How to Feed Peanuts to Birds

Peanuts are rich in nutrients, and they're popular with all sorts of garden birds. They are high in:

• protein
• healthy fats
• essential vitamins and minerals

Protein is crucial for the growth and development of feathers, while fats provide the energy needed for birds' daily activities. Peanuts also contain vitamin E which promotes healthy feathers, and various other minerals that contribute to the overall well-being of wild birds

Birds will happily enjoy peanuts at any time of year, but offering peanuts becomes especially important during the winter months, when natural food sources may be scare. When the weather is cold, wild birds rely on the extra calories and nutrients provided by peanuts.

That said, wild birds can also enjoy peanuts in the spring and summer - during these seasons, birds require sustained energy for nesting, moulting, and raising their young.

Here at Really Wild Bird Food we supply a wide range of peanut-based bird feeds (including classic peanuts, peanut granules, and peanut butter for birds).

Buy Peanuts for Birds

What bird feeder is best for peanuts?

Selecting the right feeder is essential for ensuring that birds can access peanuts easily and safely.

Tube feeders with small openings are ideal for offered shelled peanuts, while mesh feeders are better for serving peanuts in the shell, allowing birds to extract the nuts at their own pace.

Platform feeders and feeding tables can accommodate a variety of bird species and provide a convenient dining spot for wild birds to enjoy feasting on peanuts.

Browse Peanut Feeders for Birds

Which birds eat peanuts?

Filling a bird feeder with peanuts can attract a diverse range of bird species to your garden. Some common birds that enjoy peanuts include:

• Tits
• Woodpeckers
• Nuthatches
• Siskins
• Blackbirds
• Robins
• Dunnocks

Tips for feeding peanuts

1. The peanuts that humans like to eat usually aren't suitable for birds, so don't put salted or dry roasted peanuts in your bird feeder. Buy bird-friendly peanuts instead.
   
   
2. Peanuts are good for birds on their own, but they're even better when offered as part of a nutritious seed mix. For example, our very popular Table Mix contains peanut granules as well as black sunflower seeds, red and white millet, flaked maize and a number of other tasty ingredients.
   
   
3. Don't leave peanuts sitting in the bird feeder for too long, especially during periods of wet weather. Soggy peanuts tend to go mouldy fast! It's important to keep your bird feeders clean - there are a wide range of feeder hygiene products available to help make the job easier.
   
   
4. Baby birds can choke on whole peanuts, so consider offering peanut granules during the nesting season.

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Feeding peanuts to wild birds is a delightful way to support their health and well-being, all while bringing a variety of charming and colourful visitors to your garden. By understanding the nutritional benefits of peanuts, choosing the right feeders, and offering them throughout the year, you can create a welcoming haven for a diverse array of feathered friends.

So, grab a feeder, fill it with peanuts, and enjoy the avian spectacle that unfolds right in your own back garden!

READ MORE: How to Attract Birds to Your Garden