As we ease from the long days of summer into the early signs of autumn, our feathered visitors are already preparing for the months ahead. Whether they’re fuelling up for migration or staying put for winter, birds need high-energy, high-protein foods to help them through the seasonal transition — and peanuts are one of the best options out there.
At Walter Products, we believe in feeding birds thoughtfully, seasonally and safely. Here’s why whole, quality peanuts deserve a place on your bird table right now.
Why Feed Peanuts in Autumn?
August through October is a time of intense activity for birds. Many have just finished their second broods, and both adult birds and fledglings need to rebuild energy reserves. Some species are preparing to travel long distances, while others are moulting and growing fresh feathers before colder weather sets in.
Peanuts help support all of these processes. They are:
-
High in fat – ideal for energy storage ahead of colder days
-
Rich in protein – perfect for feather growth and muscle maintenance after a busy breeding season
-
Easily digestible – making them suitable for most garden bird species
-
Long-lasting – they stay fresh on the table and offer a dependable source of nourishment
Which Birds Eat Peanuts?
Plenty of your garden regulars will happily tuck into peanuts. You might spot:
-
Blue tits, coal tits and great tits – often acrobatically clinging to peanut feeders
-
Woodpeckers – especially green and great spotted woodpeckers
-
Nuthatches – known for caching peanuts in bark crevices
-
Robins – especially if peanuts are offered chopped or crushed on a tray
-
House sparrows and starlings – busy flock feeders that benefit from the energy boost
You may even notice a few less frequent visitors, like wrens or jays, dropping by for a bite.
How to Feed Peanuts Safely
Whole peanuts can be a choking hazard for young or small birds if not offered correctly. That’s why it’s important to follow a few simple tips:
-
Use a wire peanut feeder with mesh that allows birds to peck safely without swallowing whole nuts
-
Avoid salted or flavoured peanuts – only offer food-grade or wildlife-grade unsalted peanuts
-
Keep feeders clean to avoid the spread of bacteria or mould, especially during damp weather
-
Offer crushed peanuts on flat trays if you want to cater to robins or dunnocks who prefer ground feeding
Why Choose Walter Products Peanuts?
We only use premium, aflatoxin-tested peanuts in our bird food range to ensure the highest safety and quality. Aflatoxin is a natural mould that can appear on poorly stored peanuts and is toxic to birds — but with Walter Products, you don’t need to worry. Our peanuts are carefully sourced, stored, and packed to give your birds only the best.
Whether you’re filling a peanut feeder or adding crushed nuts to a mixed tray, you can be confident you’re offering the nutrition garden birds need at exactly the right time.
Peanuts and the Bigger Picture
Feeding peanuts now does more than help individual birds. By supporting them through moulting, migration prep and early winter conditioning, you’re also contributing to the long-term health of your local bird population. Consistent feeding through late summer and autumn helps birds stay strong and return again next season.
Ready to top up your feeders?
Browse our full range of bird-safe peanuts here.
