Bird Peanuts

Bird peanut information

Peanuts are one of the most popular bird feed products on the market today. But are they suitable for all birds, and are there circumstances in which you should avoid feeding peanuts to wildlife? Here we take a look at some of your peanut FAQs.

What birds eat peanuts?

Although small finches may not bother with them, the list of birds which do enjoy peanuts includes a broad range of British native species, including blackbirds, robins, song thrushes, dunnocks, chaffinches and collared doves, tits, finches, siskins, sparrows, corvids, and, of course, pigeons.

Are bird peanuts safe for humans?

We do not advise you to eat peanuts intended for use as bird feed. Peanuts not produced for human consumption can contain aflatoxin. This toxin comes from mould, which grows on peanuts and is highly toxic to birds and humans. Here at Happy Beaks, we only supply peanuts that have been tested for aflatoxin, but you still shouldn’t eat them because they do not meet the stringent food safety standards required for peanuts intended for human consumption.

Are peanuts good for wild birds?

Peanuts contain the perfect mix of macronutrients for wild birds. That said, please make sure that you clear up any leftover peanuts that remain on the ground. Although hedgehogs also love peanuts, they’re not at all suitable for them. The same goes for sunflower seeds and mealworms.

For more bird food facts and suggestions read our good garden bird food guide.