Birds and Peanut Butter

[Jasmine333]

I like a late night snack of a few spoons of peanut butter right before bed and wondered if birds could eat it. So I searched it and turns out they can. In fact I read that PB is an excellent source of protein and fat for birds. Think I'll try a little on my parakeet Oliver in the morning and see if he'll eat it. Do any of you feed it to your birds? I knew dogs could eat it but didn't know birds can.

 

[Scott]

Most birds by nature love peanut butter. However, there is a concern with aflatoxins present in many peanuts. For this reason many choose to avoid peanuts in favor of other nuts. Perhaps there are processes that heat treat peanuts, rending them a bit safer. I do not know, hopefully other members have guidance?

 

[bug_n_flock]

I feed peanut butter occasionally. Freedom(B&G) especially loves the stuff. Smear a bit on a small section of 100% whole grain bread and she is one happy maccy. Not super often, a little goes a long way.

 

[noodles123]

I do a TINY bit every so often, but not much at all. In addition to what scott said, the fat is high (as is the sugar). I have thought about trying natural varieties, I worry about choking due to the consistency.

 

[Jasmine333]

One article suggested mixing it with a little flour to make it more crumbly. Perhaps the flour would eliminate some of the stickiness of the PB.

 

[SailBoat]

And, with Amazons who are prone to Fatty Liver Disease providing peanuts and/or PB must be done with an understanding of how much is too much. Combined with Sunflower Seeds, including their clones, and it is very easy to spillover into too much.

As stated by Scott, Peanuts can harbor aflatoxins. Heating /cooking can limit its effect, but studies are unclear as to how much heating /cooking is required.
FYI: Cooking includes roosting.

 

[Alehner529]

I use it very occasionally as a special treat. My sun conure will do almost anything for a little lick of pb.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[1oldparroter]

Thanks to all Posters. From brand to brand the fatty content varies as does the sugar content. HOWEVER, if its just a little now and again; it is variety. jh

 

[Tami2]

Levi & my wild bird residents love peanut butter. The wild birds get peanuts, Levi does not. I do occasionally give him a little creamy peanut butter. It is organic and the ingredients are - peanuts & <1% salt.

 

[Kiwibird]

Peanut butter is a treat only and shouldn’t be a regular part of a parrots diet. Think of it as the double fudge ice cream of the bird world lol.

That said, I offer my bird a little peanut butter here and there. Some people choose not to offer at all over concerns of aflatoxins, as mentioned in several prior comments. I personally deem any peanut product made for HUMAN consumption “safe enough” to share with my bird. You should NEVER allow a parrot to eat the peanuts that come in some bird seed mixes. Those are the big concern for aspergillosis growing (the fungus that releases aflatoxins), which can make birds very sick indeed.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Amy gets meds everyday. I used to cook an english muffin for us and I would squirt the med onto the muffin then dab some PB to seal the med in. After telling his CAV about this,she kind of foo-foo'd the idea,saying PB being fatty etc and she suggested I try almond butter. Amy didn't like that idea and wouldn't eat the muffin ( he likes toast of any kind ) It took some time but he now waits at his bowl in the morning for it.


Jim

 

[wrench13]

My very first parrot, a YNA Winston, turned into a peanut junkie due to my ignorance. Back then there was no internet or readily available information (HOW could we have survived without internet?) He would only eat peanuts. Now I feel so sorry for him for my stupidity, and I hope he is happy and healthy now.

Never tried PB with Salty and I hesitate because of the experience above.

 

[Zettobi]

I give peanut butter as a treat (made from 100% roasted peanuts for human consumption) and she absolutely loves it. She doesn't get it often and it would honestly be a good way to give meds if ever needed.