Peanuts are one of the most popular foods for feeding wild birds. Packed with protein and fat, they’re an excellent energy source and are sure to attract a variety of species to your garden, including tits, finches, jays, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.
Despite their name, peanuts aren’t actually nuts; they’re legumes and belong to the bean family. You might also find them sold as monkey nuts or ground nuts. Although peanuts have been cultivated for thousands of years, they were primarily used as animal feed until the 19th century.
Peanuts are an annual herbaceous plant native to South America, but they are now grown across many continents. Today, the world’s major producers include China, India, the USA, Nigeria, and Indonesia.
A variety of species will enjoy eating peanuts particularly birds that feed from hanging bird feeders.
Whole peanuts in their shells, often sold as monkey nuts, are a favourite among larger garden birds and an excellent way to encourage natural foraging behaviour. Birds like jays, jackdaws, crows, and magpies all enjoy peanuts in their shells, while even smaller birds, such as blue tits, have been known to peck through the shells to reach the tasty nut inside.
You can offer whole peanuts by placing them on a bird table, a ground feeder, or stringing them on strong thread to hang around your garden. Another option is to push whole peanuts into holes drilled into logs or branches, which can attract woodpeckers and nuthatches.
For smaller birds like wrens or robins, crushed or kibbled peanuts are ideal. These smaller pieces are easier for them to eat quickly, helping to reduce the risk of predators like cats or birds of prey attacking while they feed. Quick access to food also helps conserve energy, which is especially vital during the colder months. You can also mix crushed peanuts into homemade suet fat cakes to create a nutritious winter treat.
Specially designed peanut feeders, made from steel mesh or wire with 6 mm holes, are another option. These feeders allow birds to peck at the peanuts and eat small pieces while preventing them from taking large chunks. Many peanut feeders are also squirrel-proof, as squirrels are notorious for loving peanuts and will quickly deplete your supply if given the chance.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 567 |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Oils and fats | 45 g |
| Fibre | 10 g |
| Ash | 3 g |
| Moisture | 7 g |
While peanuts are a simple and nutritious treat for your garden birds, there are a few important precautions to keep in mind.
Avoid salted, flavoured, or dry-roasted peanuts: Birds cannot process high levels of salt, which can make them seriously ill or even cause death. Always use plain, unsalted peanuts.
Be cautious during the breeding season: Never leave out whole peanuts during this time, as parent birds might feed them to their chicks, potentially causing choking. Instead, crush the peanuts into smaller pieces or opt for kibbled peanuts, which are available on their own or as part of bird food mixes.
Feed small quantities: Only put out small amounts of peanuts at a time, as leftover nuts can spoil and grow mould, which may lead to respiratory infections in birds.
Keep the feeding area clean: Regularly clean up any mess beneath your bird feeders to avoid attracting rats and other pests.
By following these guidelines, you can safely offer peanuts while ensuring the health and well-being of your feathered friends.
Peanuts are vulnerable to mould growth both during cultivation and storage, particularly from the fungus Aspergillus flavus. This fungus develops between the skin and the kernel, releasing a poisonous toxin called aflatoxin, a harmful carcinogen that poses serious risks to both humans and birds.
For birds, even trace amounts of aflatoxin can have devastating effects, leading to severe illness and often death. One notable incident occurred in the 1960s, when around 100,000 turkey poults near London died after consuming peanut meal contaminated with aflatoxin.
To protect your garden birds, always purchase peanuts from a reputable bird food supplier that guarantees their products are free from aflatoxin.
Proper storage is crucial
Keep peanuts in a sealed container to prevent moisture exposure.
Store them in a cool, dry place.
Discard any peanuts that show signs of mould, and thoroughly clean and dry the storage container before refilling it with fresh peanuts.
Feeding tips
Only fill your bird feeders with enough peanuts to last a couple of days, to prevent spoilage.
Maintain good hygiene by washing and disinfecting feeders at least once a week to ensure your birds stay healthy.
With just a little care, you can safely provide peanuts to your garden birds while protecting them from the dangers of aflatoxin.
Peanut butter is another great way to feed your garden birds, offering an alternative way to provide peanuts. Ensure the peanut butter you use is free from additives like salt or sugar, and never use old peanut butter that may have gone rancid. Specially formulated peanut butter for wild birds is also available.
Both smooth and crunchy peanut butter can be offered to your feathered visitors. You can smear it on tree trunks, mix it into suet cakes, or spread it on slices of fruit, pine cones, or toast to create hanging bird feeders.
Peanuts are one of the most versatile foods you can offer garden birds. No matter how you serve them, you’ll soon attract a variety of bird species to your garden.
2 Responses
Hi pls tell what u mean by ” Don’t feed dry roasted peanuts ” ???? I roast raw peanuts … I roast without oil.. And then give to birds aftr crushing AND giving peanuts everyday is ok???? I’m from India and it’s 8 months high summer here. Is it ok to give everyday.. Simcr also peanuts contains lot of oil and fat and protein.. Pls help
Most preroasted packaged dry roasted peanuts can contain salt and other ingredients that is harmful to wildlife.