Peanuts

[Tsali]

Would like opinions on feeding peanuts. My breeder and vet both recommended against feeding peanuts in any shape or form due to the risk of Aspergillus Mold.

In the short time I have been a member here, I realize that there common sense is a strong character trait among the members. I would like to get more opinions about peanuts - I don't feed them, avoid them like the plague. There are several parrot food products that I would like to try, but refuse to buy them because they contain peanuts.

So, please throw out your thoughts and opinions.

 

[Tsali]

That is exactly what I understand to be true. SO sad that so many parrot foods, even premium ones use peanuts. Uggg

 

[RavensGryf]

I am wary of feeding peanuts since first hearing of the dangers of Aspergillus contamination. I have given them on rare occasion when I've had a human snack mix without salt, or these rice cracker mixes where the peanuts look exceptionally perfect lol. Of course we can't tell by looking, so perhaps I should never again give them. Raven has a deformity in his nares as result of an accident he has as a young chick before he was weaned, that leaves him more susceptible to Aspergillosis. He did have it, but not because of peanuts. I really don't know how much of a risk peanuts really are (the kind that don't come in a shell), as it's not something I've really looked into. I wonder if some sources are more risky than others. I imagine the shells are where the fungus originates(?) It will be interesting to hear some other replies.

 

[Anansi]

Here is a link to a recent thread on this very topic: http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-t...-nut-shells-s-bad-thing-right.html#post585300

But in short, I personally never offer peanuts to my birds. This is because peanuts are at risk of being contaminated with aflatoxin which, if taken in, can lead to the stubborn fungal respiratory infection known as aspergillosis. Not all peanuts are contaminated, of course, but since even roasting them does not entirely eliminate the risk I choose not to chance it.

Cashews, almonds, pine nuts, walnuts and pecans are great alternatives.

 

[Anansi]

...I imagine the shells are where the fungus originates(?) It will be interesting to hear some other replies.

The shells are more likely to be contaminated by the aspergillus fungus, which in turn gives off the aflatoxins that lead to aspergillosis, but you cannot tell by the naked eye whether or not the fungus has spread to the peanut within.

There are actually many parrot owners who have offered their fids many peanuts over the years without triggering anything. But fact is, it's always a risk.

 

[Piasa]

I also don't feed peanuts or foods containing them.

My understanding:
- Peanuts in the shell are more dangerous
- human grade non-organic roasted peanuts are supposedly the safest

We consumers can't detect aflatoxins or any other mycotoxins (toxins caused by a mold's metabolism). These toxins also can't be killed or easily neutralized. They are in many foods, not just peanuts. Corn is one of the worst offenders. They are very difficult to avoid (maybe impossible to completely avoid).

So use your best judgment when buying foods. Look for the freshest, best grown and safest stored. Local things are great because they haven't been stored or haven't been stored for too long. A lot of mold contamination happens when grains are in storage. If there is mold present, mycotoxins are being produced.

If you look up people diets for detoxing from mold or candida, this is a good way to see what the safest foods are. I balance health benefits of a food vs its probable exposure to mold. I feed quinoa and oats (potential to have mycotoxins, but not as likely as corn/wheat/soy), and sprouted beans (beans are supposedly high likelihood of being contaminated, but when I sprout my own...)