Peanuts off the menu for UK’s birds

Birds left short as human consumption rises

May 2010: The UK's bird lovers will have to find new treats for their garden visitors, with warning of a forthcoming shortage of the bird-table staple, the peanut.

SHORT SUPPLY: Peanuts have been a staple for garden visitors, such as the blue tit, for years Picture: Ray Kennedy, RSPB

Suppliers of the bird-food staple have warned the RSPB that fewer peanuts will be available due to increased demand for domestic consumption in certain exporting countries. And peanuts with no detectable traces of potentially harmful aflatoxins will be in particularly short supply.

But, says the RSPB, birds needn't go hungry, as there are plenty of healthy alternatives, with some even better at this time of year as they are smaller and easier to digest. With lots of young birds about, this is ideal as it reduces the risk of choking, as well as contamination with aflatoxins.

Peanuts will still be available in the UK but they are likely to cost a little more than usual as the high demand pushes up prices. The RSPB warns that some peanuts could be high in aflatoxin, a natural toxin which can kill birds. Buying from a reputable dealer, such as its own online shop, garden centres and hardware stores is essential to guarantee freedom from aflatoxin. Peanut prices have already increased in recent months, partly due to the high UK demand caused by the cold and snow of last winter.