Why are peanuts so good for your garden birds?

Why are peanuts so good for your garden birds?

Peanuts might be small but they certainly pack a big nutritional punch and provide birds with lots of nutritional support at different times of the year.

Here’s why they are so beneficial:

High in healthy fats -  which provide concentrated energy to help birds stay active and maintain their bodyweight.

Rich in protein – to support feather growth and muscle maintenance which is really important during the breeding season.

Contain vitamins and minerals – peanuts are full of vitamin E, magnesium and niacin.

Available all year-round –  they’re a valuable food source in both winter when natural resources begin to dwindle and in spring/summer when breeding adults need extra energy.

Which birds are particularly partial to a peanut?

Peanuts are a favourite of many garden birds, including Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Greenfinch.

How do you feed peanuts safely?

Always offer peanuts in a wire mesh peanut feeder rather than loose, whole peanuts, which are a choking hazard. For this reason, always avoid peanuts in plastic nets. During the breeding season, adult birds carry food back to the nest, so peanut granules or crushed peanuts are a safer option during this time.

What are the main things to look for when choosing peanuts for your garden birds?

Select peanuts that have been tested for aflatoxins – these are natural toxins produced by moulds that can be harmful or fatal to birds.

Buy from a reputable supplier that has regular quality checks.

Never feed salted, flavoured, honey-roasted or dry-roasted peanuts to birds.

Check to see if they smell fresh. Avoid peanuts that smell musty, rancid or look mouldy.

Shop Nuts

Shop Peanut Feeders