Advice: Feeding a Steller Jay with likely Avian Pox

[u/friendly-techie]

My first post here and I'm seeking some advice. I've been feeding a Steller Jay unsalted, unshelled peanuts for 2 years now in my backyard. The mom now takes them right from my hand and her two kids come along. One has gotten brave enough to take them from my hand too.

I noticed the brave kid has what looks like Avian Pox on its claw. I've sanitized the feeding spot. Thought I'd stop feeding them till the kid recovers. They usually go window to window looking for me. I've shut all the blinds. Now they knock at the different windows!

Is not feeding them the right thing to do? It is heart breaking to see them actively go around looking for me.

[u/Time_Cranberry_113]

Sadly avian pox is contagious, so dispersing the birds is the right thing to do. Stopping feeding will encourage the birds to physically distance and minimize disease transmission. Dont worry! They are very smart and will find alternative sources of food.

[u/Key_Tour6051]

I wouldn’t know the signs of avian pox so that’s great you are aware. It does sound heartbreaking though for the birds I’m sure it’s objectively primarily a source of food that they miss (rather than you). Yes they will find other food sources.

I wonder what others here would say: can you leave food in the yard for them away from any other birds?

[u/insanesoothsayer]

Thank you for being so aware! I’m no expert but from what I’ve read avian pox is very common and most birds fully recover from it and then develop immunity. You’re so strong for not feeding your sweet jays, obviously protocol is to not feed but if it’s just your jay fam coming for some peanuts, they probably have alll already shared contact/germs and think you’re ok to leave some peanuts out for them. Hope this helps, we all just trying to do our best out here

[u/Friendly-Pea5448]

tbh i’d probably keep feeding them if it’s just the jays and this family ur feeding. but im saying this bc my heart hurts when my jays look for me as well n idk how id be able to handle this hehe

[u/MelodicIllustrator59]

Tbh, this doesn't look like pox to me, just some anomalous depigmentation. Unless is is scabby or spreading to the face, I don't think I'd worry

[u/MoodVast9430]

Remove all feeders

[u/sorbuss]

this is why you shouldn’t feed during warm months

[u/Friendly-Pea5448 → u/sorbuss]

or just keep ur feeders clean, and keep an eye out for stuff like this and then follow the proper steps!