The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued a warning to all bird lovers, urging them to check what kind of peanuts they have before putting them out
Charlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor
15:35, 14 Oct 2025
Garden birds require high-energy nutrition(Image: Cris Cantón via Getty Images)
As temperatures begin to drop, numerous gardeners and nature lovers will consider our feathered friends and methods to assist them through the chilly months. Installing bird feeders in your outdoor space can prove tremendously beneficial, with the quickest outcomes typically seen during autumn and winter periods, when birds are actively seeking additional food supplies.
Providing sustenance for birds represents a guaranteed method to attract more wildlife to your garden, though it does bring its own collection of guidelines, cautions and hazards. Certain foods should never be offered, and routine cleaning of feeders remains crucial to prevent drawing rats and transmitting illness.
With October already delivering cooler conditions, garden birds require high-energy nutrition to endure the temperature decline and develop vital fat stores for winter. Peanuts frequently receive recommendations due to their elevated protein and calorie levels, making them a favoured option for bird enthusiasts throughout the UK.
Nevertheless, not all peanuts prove safe, and the incorrect variety could prove fatal. In an alert to all bird enthusiasts, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) states that verifying which type of peanuts you possess before placing them outside remains essential due to potential toxic outcomes.
In a declaration on its website, the organisation cautions: “Poor-quality peanuts can carry the aflatoxin fungus, which kills birds if they eat them.”, reports the Daily Record.
It continues: “Make sure you buy peanuts that are guaranteed aflatoxin-free from a reputable supplier… Keep peanuts in a feeder so small chunks can be nibbled.”
Richard Green, a bird feeding specialist from Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, has also supported this warning. He advises: “It’s important to use only peanuts from trusted wildlife suppliers, as these are tested to make sure they’re free from aflatoxin, a natural mould toxin that can be fatal to birds even in small amounts.
“Avoid salted or roasted peanuts altogether, as these can cause real harm.” He further added: “Sticking to safe, specialist foods means birds get the nutrition they need without unnecessary risks.”
Why is aflatoxin harmful to birds?
Aflatoxin, a potent liver toxin, poses a significant risk to birds. Even at lower doses, it can impede growth, feed efficiency, and immune function, while higher doses may lead to acute toxicity, presenting symptoms such as haemorrhage and jaundice.
The toxin primarily impacts the liver, causing damage that can include fatty accumulations, necrosis, the proliferation of bile ducts, and fibrosis. In severe cases, it may even result in liver cancer. At lower concentrations, aflatoxin can still cause poor growth rates, decreased feed efficiency, and a reduction in egg production and quality.
Aflatoxin can weaken a bird’s immune system, making it more susceptible to diseases and infections. In serious cases, birds may display symptoms such as depression, bleeding, jaundice, and appetite loss, which can eventually result in death. It can also adversely affect hatchability and the weight of newly hatched birds in poultry, whilst damaging intestinal tissues and consequently impacting nutrient absorption.
How are birds exposed to aflatoxin?
Birds are commonly exposed to aflatoxins through eating contaminated feed, including peanuts, maize, or other cereals that haven’t been stored correctly. Aflatoxins are produced by certain moulds, particularly Aspergillus flavus, which thrives in warm and humid conditions.
Storing bird feed in damp or warm environments can promote the development of these moulds and the production of toxins. Juvenile birds, such as chicks, ducklings, and turkey poults, are particularly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning. Nevertheless, studies have shown that some wild birds, including finches and northern cardinals, are also highly sensitive to aflatoxin effects.
What to feed birds instead
The RSPB has provided a list of recommended foods, which you can see below:
Bird cake and food barsSeeds mixesSunflower seeds or heartNyger seedsLive foods and other insect foods, like meal wormsLard and beef suetCooked riceUncooked oats
Richard’s top choices
He said: “Autumn is a season when birds need to build up energy reserves, and offering the right foods can make all the difference. Sunflower hearts are one of the best options, providing a high-calorie boost that helps birds prepare for the colder months.
“Mealworms, whether dried or live, are invaluable during autumn. They provide the protein birds need as they grow new feathers and recover from the demands of the breeding season. Suet is another key food to introduce now, helping birds stock up on fat reserves before winter sets in. Even though many people associate suet with frost, it’s just as important in the run-up to winter.
“Autumn hedgerows naturally provide berries and fruit, and you can echo that in the garden. Chopped apples, pears, or soaked raisins are excellent for species that feed on the ground. These simple additions mimic natural diets at a time when birds are looking to refuel quickly and efficiently.
“Don’t be surprised if feeders seem quieter in early autumn. Natural food sources are still abundant, so birds spread out to forage. The most important thing is to keep feeders topped up as gardens with reliable food will quickly become a lifeline.”
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