I just read that it isn't good to feed whole peanuts during breeding season as the baby birds will choke on them and peanuts should be chopped up during this time or fed in a mesh feeder. Also raw peanuts aren't good for squirrels or the birds, something about the nutritional value not being up to par. This is the first I have heard this and was wondering if anyone else knew about this. Most of the places I read this were websites in the UK and wonder if it applies in the US. I feed a mix with all sorts of whole nuts and wonder if it applies to those nuts also.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks,
Rose
Feeding Whole Peanuts During Breeding Season
Hi Rose, I haven't heard of this but I always fed roasted peanuts instead of raw (no salt of course). It was just a personal choice on my part.
I hadn't heard about the baby bird thing but I guess it makes sense. At least with my red-bellied woodpeckers they seem to put down a lot of suet during the baby time.
Thanks for your reply Pelle. I have fed raw peanuts in the past but will not in the future! I also make sure they are unsalted. I have noticed the Woodpeckers going after the suet like crazy!
Yep, true. There are a number of records of birds feeding whole peanuts to their chicks, resulting in the chicks choking to death. Best to put the peanuts in a mesh feeder where the birds have to peck them to pieces to get bits out (small peanut fragments are OK for chicks), or use chopped peanuts. Raw is better than roasted, and definitely don't give salted peanuts!
The problem is worst in cold wet weather when the parent birds have difficulty finding enough natural food.
Resin
I'm glad that you brought this up. I guess I'll go buy another case of suet then.
Yes suet will be going like crazy now through mid summer.
Funny me, I thought the winters would be the time that they ate it the most. It turns out that spring & early summer are the times that I go through the most of it.
My Deck and Patio Mix has very small peanuts inside.
I think the suet might be easier to feed to the chicks.
I just found this...now I won't feel so guilty when I cut out the peanuts. I was planning on not buying anymore after what I have is gone.