Some lower grade, mouldy or stale peanuts could contain a toxin that kills birds! Remember, peanuts can be high in a natural toxin, which can kill birds, so always buy from a reputable dealer, such as our online shop, to guarantee freedom from aflatoxin. 8. So once a day, I put two or three handfuls of raw, unsalted peanuts in the shell into a hanging platform feeder. Jays seem to sense whenever peanuts are put out within a 5-mile radius. If you’re like me, you love eating dry roasted Planters peanuts, because they taste so good. Most of these birds like birdseed, but they all like peanuts. In the United States, approximately one-third of the population will consume nuts on any given day, according to a September 2008 article published in "The Journal of Nutrition." Suet. Whole peanuts—in the shell—attract jays and woodpeckers, but not smaller birds. “Birds can develop liver cancer, and it is possible that eating poor quality food with low levels of mold contamination over long periods of time may contribute to this,” says Muscarella. Regular peanuts have salt. Peanuts are like a secret weapon for people who love feeding birds. Yet, the danger does exist. This is true for many birds. But, even small billed birds can pick away at peanut pieces. Though tasty for humans, these can harm wild birds with their high sodium content. I've tried feeding birds all sorts of peanuts; raw whole peanuts, raw half peanuts, red skinned peanuts, and roasted peanuts. This is partly because of the very small amount of salt usually found on peanuts and the fact that peanuts typically make up a small percentage of a feeder bird's daily diet. There is no scientific data to prove that the periodic use of salted peanuts does harm to birds. Buying from a cheap supplier or from non-bird experts can indeed put your feathered friends at risk. Store bird peanuts in a sealed container to prevent moisture getting in and keep them in a cool place. Like most anything else you feed your bushy-tailed friends, they love eating them. Always check to be sure seed is dry and fresh without strong or sharp odors, and change seed after feeders have gotten soaked to keep seed from spoiling. Courtesy John Pizniur Blue jays love to visit peanut bird feeders. So I just don't take the chance! I finally went to salt free plain until I figure out which if any is best to feed them- all the same price so it doesn't matter to me - except that I like to eat the honey roasted myself, so I usually eat a handful as I fill the feeder for the birds and squirrels. Warning: Don't use salted or dry roasted peanuts. There are two types of roasted peanuts, oil roasted or dry roasted. “However, while peanuts are prone to aspergillus contamination, grains and cereals can also be contaminated. As soon as the Blue Jays see they are there, they announce their find loudly to the world from a nearby tree branch. Peanuts Attract Jays. Birdseed can go bad if it is improperly stored or allowed to rot in poor conditions, and the bugs, mold, and bacteria in spoiled seed can cause diseases among feeder birds. Roasted peanuts mitigates the danger somewhat, but even that doesn't eliminate it entirely. Birds love peanut butter, too—just avoid “peanut spreads,” which contain extra ingredients. Any info would be appreciated. You must also never feed birds with salted or dry roasted peanuts either! They can be an expensive item to offer on a regular basis, but they’ll bring in a wide variety of new birds. And peanuts in the shell, while a great natural foraging treat, are the biggest offenders. Throw away any peanuts that show signs of mould and thoroughly clean and dry the containers they are stored in before replacing with fresh food. Be warned, though, that squirrels love peanuts in any form. Even cardinals and finches will eat peanuts. Health Facts on Dry-Roasted Peanuts. In my yard, Blue Jays love, love, love peanuts. 1) Feed Birds Whole Peanuts in the Shell Blue Jays Eating Peanuts. ... can cockatiels eat peanuts, can cocktail eat peanuts from a shell, THANKS. Fill your bird feeders with just enough peanuts that your garden birds will eat in a couple of days. LOL. In fact, I’ve given some to the critters in my backyard before doing this research.