re salted nuts

jimmy mac · Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 82

Folks i have a strange question but a serous one.I have 6kg of salted peanuts that i got from local shop i was hoping to wash them to get rid of the salt and then put them into the feeders.Would it be necessary to do this.Also 4kg of dry roasted .I would hate to bin them but more importantly i would not like to harm the birds.Also is it better to put a seed mix into the feeders or are the peanuts from the pet shop better thanks

Belfast · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 10:17 am Post subject:

"Can I put out salted peanuts for the birds?

No - most garden birds cannot process salt and will die if they are given too much. It's best to avoid offering garden birds any foods that contain lots of salt including salted peanuts, salty bacon, chips and crisps."
http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/feeding/faqs.asp#tcm:9-126862

Peanuts

"These are rich in fat and are popular with tits, greenfinches, house sparrows, nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers and siskins. Crushed or grated nuts attract robins, dunnocks and even wrens. Nuthatches and coal tits may hoard peanuts. Salted or dry roasted peanuts should not be used. Peanuts can be high in a natural toxin, which can kill birds, so buy from a reputable dealer, such as our online shop, to guarantee freedom from aflatoxin."

http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/feeding/whatfood/index.asp

jimmy mac · Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 82

Thats that so thanks a million for the detailed reply its much appreciated

jimmy mac · Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 82

What about fruit that has been removed from the shelves is it ok to leave out for the birds eg apples oranges bananas tomatoes etc it seems a shame to dump them

Garlicbreath · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 11:00 am Post subject:

Birds love apples, pears, plums, etc (the "native" fruits). Don't know about the exotics but it would probably be worth a try.

Belfast · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 11:35 am Post subject:

The rhs gvves good advice on what you can feed birds
"What food to provide
We receive numerous enquiries about what and how to feed garden birds. Many of them relate to the best type of food to provide, or whether particular foods are suitable for birds or not. This page shows you what to feed your garden birds - and what to avoid."
http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/feeding/whatfood/index.asp