A feeder to suit jays

[FUDGEY]

Hi all, at my hide I'm trying to encourage Jays. I have had a few visits already, but I'm faced with a problem on how to leave available nuts when im not there with out the pheasants wiping the food out in a short period. I've tried putting string round my large feeding table in a grid pattern that went out 12ft all round it, but they just flew from a distance and landed on it. I thought I'd cracked it by nailing a wooden chair with legs sawn off 25ft up a tree with no branches up the trunk, but they are on to that now too. Is there a feeder that anyone knows of that will allow jays to get whole peanuts, but will prevent pheasants getting them or any other ideas will we most welcome, thanks.

[thebeard]

shoot the pheasants?

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

Hi all, at my hide I'm trying to encourage Jays. I have had a few visits already, but I'm faced with a problem on how to leave available nuts when im not there with out the pheasants wiping the food out in a short period. I've tried putting string round my large feeding table in a grid pattern that went out 12ft all round it, but they just flew from a distance and landed on it. I thought I'd cracked it by nailing a wooden chair with legs sawn off 25ft up a tree with no branches up the trunk, but they are on to that now too. Is there a feeder that anyone knows of that will allow jays to get whole peanuts, but will prevent pheasants getting them or any other ideas will we most welcome, thanks.

Jays eat things that Pheasants do not surely, try a can of cat/dog food with holes punched in it suspended clear of possible Rat interference

[FUDGEY]

I don't think the estate owner who gave me permission would be that happy if I killed his pheasants

re the dog food, how would you suggest I suspend it in a way that the jays can perch to feed so the pheasants can't? They aren't as stupid as you think. They have even learnt in a few days how to get nuts out of holes I drilled in near vertical trunks.

[Geoff F]

Possibly an adaption of one of my latest designs of birdtable might work My birdtable designs are working well I am getting Magpies to visit but the Crows and Pigeons are keeping clear.

[FUDGEY]

They look the business mate, gave me an idea, tyvm

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

I don't think the estate owner who gave me permission would be that happy if I killed his pheasants

re the dog food, how would you suggest I suspend it in a way that the jays can perch to feed so the pheasants can't? They aren't as stupid as you think. They have even learnt in a few days how to get nuts out of holes I drilled in near vertical trunks.

Just stand the can on your chair seat? I used to have Jays poking their beaks through holes in a corrugated tin roof so I used to open a can of tinned rice and hold it up to the hole when they appeared, they loved it! and every Sunday at the same time they would explore every hole in the tin roof
(yes if I was there they got their reward)

[FUDGEY]

Thanks nightshade, sounds like a good idea, but I would think the jays in your area will be different to the ones in mine. They are super cautious up here as they are heavily persecuted. I had been feeding my tables for a few weeks before the pheasants interfered with my plans and I was getting the odd visit from jays. They were so nervous and were on the tables and off in a flash quickly grabbing a nut and that was them gone. Perhaps I'll try it and see, but I won't hold my breathe. Ty for the tip I'll let you know how I get on, much appreciated.

[ArneWarm]

I have a Droll Yankee robin feeder hanging from a wooden bar in the garden which I keep filled with fatball crumbs, sunflower hearts, peanuts and cheese- if I'm up early enough in the morning it's not uncommon to see a jay or two feeding from it, even though I keep the guard halfway down to deter squirrels and rats- it amazes me how agile jays (and starlings) are, when it comes to food feeders!

[FUDGEY]

TyTTY for that post, sounds like it could be a good idea