Raising backyard birds can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to start with the right setup. A brooder is a safe, warm environment for your chicks to grow during their first few weeks of life. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you get started:
Brooder Box
- Size: Ensure the brooder box is large enough to accommodate your chicks as they grow. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 0.5 square feet per chick. Suitable options include plastic storage bins, cardboard boxes, or wooden crates.
- Ventilation: Make sure the box has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating and ensure fresh air circulation. You can create ventilation holes if necessary, but ensure they are small enough to prevent drafts.
Heat Source
- Heat Lamp: Use a heat lamp with a red or infrared bulb to provide consistent warmth. Position it securely above the brooder box, ensuring it is not too close to avoid overheating. The lamp should be adjustable to raise or lower the temperature as needed.
- Thermometer: Place a thermometer at chick level to monitor the temperature accurately. Start with 95°F (35°C) directly under the lamp and reduce by 5°F each week until the chicks are fully feathered (around 6 weeks old). Ensure there is a cooler area in the brooder for chicks to move to if they get too warm.
Bedding
- Material: Use absorbent bedding such as pine shavings, straw, or paper towels. Avoid cedar shavings as they can be harmful to chicks due to their strong aroma.
- Depth: Ensure the bedding is about 2-3 inches deep to provide comfort and absorb waste. Change the bedding regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent the buildup of ammonia from droppings.
Food and Water
- Feeder: Use a chick feeder to provide easy access to food. Refill it regularly with chick starter feed, which is high in protein (18-20%) and essential nutrients for growth. Ensure the feeder is clean and free from droppings.
- Waterer: Provide a shallow waterer to prevent drowning. Add marbles or small stones to the water dish to keep chicks safe. Change the water daily and ensure it is always clean and fresh.
Safety and Hygiene
- Secure Lid: Ensure the brooder box has a secure lid to protect chicks from predators and prevent them from escaping. The lid should allow for proper ventilation.
- Cleanliness: Clean the brooder regularly to prevent the buildup of waste and bacteria. Replace bedding as needed and sanitize the feeder and waterer with a mild disinfectant. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
Additional Supplies
- Thermometer: Keep an extra thermometer on hand to ensure accurate temperature readings.
- Chick Grit: Provide chick grit to aid digestion, especially if you’re feeding treats or non-commercial feed. Grit helps grind food in the chick’s gizzard.
- First Aid Kit: Have a basic first aid kit ready for any minor injuries or health issues. Include items like antiseptic, bandages, and electrolytes.
Monitoring and Care
- Observation: Check on your chicks frequently to ensure they are warm, healthy, and active. Look for signs of distress such as huddling under the heat lamp (too cold) or panting away from it (too hot). Adjust the heat source accordingly.
- Socialization: Handle your chicks gently and regularly to help them become accustomed to human interaction. This will make them easier to manage as they grow.
By following this technical brooder checklist, you’ll create a safe and nurturing environment for your chicks to thrive. Happy bird raising!
Brooder Maintenance for Raising Backyard Chicks
Step 1: Check Food & Water Daily
Nutritional Requirements:
Feed Type: Use a high-quality chick starter feed with 18-20% protein content.
Water Quality: Ensure water is clean and fresh. Use a chick waterer to prevent contamination.
Daily Routine:
Food: Refill feeders daily and remove any old or damp feed to prevent mold growth.
Water: Change water at least twice a day. Clean the waterer regularly to avoid bacterial buildup.
Step 2: Keep Bedding Clean & Dry
Bedding Material:
Types: Use absorbent materials like pine shavings or straw. Avoid cedar shavings due to their strong odor and potential toxicity.
Depth: Maintain a bedding depth of 2-3 inches to provide insulation and comfort.
Maintenance:
Daily Checks: Remove soiled bedding daily to reduce ammonia buildup and prevent respiratory issues.
Full Replacement: Replace all bedding weekly or as needed to maintain a clean environment.
Step 3: Monitor the Brooder Temperature
Temperature Requirements:
Initial Temperature: Start with a brooder temperature of 95°F (35°C) for the first week.
Gradual Reduction: Decrease the temperature by 5°F (2.8°C) each week until it reaches ambient temperature.
