What kind of jelly do you use for oriole feeders? It’s a popular question, and it’s easy to answer. The jelly that works best is clear and thick, but not too thick. You can even find it in stores like Walmart or Target.
Just look for something that says “jelly” on the label and doesn’t have other ingredients listed like sugar, flavoring or color.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Oriole feeders often use grape jelly as a preferred food option. |
| Grape jelly is a sweet and attractive treat for orioles. |
| Offering jelly in a specially designed feeder can help attract orioles to your backyard. |
| It is important to use fresh jelly and change it every few days to maintain its appeal. |
| Oriole feeders can be a colorful and enjoyable addition to your birdwatching experience. |
1. Grape Jelly
Grape jelly is a great choice for oriole feeders. It’s made from red grapes, which are a favorite of orioles and other birds, and can be spread easily on the feeding tray.
The sweet flavor will attract hungry birds even if they’re not feeling particularly social that day. You may have to experiment with different brands of grape jelly to find one that works best in your area—some jellies are sweeter than others and some are more runny or thick.
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2. Apple Jelly
If you’re looking for an all-natural option, apple jelly is a great choice. Apple trees are plentiful in most areas and apples can be used to make homemade apple jelly, which can be used as an attractant for orioles.
You can also buy commercial apple juice in large quantities and use it to create your own homemade apple jelly using traditional methods, like those used by Laura’s grandmother.
Other Uses for Jelly
Jelly isn’t just good for making oriole feeders; it has many other uses, too! It’s pretty much impossible not to have some kind of jam or grape jelly in your pantry at all times because it’s so versatile and easy to use.
Whether you want something sweet or savory on your toast or crackers, there is probably some kind of jelly that will work!
| Brand | Flavor | Sweetness Level | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applelicious | Apple | Medium | Smooth |
| BerryBurst | Mixed Berry | High | Chunky |
| CitrusSqueeze | Citrus | Low | Gelatinous |
| GrapeVine | Grape | High | Smooth |
| TropicalTwist | Tropical Fruits | Medium | Jelly-like |
3. Strawberry Preserves
Strawberry preserves are made with fresh strawberries, which have been cooked and then mixed with pectin.
These are some of the most common ingredients in jellies in general. Strawberry preserves can be used to make jelly. As an added bonus, they’re a popular flavor for jelly.
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4. Orange Marmalade
Orange marmalade is a tart jelly made from oranges. It’s a great way to use up old oranges, and it makes a delicious spread for toast or biscuits. And yet, this versatile foodstuff has another use: making oriole feeders!
Orange marmalade can be used in many different types of oriole feeders. The only trick is using enough so that the birds have something to eat when they visit your yard—or otherwise finding some other food source for them if you don’t want to make the feeder with orange marmalade.
5. Blackberry Jelly
You can also use blackberry jelly as the ingredient for your oriole feeder. It’s a popular choice for this kind of feeder, and it makes sense: blackberries are one of the birds’ favorite foods, so it’s a good option for them to eat. In addition to being tasty, blackberry jelly is also a great source of vitamin C.
To make your own batch of blackberry jelly (which you can use in your oriole feeder or use as an ingredient in other recipes), simply follow these steps:
Add two cups each of sugar and water to a large saucepan over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves completely (about five minutes).
Add six cups fresh or frozen blackberries along with two packets pectin; bring mixture back up to medium heat while stirring constantly until thickened (about 20 minutes).
Remove from heat and strain through cheesecloth before transferring into jars or containers that have been sterilized beforehand by boiling them in hot water for 5 minutes each.
| Brand | Flavor | Sweetness | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| BerryBlast | Blackberry | Medium | Smooth |
| Jammin’Jams | Blackberry | High | Chunky |
| BrambleBerry | Blackberry | Medium | Gelatinous |
| MidnightMunch | Blackberry | High | Smooth |
| SweetBerry | Blackberry | Medium | Jelly-like |
6. Peach Preserves
Peach preserves are made from peaches. They are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, as well as providing fiber.
Peach preserves have a high sugar content (19 grams per serving), but they also have a low sodium content (3 milligrams per serving).
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7. Pineapple Preserves
Pineapple preserves are made from pineapple, which is a great source of vitamin C and fiber. It also has a very mild acidity level. This makes it a good option for jelly fans who have sensitive stomachs or who just want something different than the usual strawberry or grape jelly.
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8. Apricot Jam
You can attract orioles to your feeder by using apricot jam. It is a good source of Vitamin C, which the birds need in order to stay healthy and happy. The sweetness of this jelly may appeal to them more than other jellies, so you don’t need to use as much when filling your feeder with it.
| Brand | Flavor | Sweetness Level | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apricot Delight | Apricot | Medium | Smooth |
| Sweet Apricots | Apricot | High | Chunky |
| Orchard Bliss | Apricot | Low | Gelatinous |
| Golden Harvest | Apricot | High | Smooth |
| Fruitful Apricot | Apricot | Medium | Jelly-like |
9. Mixed Berry Jelly
Your jelly should be mixed berry. Oriole feeders are like regular bird feeders, but they’re filled with jelly instead of seeds or suet.
And if you want to attract orioles to your oriole feeder, it’s important that you use a fruit-flavored jelly.
So what makes a jelly “fruit flavored?” Well, in this case, any kind of berry will do! You could use fresh berries or frozen berries or canned berries—it doesn’t matter as long as there’s some berry flavor in the mix.
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Conclusion
Now that you know the different types of jelly to use for oriole feeders, it’s time to start making some!
You can make a small batch at first and then keep experimenting with different flavors. You might even want to offer your guests some options when they come over so they can try them all out.
Further Reading
Perky-Pet: Types of Oriole Feeders – Jelly FeedersLearn more about different types of oriole feeders, specifically jelly feeders, and how they can attract these vibrant birds to your backyard.
The Spruce: Tips on Feeding OriolesDiscover valuable tips and insights on how to effectively feed and attract orioles to your garden, including their preferred food choices and feeder setups.
Ferns & Feathers: Orioles, Oranges, and Grape JellyDive into the world of orioles and their affinity for oranges and grape jelly. Explore the connection between these vibrant birds and their favorite treats.
FAQs
How do I attract orioles to my backyard?
To attract orioles to your backyard, provide them with a suitable habitat, including native trees, shrubs, and water sources. Additionally, offer their preferred food options such as oranges, grape jelly, nectar, and insects.
What type of feeder should I use for orioles?
Orioles are attracted to various types of feeders, including jelly feeders, fruit feeders, and nectar feeders. Opt for feeders with bright colors, perches, and spacious openings to accommodate these birds.
Can I use grape jelly to attract orioles?
Yes, grape jelly is a popular food choice for orioles. Place a small dish or specially designed jelly feeder filled with grape jelly in your yard to entice these birds.
How often should I change the jelly in oriole feeders?
To maintain the freshness and hygiene of the jelly, it is recommended to change it every two to three days, especially during warmer weather. Clean the feeder thoroughly before refilling it with fresh jelly.
What other foods do orioles eat besides jelly?
While orioles have a fondness for jelly, they also consume a variety of other foods. Offer them fresh oranges, sugar water or nectar, sliced fruits, and even insects like mealworms to provide a diverse diet for these birds.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.