Top Tips for Feeding Peanuts

Top Tips for Feeding Peanuts

Peanuts are a fantastic food for our garden birds. They’re nutrient-rich and energy dense, and perfect for early spring when natural food is in short supply.

Feeding safety

1 – Always feed peanuts that have been tested for aflatoxins – toxic substances that are produced by certain moulds. Contaminated peanuts can cause liver damage, weakness or death in wild birds.

2 – Use wild bird peanuts, rather than those for humans. Peanuts for birds are usually aflatoxin tested to stricter levels.

3 – When buying peanuts, ensure they are dry, dust-free and do not smell musty.

4 – Only feed peanuts in special peanut feeders so that adult birds have to break them into small pieces before feeding chicks. Whole peanuts can be a choking risk for nestlings.

5 – Never feed roasted, salted or flavoured peanuts from the human market.

Feeding for nutrition

1 – Peanuts are rich in fats and proteins for a concentrated energy boost.

2 – They help to supply energy for thermoregulation, which is really important for small birds such as tits and nuthatches.

3 – Nuts are packed with protein, which is essential for egg production and chick growth.

4 – Birds fed on peanuts have been shown to have more energy to raise healthy broods.

5 – Feed peanuts in moderation alongside other foods such as sunflower seeds, suet and nyjer seeds to ensure a healthy, balanced diet.

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Use the correct feeder

1 – Birds can cling to mesh peanut feeders where they can peck the peanuts in safety.

2 – Squirrel-proof peanut feeders can help to protect nuts from squirrels and large birds.

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Site your feeder wisely

1 – Place feeders in a sheltered spot away from predators such as cats

2 – Ensure there is cover nearby (bushes are ideal) so that birds can feed in safety.

Hygiene

1 – Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease.

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