Monitoring Tools:
Thermometers: Place thermometers at chick level to accurately monitor the temperature.
Heat Sources: Use heat lamps or brooder plates. Ensure they are securely positioned to prevent accidents.
Step 4: Provide a Roosting Pole and Secure the Brooder
Roosting Pole:
Introduction: Introduce a low roosting pole when chicks are about 2 weeks old to encourage natural behaviors.
Placement: Ensure the pole is stable and positioned away from food and water sources.
Brooder Security:
Enclosure: Use a secure brooder box with high sides to prevent chicks from escaping.
Predator Protection: Cover the brooder with a mesh lid to protect chicks from predators and pets.
Step 5: Play with Your Chicks
Socialization:
Handling: Gently handle chicks daily to build trust and reduce stress.
Enrichment: Provide toys and perches to stimulate their curiosity and physical development.
Observation:
Health Monitoring: Regularly observe chicks for signs of illness or distress. Early detection is key to preventing health issues.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment for your backyard chicks, ensuring they grow into strong and healthy adult chickens. Happy chick raising!
Chicken Treats
Treating your chickens to the right snacks can make a world of difference in their health and happiness. High-protein options like dried mealworms are great for boosting energy, especially during molting season, while fresh fruits, vegetables, and even herbs offer a nice variety of nutrients. However, it’s important to remember that treats should make up no more than 5% of their overall diet. Here are some of the top choices:
Dried Mealworms: Dried mealworms are a top favorite among chickens and for good reason. They’re packed with protein, making them ideal for molting season when your flock needs an extra nutritional boost.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae: Dried black soldier fly larvae are another excellent high-protein, calcium-rich treat. These are especially beneficial for laying hens, supporting strong eggshells and healthy growth.
Fresh Vegetables: Fresh veggies are a nutritious and safe treat for chickens. Try offering them: Broccoli, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard, peas, beets, pumpkin and squash (which also act as natural dewormers)
Fruits: Fruits can be an occasional treat for your chickens. Keep fruit servings moderate, as too much fruit can lead to excess sugar in their diet. Some favorites include: Watermelon, apples (without seeds), strawberries, and blueberries
Herbs: Not only are herbs delicious, but they can also provide health benefits. For example: Oregano boosts the immune system. Mint aids digestion. Parsley offers vitamins and minerals.
DIY Chicken Treats: Why not get creative and make some homemade treats for your chickens? DIY treats are a fun way to bond with your flock. Try our DIY Treat Blocks for Chickens recipe: feedsnneeds.ca/advices/diy-treat-blocks-for-chickens/
Grains and Other Snacks:
Oatmeal: A warm, comforting winter treat, oatmeal helps keep chickens nourished in colder months. Add some black soldier fly larvae or mealworms for an extra protein boost.
Grains: Offer grains like wheat and cracked corn in moderation, especially during winter when your chickens need more energy to stay warm.
Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt is a great probiotic treat for chickens, helping their digestion and overall health. You can also mix in some berries for a tasty, nutritious parfait! However, too much yogurt can cause digestive issues, so keep servings small.
Key Takeaways:
While it’s fun to treat your chickens, it’s important to remember that 90% of their diet should come from complete chicken feed. Offering too many treats can lead to nutrient imbalances and health issues.
Take seasonal needs into account as well. Frozen treats are perfect for hot summer days, while warm snacks can help keep chickens cozy and energized during winter. To keep them mentally stimulated, consider hanging fruits and vegetables to encourage foraging behavior.
By offering the right treats in moderation, you’ll help keep your chickens happy, healthy, and engaged!
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Transition Chicks from Brooder to Coop
Chicks are typically ready to transition from the brooder to the coop around 5-6 weeks old, once they are fully feathered. Here’s what to check for before making the move:
Feather Development
At 5 to 6 weeks, chicks begin to develop adult feathers, replacing their fluffy down. This feathering helps them regulate their body temperature, making them better suited for the outdoors. Ensure that they have most of their feathers before moving them outside.
