingers, but if I want to keep my cardinals, I guess I'll have to keep feeding the jays.

Post #6812121
Quote
pbyrley Wake Forest, NC(Zone 7b) Jul 13, 2009

scatter a handful of safflower seeds on the ground for your cardinals every day . Squirrels don't like them and cardinals do.

Post #6813664
Quote
peony8 Westford, MA(Zone 6a) Jul 13, 2009

Good tip, thanks for the reminder. I now recall that cardinals are mostly ground feeders. I didn't know that squirrels didn't like sunflower seeds, though. I'll do that.

Post #6815349
Quote
ImaMes Camdenton, MO(Zone 6a) Jul 14, 2009

peony8 - Squirrels do like sunflower seeds. It's safflower seeds they don't like.



Post #6818561
Quote
peony8 Westford, MA(Zone 6a) Jul 14, 2009

Ah, thank you for correcting me. I had been thinking of feeding the squirrels directly with a peanut thingy closer to the woods, but getting the squirrel baffle on the feeder took care of that problem, though they feast on the suet that lands on the ground because the blue jays and grackles toss aside huge chunks indiscriminately.

I have ordered the upside-down suet hanger and will get some safflower seeds for the cardinals.

Post #6819604
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Garden Pests and Diseases Threads

Go to all Garden Pests and Diseases threads
BACK TO TOP