Question:
I have been feeding salted peanuts to our local grackles and gulls. They seem to appreciate it, but I've been told that salted peanuts are bad for our feathered friends. I would not knowingly hurt any animal. Please let me know if I'm helping or hurting.
A.G., Naples, FL Jan 29, 2006
Answer:
Peanuts can be bad for our feathered friends if they are moldy (aflatoxin being one of several mold poisons), so be sure that the peanuts you are putting out are neither moldy nor smell rancid.Rinse the nuts first in hot water to clean off the salt, too much of which is bad for birds and humans. You might find it cheaper to go to a pet- or bird-supply store and buy regular peanuts in bulk. Or you might try a mix of various seeds, like sunflower and millet.If you are feeding the birds in your yard, do set up a water bath (with an immersion heater for winter), because in cold weather birds need plenty of water as well as food.
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