Temperature Acclimation
Chicks start in a warm brooder, usually at 32-35°C (90-95°F). The temperature should gradually be reduced each week. By the time they reach 6 weeks, the brooder should be around 15-18°C (60-65°F), similar to the expected daytime temperatures outside. During colder weather, you might need to bring them back inside at night to keep them warm.
Introduction to the Flock
If your chicks are joining an existing flock, it’s crucial to introduce them slowly to avoid conflict. Introducing them carefully reduces the risk of bullying and aggression. All chicks, including the new arrivals, should be fed chick starter until they are 16 weeks old. Regular layer feed contains too much calcium for younger birds and can harm their development. For further information see How to Introduce New Chickens to Your Flock.
Ready for Treats and Grit
If you plan to offer treats, start introducing them a few days before moving your chicks outside. This will help them associate the treats with their new environment, making it easier to guide them into the coop at night. If you feed treats (no more than 15% of their total diet), provide grit so they can properly digest their food.
Additional Considerations
- Ventilation and Space: Ensure the coop is well-ventilated and provides enough space for the chicks to move around comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to stress and health issues.
- Predator Protection: Make sure the coop is secure from predators. This includes reinforcing doors and windows and checking for any gaps or weak spots.
- Sanitation: Maintain cleanliness in the coop to prevent the spread of diseases. Regularly clean bedding and provide fresh water and food daily.
- Health Monitoring: Keep an eye on the chicks for any signs of illness or distress. Early detection and intervention are key to maintaining a healthy flock.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and safe transition for your chicks from the brooder to the coop.
Benefits of Sourcing Fresh Eggs from your own Backyard
Freshness & Quality
Freshness is indeed the most significant advantage of backyard eggs. Store-bought eggs can be several weeks old by the time they reach your kitchen, whereas backyard eggs can be consumed the same day they are laid. This freshness translates to better taste and texture, with firmer whites and more vibrant yolks.
Nutritional Differences
Backyard eggs often have superior nutritional profiles compared to store-bought eggs. Studies have shown that eggs from chickens allowed to roam freely and forage naturally contain:
- Lower cholesterol and saturated fat: Backyard eggs typically have less cholesterol and saturated fat due to the varied diet of the chickens.
- Higher levels of vitamins and minerals: These eggs are richer in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining good health.
- Deeper yolk color: The deep golden yolks of backyard eggs indicate higher levels of carotenoids, which are beneficial antioxidants.
Variety and Aesthetics
Backyard eggs come in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, green, and blue, depending on the breed of the chicken. This not only adds visual appeal but also reflects the diversity of your flock.
Control Over Chicken Health and Diet
By raising your own chickens, you have complete control over their diet and living conditions. This means you can ensure they are fed a balanced diet free from antibiotics and hormones, which are often used in large-scale egg production. Healthier chickens lay healthier eggs, which benefits your overall well-being.
Environmental and Ethical Benefits
Raising chickens in your backyard can also have positive environmental and ethical implications:
- Reduced carbon footprint: By sourcing eggs locally, you reduce the need for transportation and packaging, which lowers your carbon footprint.
- Better animal welfare: Backyard chickens typically have better living conditions compared to those in commercial egg production facilities, leading to improved animal welfare.
Economic Benefits
While there is an initial investment in setting up a chicken coop and purchasing feed, raising your own chickens can be cost-effective in the long run. You save money on eggs and potentially reduce waste by feeding kitchen scraps to your chickens.
Conclusion
In summary, sourcing fresh eggs from your backyard offers numerous benefits, from superior freshness and nutritional quality to environmental and ethical advantages. By taking control of your egg supply, you ensure a healthier, more sustainable, and enjoyable experience.
How to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard
February’s Bird of the Month is the Northern Cardinal! With their striking red feathers and beautiful songs, cardinals are a favourite among bird watchers. These non-migratory birds can become year-round visitors if you create a welcoming space with the right mix of food, water, and shelter. Here’s our tips on how to attract them to your yard:
1. Offer the Right Food
– Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: Easy to crack open and nutrient-rich.
– Safflower Seeds: A favourite of cardinals but not as appealing to squirrels.
– Suet, Cracked Corn, and Berries: Good supplementary options.
Consider purchasing seed mixes designed for cardinals. These blends typically include their favourite seeds.
