Peanuts for Birds

What birds eat peanuts? 

Peanuts are a delicious and healthy snack enjoyed by all manner of wild birds, including: 

• Blue Tits
• Woodpeckers
• Doves
• Crows

What peanuts are suitable for wild birds? 

Peanuts produced for human consumption are NOT suitable for wild birds. Some peanuts contain a naturally-occurring toxin that can be dangerous for birds. That's why it's important to buy peanuts that are specifically intended for birds.

The following peanuts are NOT safe for birds to eat:

• Salted peanuts
• Peanuts with flavourings or coatings
• Roasted peanuts

Are peanuts good for birds?

Yes - peanuts offer a great balance of oil and protein, both of which are necessary for energy and good health. Peanuts also have a lot of calories, which is another good reason to leave some out for your feathered friends to enjoy. During the cold winter months, wild birds need as many calories as they can get!

How are peanuts grown?

Peanut plants are annual herbaceous members of the pea family. There are two main types: runner and bunch. Most peanuts flower 6 to 8 weeks after planting. While the plants flower above ground, the pods develop below. Each pod yields 2 to 3 peanuts.

At harvest, the whole peanut plant is uprooted and turned upside down to expose the pods to the heat of the day, which dries them out. Although native to South America, peanuts are now grown across many continents in hot climates including China, India, the USA, Nigeria, Indonesia and Argentina.

Where do our wild bird peanuts come from?

We source the very best peanuts from reputable suppliers in a number of different countries, paying particular attention to the seasonality and success of their respective peanut harvests. That is why our peanuts for birds sometimes vary in size, colour and oil content. All of the peanuts we buy have been rigorously tested in their country of origin before export, and are re-tested when they arrive in the UK.

One of the main diseases that can affect peanuts is caused by a fungus called Aspergillus flavus. If growing conditions are moist and the peanuts are not properly dried out, the Aspergillus fungus can develop between the kernel and the skin of the peanut, producing a poisonous mycotoxin called aflatoxin that's highly toxic to both birds and mammals. All of our peanuts are accompanied by a certificate of 'nil detectable aflatoxin'.

How to store your peanuts for birds

Store bird peanuts in cool, dry conditions. Avoid warm, humid places (for example, do not keep your peanuts in a utility room next to a tumble dryer). We recommend removing them from the bag and putting them in a dry, sealed container. This will help to keep moisture out.

What kind of feeder should I use for wild bird peanuts?

We offer a wide range of peanut feeders to help you serve up these tasty treats to your garden birds! Many of our peanut feeders come with a caged or mesh design, allowing birds to peck away at the peanuts and eat their fill.

If the weather is wet, check your peanut feeder every 2-3 days for signs of blackening. If the peanuts go black, discard, clean your feeder and replenish with fresh peanuts.