Peanuts

[Whaleman76]

I generally feed my conure pellets with salflower seeds for a treat but she really likes peanuts. I got roasted but NON Salted peanuts in the shell, is that ok or should they be raw un roasted peanuts in the shell? We use them as special treats for really good behavior (and to briber her out of odd places when she is out exploring.

 

[roxynoodle]

Does she like any other nuts? I ask only because almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc are healthier nuts than peanuts.

I know peanuts can have bacteria on the shells, so I would have to think roasted is better.

 

[BillsBirds]

As always, I agree with Roxy. Other nuts that my birds like are pistachio, pine nuts, and pumpkin seeds. All of them unsalted, of course.

 

[ShreddedOakAviary]

The aflatoxin rate on human grade peanuts and peanut shells are minimal, but still a potential risk... i may be wrong but i think human grade acceptable level is 10ppb, where as animal grade is about 300ppb, I'd have to look it up, but aflatoxins are linked to causing aspergiliosis (my spelling memory is terrible today), additionally peanuts are rich in some not so parrot friendly fats, so i agree with the guys above ... almonds would be my first choice. Pine nuts work great too, and my birds love pine nuts and almonds. i do have a rescue padagonian conure here who i will occasionally give a peanut to, but she is older than dirt, had a rough life, and LOVES peanuts. she gets about one peanut every couple of weeks.