2. Use the Right Feeders
Cardinals prefer ground feeders, so provide options like:
– Tray, Platform, or Hopper Feeders: These allow for easy perching.
– Covered Feeders: Protects food from rain and snow.
– Placement: Set feeders 4-6 feet above the ground near shrubs for safe escapes.
Keep feeders clean and stocked to encourage frequent visits.
3. Provide Fresh Water
A bird bath is essential for attracting cardinals, offering both drinking and bathing opportunities. Cardinals prefer deeper baths, ideally placed on the ground to match their feeding habits. In winter, a heated bath or de-icer will prevent freezing.
4. Create Shelter
Cardinals like dense shrubs and evergreen trees for shelter, so adding plants like dogwoods or honeysuckles can help. They also nest in low bushes, so leave out materials like twigs or pine needles for them to use.
Things to Avoid
– Reflective Surfaces: Prevent window collisions by using screens or bird netting.
– Harmful Chemicals: Avoid pesticides and herbicides near bird feeders.
– Predators: Keep feeding areas away from places where pets or predators can hide.
You can enjoy these beautiful birds all year long by offering the right food, water, and shelter!
Beating The January Blues with Your Pet
Now that life has started to slow down again, we are snapped back to the reality of shorter days, cold temperatures and a lack of sunlight. January is often referred to as the most depressing month of the year, with “Blue Monday” dubbed the saddest day. Fortunately for us pet lovers, our furry companions can significantly help beat the January blues! Here is our list of things you can do with your pets to bring you some joy this winter:
Get Some Sun
It is recommended that humans get 5-30 minutes of sunlight several times per week to remain healthy. Vitamin D is also essential for the health of our pets, and a great way to ensure you’re both getting the amount you need is by getting outside for a mid-day walk each day! With the sunlight hours being so short in the winter, making it a priority to get outside and soak up some sunshine will help boost your mood.
Exercise
When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins responsible for your happiness. Evidence shows that even 10 minutes of light exercise, such as walking or stretching, can help boost energy levels, alertness and mood. Exercise isn’t just great for you; it’s also essential for your pet’s well-being! Going for a walk each day or playing a game of fetch in the yard are great ways for you and your pet to exercise and release those happy endorphins!
Nutrition
We all know that eating healthy, nutritious food is great for our physical health, but did you know that it is also essential for our mental well-being? Some vital mood-boosting nutrients that you can incorporate into your and your pet’s diet are:
Omega 3’s – Healthy fats are vital for helping our brains to function and manage our moods. A great source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish and fish oils. Incorporate this into your pet’s diet with supplements like Thrive herring oil, available at Feeds’n Needs!
Magnesium – Helps support healthy brain growth and development, including our memory and ability to learn and form new connections. Magnesium is found in leafy greens like curly kale and broccoli, and it is an excellent supplement to incorporate into your winter diet.
B Vitamins – These vitamins play an essential role in the production of chemicals that affect our mood and other brain functions. Foods such as beef, chicken and liver are rich in B vitamins. If you’re looking for a supplement incorporating B vitamins, magnesium, and more into your pet’s diet, Omega Alpha’s OptiPet Multi is the perfect supplement. It is available at your local Feeds’n Needs!
Bond With Your Pet
When we bond and connect with others, such as a loved one or pet, the happiness hormone oxytocin is released, boosting our mood. Bonding with our pets is a terrific way to deepen our connection with them and foster feelings of happiness and love. There are many ways you can bond with your pets, but here are some of our favourites:
Teach Them a New Trick – Spend time training your pet a cool new trick!
Play Games – Games like Hide ‘n Treat, where you hide your pet’s favourite treats around the house for them to seek out, provide mental stimulation and is a great opportunity for them to work for their food, nurturing their natural instincts to hunt.
Interactive Toys – These puzzle-style toys offer great mental stimulation. They can help reduce boredom-related habits like chewing and barking.
Cuddles – We saved the best for last! Nothing beats cuddling up with your furry friend on a cold winter day.
Make Homemade Treats
One fun activity we love doing with our pets on a cold, snowy day is making them DIY healthy treats! Check out our recipe for DIY Pumpkin Dog Treats.
