On Sat, 18 Dec 2010 20:10:10 -0000, "john lewis"
wrote:

wondering what food to put out for the local robin. apparently they like
cheese, but several sites warn not to give salted peanuts. some of the
peanuts you buy in a packets now (ie waitrose) are not very salty, im
wondering if its okey to give them if you soak the peanuts in water, to get
rid of the salt; or whether there is still too much salt?

tried to email the rspca but they want your life history of details before
they allow you to ask a question.

Salted peanuts (such as KP) are for humans. Birds need "raw" peanuts.
Lots of places sell so-called bird peanuts cheaply but if you really
care, you should get "bird approved" peanuts from a reputable source -
they will cost a bit more but they will have been screened for
bacteria that can kill certain birds, particularly chaffinches.

Don't bother with the RSPCA. They will ultimately (if they bother)
respond that there is no-one in your area to advise you but please
send a massive donation......

Visit www.rspb.org.uk or, if you can't find another local source for
bird food, http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/. Be warned though that the
RSPB will probably charge more than a local garden centre. Places like
Homebase and B&Q sell the Gardman range which is OK.