People who care for birds are being urged to be careful about the type of food they put out in their garden
Charlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor
12:53, 13 Oct 2025Updated 12:56, 13 Oct 2025
People are just realising common food left out could actually harm garden birds(Image: Getty)
As the weather turns colder, many gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts will think about birds and ways to help them survive the cold. Putting up bird feeders in the garden can really help, and the fastest results often occur during the autumn and winter months, when they are actively looking for more food sources.
Putting food out for birds is a surefire way to welcome more wildlife into your garden, but it does come with its own set of rules, warnings and risks. There are certain foods you should never put out, and regularly cleaning feeders is important to avoid attracting rats and spreading diseases.
With October already bringing colder weather, garden birds need high-energy foods to survive the drop in temperature and build essential fat reserves for winter. Peanuts are often recommended because of their high protein and calorie content, making them a popular choice for bird lovers across the UK.
However, not all peanuts are safe, and the wrong kind could be deadly. In a warning to all bird lovers, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) says checking what kind of peanuts you have before putting them out is vital due to potential toxic consequences.
In a statement on its website, the organisation warns: “Poor-quality peanuts can carry the aflatoxin fungus, which kills birds if they eat them.” It adds: “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.”
Certain types of peanuts could be deadly to birds
This warning is also backed by Richard Green, a bird feeding specialist from bird food supplier Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies. He says: “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 continued: “Sticking to safe, specialist foods means birds get the nutrition they need without unnecessary risks.”
Why is aflatoxin bad for birds?
Aflatoxin, a powerful liver toxin, poses a significant threat to birds. Even at lower doses, it can hinder growth, feed efficiency, and immune function, while higher doses may result in acute toxicity, presenting symptoms such as haemorrhage and jaundice.
Make sure any food is free from aflatoxin
The toxin primarily affects the liver, leading to damage that can include fatty accumulations, necrosis, the proliferation of bile ducts, and fibrosis. In extreme 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 compromise a bird’s immune system, increasing its vulnerability to diseases and infections. In severe instances, birds may exhibit symptoms like depression, haemorrhage, jaundice, and loss of appetite, which can ultimately lead to death. It can also negatively impact hatchability and the weight of hatchlings in poultry and damage intestinal tissues, which in turn affects nutrient absorption.
How are birds exposed to aflatoxin?
Birds are frequently exposed to aflatoxins by consuming tainted feed, such as peanuts, corn, or other grains that were not stored properly. Aflatoxins are generated by specific moulds, especially Aspergillus flavus, which flourishes in warm and humid environments.
Keeping bird feed in moist or warm conditions can encourage the growth of these moulds and the creation of toxins. Young birds, including chicks, ducklings, and turkey poults, are especially vulnerable to aflatoxin toxicity. However, research has indicated that certain wild birds, like finches and northern cardinals, are also very sensitive to the impacts of aflatoxins.
First time in 40 years a vulture chick hatches at London ZooWhat to feed birds instead?
The RSPB has shared a list of food you should put out, which you can read below:
Bird cake and food barsSeeds mixesSunflower seeds or heartNyger seedsLive foods and other insect foods, like meal wormsLard and beef suetCooked riceUncooked oatsRichard’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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