Random Acts of Kindness
Studies have shown that performing simple acts of kindness can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and increase happiness. This time of year can be especially difficult, so spread some happiness wherever you go, whether it be paying a stranger a compliment or helping at your local animal shelter. These gestures can significantly impact the receiver while bringing you some cheer at the same time!
Whether it’s getting outside for a walk, indulging in a snuggle session, or trying out new activities together, spending quality time with your furry friend can lift your spirits and bring a sense of warmth to the season. Embrace the joy your pet brings and use this time to bond, play, and create memories that will help chase away those January blues. Remember: a happy pet often leads to a happier you!
How to Attract Chickadees to Your Backyard
With their playful antics and charming personalities, Chickadees are a favourite among backyard birders. These small, curious birds are year-round residents in the Maritimes, making them a delightful sight no matter the season. With just a few simple steps and basic bird supplies, you can attract Black-Capped Chickadees to your yard all year round!
Offer the Right Food
Chickadees are active birds with big appetites, so having a reliable food source is essential. These feathered friends are particularly fond of black oil sunflower seeds, which offer high energy content. In addition to sunflower seeds, chickadees will gladly munch on peanuts, striped sunflower seeds, and suet.
Use a hopper feeder, tray, or tube feeder to offer these tasty treats. For a natural touch, consider growing sunflowers in your garden to create a feeding station where chickadees can perch and feast. Chickadees are also known to enjoy insects, berries, and nuts. To support this, minimize insecticide use in your garden and plant native berry bushes for natural food sources. You can also offer whole peanuts or peanut halves at your feeders.
For an easy-to-access snack, smear suet or peanut butter directly on tree trunks and watch these tiny birds enjoy the tasty treat!
Provide Clean, Fresh Water
Water is essential to attracting chickadees, especially in winter when they stay in their range and don’t migrate. A shallow bird bath is an excellent way to give chickadees a place to drink and bathe. Consider investing in a heated bird bath or a bird bath de-icer to keep the water from freezing; this will give chickadees a consistent water source, helping them stay hydrated throughout the colder months. If you’re using small dishes, make sure they are shallow enough for chickadees to safely access.
Create Shelter and Nesting Areas
Chickadees are cavity-nesting birds, which means they need safe, sheltered spots to rest and raise their young. One of the best ways to attract chickadees to your yard is by providing nesting boxes. A suitable birdhouse should be 8-10 inches tall with a 4-inch square base and a 1-1/8 inch entrance hole. Adding some wood shavings inside your birdhouses will make them even more attractive, and chickadees are known to use pet fur for their nests (just be sure the fur hasn’t been treated with flea products, as these can be toxic to birds).
Hang the nesting box on a tree trunk for easy access, and consider smearing some peanut butter or soft suet on the tree nearby to lure the birds closer.
For natural shelter, chickadees prefer dense, mature trees—especially evergreens. Chickadees will also use roost boxes or nesting pockets during the winter months to keep warm, often cuddling together in small groups.
Attracting chickadees to your yard is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With the right food, clean water, shelter, and nesting areas, these delightful birds will become regular visitors. By following these tips and being patient, you’ll create a welcoming environment that encourages chickadees to thrive in your backyard, year-round.
New Year’s Resolutions for Pets
We’re officially into 2025, and many of us are working hard to stick to our New Year’s resolutions. Changing out habits for self-improvement can be for more than just humans. Pets benefit just as much from setting goals for their health, happiness, and well-being.
Why Are Setting Resolutions for Pets Beneficial?
Like us, our pets need focus and attention on their health and wellness. Creating resolutions for them is a great way to monitor and improve their overall well-being, from diet to dental care and physical activity. These resolutions help keep your pets physically healthy and strengthen the emotional connection between you and your furry friend.
Dental Hygiene: Keep Those Teeth Sparkling!
Dental hygiene is a critical part of your pet’s overall health. Just like humans, dogs (and cats!) can develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to painful gum disease and even tooth loss. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help prevent dental issues in pets. Not all pets enjoy getting their teeth brushed, but there are alternatives, such as dental treats, oral care food, and water gels, that help maintain your pet’s oral health.
