On 19/12/2010 13:25, Bill Grey wrote:
"john wrote in message
...
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?

Almost certainly still too much salt. But why feed the birds with human
food grade roasted peanuts? They are better off with the uncooked ones
intended for birds which are much cheaper anyway in with the pet foods.

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


Here is an extract from the RSPB site:-

quote

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.

unquote/

I don't doubt if you try hard you can find aflatoxin laced peanuts but
it is more of a problem of bad storage. I think the RSPB are being more
than a bit precious in promoting their own brand of overpriced peanuts.

In particular badly stored Organic(TM) peanut butter is risky. It is one
example where the natural toxin is so bad that a preservative even a
slightly dodgy one is better for you than having the fungus growing.

Regards,
Martin Brown