are peanuts bad for birds

Well, heres my answer. The issue with peanutswhich are actually legumes that grow underground rather than nutsis not so much that they have an average fat content when compared to tree nuts, nor that they are particularly nutritious. Rather, the problem is that they contain mycotoxins. This fungus is in the soil the peanuts grow in. Although some of the fungus is on the nut itself, the majority of it is on the peanut shell. Roasting peanuts reduces, but does not totally eliminate these toxins. Anecdotally, some parrot owners have mentioned that their birds exhibit feather-damaging behaviors as a result of allergic reactions to peanuts. If you decide to give your parrot peanuts, ONLY give them human-grade, roasted, unsalted, out-of-the-shell peanuts, and only in small amounts as special treats.

It would be wiser to expose your parrot to a range of nutritious tree nuts. The majority of tree nuts are a great source of protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. Nuts in the shell should be kept in a cool, dry location due to their high oil content. To keep out-of-shell nuts from going rancid, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until needed. Nuts that have mold, fungus, or strange discoloration on their shells ought to be thrown away.

People are frequently shocked to learn that peanuts are not a safe food to feed their parrots when I teach a class on parrot nutrition. They tell me that their bird prefers peanuts, that they only purchase organic nuts, or that they only purchase raw nuts because they’ve heard that feeding birds raw food is healthier. What’s wrong with peanuts, they ask? After all, aren’t they a healthy source of protein?

Of all the nuts, almonds have the highest levels of calcium and fiber, with 54 grams of fat per 100 grams. Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium, a mineral crucial to the immune system, and have 67 grams of fat per 100 grams. In addition to having twice as much iron as other nuts and 46 grams of fat per 100 grams, cashews are also high in zinc, which is important for a healthy immune system and skin, as well as magnesium and copper, which can help prevent heart disease. Because cashews have a trace amount of oxalates, they should only be consumed occasionally. Hazelnuts are rich in manganese and vitamin E, and they have 62 grams of fat per 100 grams. Macadamia nuts are an integral part of Hyacinth Macaws’ diet, with 72 grams of fat per 100 grams and the highest concentration of monounsaturated fats of any nut, which lowers harmful cholesterol levels. Pecans are rich in flavonoids, which support a healthy immune system, and have 74 grams of fat per 100 grams. Pistachios are exceptionally high in the vital vitamin A and have 54 grams of fat per 100 grams. They are also high in carotenoids and lutein, which are antioxidants that lower cholesterol and are typically found in green leafy vegetables and brightly colored fruit. Pine Nuts are rich in antioxidants, a good source of manganese, and have 47 grams of fat per 100 grams. Of all nuts, walnuts have the highest concentration of Omega 3 and 65 grams of fat per 100 grams. Every cell in the body needs omega 3 to repair and create new cells, which are the fundamental components of brain and nerve tissue. It also helps the body assimilate fat-soluble vitamins. A rich source of protein, walnuts have a total protein content of 4%, which is higher than the protein content of eggs.

Muscarella states, “It is possible for birds to develop liver cancer as a result of consuming low-quality food contaminated with low levels of mold over extended periods of time.” But grains and cereals can also become contaminated with Aspergillus, even though peanuts are more likely to get contaminated. The USDA monitors grains produced in the U. S. for molds that produce aflatoxin, so private storage may be the main issue. Therefore, the lesson is that we should only feed our pets high-quality, properly stored food.

Dr. Senior lecturer Noah Abou-Madi, a veterinarian in the exotic animal program at Cornell’s Companion Animal Hospital, noted that other nuts, like almonds and nut butters, might be better than peanuts and should be taken into consideration as well. Dr. Abou-Madi issued a warning, noting that other nuts and peanuts are subject to the same safety and storage requirements.

Cereals, grains, and peanuts may contain aflatoxin, a class of toxins generated by some aspergillus fungal species.

Aflatoxin is also toxic to mammals, including humans, she continued. “A high incidence of liver cancer is caused by chronic, low-level exposure in food, which is not enough to cause acute toxicity or death.” Aflatoxin is one of the few proven human dietary carcinogens. .

“With regard to peanuts specifically, I have no problem giving them a few as a snack now and then, or spreading some peanut butter on whole-grain bread,” Muscarella states. “Peanuts are an excellent source of protein, vitamin E, and some “healthy” fats.” But I would rather use only the best-quality peanut products meant for human consumption. For all bird food, make sure your own storage conditions are properly maintained (especially in warm, humid climates). .

FAQ

Is it OK to feed birds peanuts?

Peanuts are a fast, easy, and surprisingly nutritious food for many backyard birds. Offering birds peanuts in your yard is a great way to attract more species and broaden the appeal of your bird-friendly buffet.

What nuts can birds not eat?

Nuts and Berries You Should Never Feed Birds While birds will enjoy a wide range of nuts and berries, there are some treats you should never add to feeders. No nuts or berries with heavy salts, seasonings, or coatings are suitable for birds. Nor are any moldy or rotten foods of any kind.

Will Cardinals eat peanuts?

In addition to large seeds, Cardinals enjoy eating crushed peanuts, cracked corn, and berries. During the winter, small chunks of suet are another great choice. Be sure to check regularly that your feeders are filled, particularly during the early morning and late evening when Cardinals prefer to eat.

Are peanuts okay for squirrels?

Squirrels are quite happy to eat nuts with or without the shell, indeed it’s the process of extracting a nut from its shell gives the squirrel exercise and a way of sharpening its teeth. It is worth noting that peanuts are nutritionally poor for squirrels and salted peanuts should always be avoided.