A dental exam at the vet is the first step in creating a healthy oral care plan. If your pet needs a professional cleaning, your vet will help set that up, and from there, you can establish a home care routine to maintain their pearly whites. Remember, healthy teeth lead to a healthier pet overall!
Exercise: Keep Them Active and Fit
Just like humans, pets can experience joint issues, reduced mobility, and a shorter lifespan due to being overweight. Exercise should be a priority in your pet’s New Year’s resolutions.
Regular walks, playtime, and outdoor adventures are not only fun but essential for your pet’s overall health. Whether it’s chasing a ball in the backyard or going for a daily stroll around the block, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports joint health. Start slowly and gradually increase their activity level, especially if they’ve been less active during winter.
Diet: Nourish Their Bodies the Right Way
It’s easy to spoil our pets with extra snacks and table scraps, but this can lead to unwanted weight gain and long-term health issues. Overweight pets are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. One of the best ways to combat this is by providing a balanced diet.
Stick to a high-quality pet food, if you are unsure where to start, the Expert at Feeds’n Needs can help you find the right food for your pet.
Nutrition: Boost Their Health with Supplements
Ensuring your pet’s diet is nutritionally balanced is key, but you can take their health a step further by adding supplements to their daily routine. Products like Thrive supplements can support various aspects of your pet’s health, from digestive health to joint support, skin and coat issues, and more.
By incorporating the right supplements, you can enhance their diet and make sure they’re getting the nutrients. If you’re unsure where to start, stop by Feeds’n Needs and chat with one of our Experts who can recommend the best supplements for your pet’s specific needs.
When making changes to your pet’s routine, it’s important to start slow. Abrupt changes can be stressful for your pet, so allow them time to adjust. Whether introducing a new food, adding supplements, or starting a new exercise routine, gradual changes will ensure a smooth transition and greater success in maintaining these new habits.
Make 2025 a year of health and wellness for your furry friends, and enjoy the journey together. After all, a healthy pet means a happier, more active life for both of you!
Let’s make this year the best one yet—for you and your pets!
How to Attract Blue Jays
January’s Bird of the Month is the Blue Jay! With their striking blue, black, and white plumage, these vibrant songbirds are a delight to observe. Many Blue Jays are year-round residents of the Maritimes, making them a familiar presence in local backyards. If you’re looking to attract these stunning birds, you’ll need to know their favorite foods, nesting habits, and other key preferences. Follow our expert tips to create an inviting environment for Blue Jays all year long.
Food Preferences
Blue Jays are particularly fond of nuts, especially peanuts—whether whole or shelled. They’re also big fans of common bird feed like suet, cracked corn, and black oil sunflower seeds. Due to Blue Jays being larger birds, they require sturdy, spacious feeders to feel at ease. Hopper feeders, as well as open trays or platform feeders, are ideal for Blue Jays. To make your yard even more attractive, you can offer natural food sources like berries and acorns. The more food sources you offer in your yard, the more Blue Jays will be able to feed. Providing a mix of different food options will not only appeal to Jays, but a wider variety of different birds as well.
Water Source
Water is especially important during the colder winter months as Blue Jays rely on water not only for drinking but also for splashing and bathing. To keep them coming back, consider investing in a heated birdbath, which will ensure a reliable water supply even in freezing temperatures. Due to their larger size, Blue Jays need a broad basin that is about 2-3 inches deep. This setup will provide them with plenty of space for both drinking and bathing.
Shelter & Nesting
Unlike many other bird species, Blue Jays don’t typically use birdhouses. Instead, they prefer to nest in mature, sturdy trees. They especially favor trees that also provide a food source. Evergreen trees are crucial for Blue Jays in the fall and winter, as they offer dense cover once trees have shed their leaves. To encourage nesting, consider leaving out natural materials such as grass clippings, twigs, and small branches. These resources will help Blue Jays create well-constructed nests in your yard.
At Feeds’n Needs, we understand that each bird species has its own unique requirements. That’s why we offer a wide selection of bird feed and feeders designed to attract a variety of birds. Whether you’re new to birdwatching or a seasoned enthusiast, we have everything you need to turn your backyard into a haven for Blue Jays and other feathered friends.
