Do Birds Eat Walnuts? Are They Safe? (What You Need to Know)


Walnuts are among the best nuts and have a lot to offer, including different varieties of nutrients, delicious tastes, etc. Perhaps you have birds in your home and want to try feeding them walnuts, but you are asking yourself, “Do birds eat walnuts?”

Yes, birds eat walnuts as part of their natural diet. Walnuts are among the seeds that birds love nibbling on due to their pleasant taste. However, walnuts are sometimes hard to crack, especially for small birds with tiny beaks. Therefore, having them shelled for easier eating and digestion is essential.

Furthermore, walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrients, containing a package of Vitamins B6 and C, carbohydrates, saturated fats, Protein, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Potassium. It is also rich in fiber, which provides roughage that aids in the digestion process.

Nonetheless, walnuts should always be mixed with other seeds to create a seed mix with various nutrients essential for birds’ health. Also, blend with fruits and vegetables to create a balanced diet. Similarly, offering walnuts in moderation to avoid overfeeding may lead to distress in birds.

Are Walnuts Safe for Birds?

Yes, walnuts are safe for birds. Generally, walnuts are very edible nuts that you can offer in a bird’s nest. They are delicious and have a pack of nutrients that birds require for their daily activities.

Nevertheless, it is important to offer it in moderation to make it even safer for a bird’s health.

Additionally, blending it with other feeds will make it more delicious and nutritious for birds.

Do Birds Like Eating Walnuts?

Birds like eating walnuts due to their delicious taste, which is contributed by their sugar content. Besides, some bird species enjoy wrestling with the nuts as they try to crack them out, making them a great source of entertaining food. As much as birds love walnuts, you must ensure they have eaten just enough and not in excess.

Why Should I Give My Birds Walnuts?

Walnuts benefit birds, especially when sliced into their natural diets.

Below are ten reasons why you should give birds walnuts:

1. They form part of birds’ natural diets, especially seed-eating birds.

2. They help in digestion due to the roughage they offer in the form of fiber.

3. Boosts the immune system of birds.

4. Proper circulation of blood in the body.

5. It plays a vital role in egg formation due to Calcium components.

6. It encourages a faster growth rate in birds.

7. Strong formation of bones and muscles.

8. It improves quality feathers, color, and shine.

9. Forms a smooth skin in the feathered family.

10. It is a form of entertainment for birds as they wrestle with them, trying to crack them out with their tough beaks.

How Do You Prepare Walnuts for Birds?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare walnuts for birds:

1. Pick walnuts from your backyard if you have planted them. You can also purchase them from the nearest bird feed store. Ensure they are safe for consumption.

2. Shell the nuts to expose the meaty part for birds to nibble easily.

3. For smaller birds like budgies, consider crushing the nuts into tiny bits for easier eating and digestion.

4. Mix the walnuts with other seeds and pellets to create a unique flavor.

5. Put the excess nuts in the freezer to preserve their freshness.

6. You can also roast some walnuts without adding additives to preserve them and make them even more delicious.

How Do You Feed Walnuts to Birds?

Feeding birds walnuts is very simple. Below are some simple steps on how to feed walnuts to birds:

  • Shell the hardcover and offer the meaty part to your birds.
  • Put them in their trays or feeders, or spread them on the ground where birds can easily access them.
  • Mix them with other feeds like pellets, fruits, and vegetables to create a balanced diet.
  • Offer plenty of water to prevent birds from choking on them.

How Many Walnuts Should I Feed to Birds in a Day?

It is best to offer only 5 to 6 walnuts in a bird’s tray. This is a good number, as it will not lead to overfeeding. Mostly, birds with tough beaks will always crack open the hard shells of walnuts to enjoy the fleshy part of them.

Nonetheless, for small birds like parakeets, consider shelling them to expose the meaty part for easier eating. You can also blend it with other feeds for birds to gain various nutrients in their bodies.

What Is the Best Time to Feed Walnuts to Birds?

There is no specific time to feed walnuts to birds, as they can have this delicious food in their trays or feeders at any given time. Walnuts are a very healthy feed that will ensure proper bird growth and development.

How Often Should I Feed Walnuts to My Birds?

It is best to offer walnuts to birds at least three times a week.

Even though they form part of birds’ natural diet, consider limiting the number of times you feed them, as they are rich in fat that can lead to obesity and other heart diseases. Therefore, mixing walnuts with fruits and vegetables will help burn excess calories, keeping birds in good shape.

Can Birds Eat Walnuts During Winter?

Yes, it is important to feed birds walnuts during the winter. Walnuts are rich in fats, which are essential in forming fatty tissues that insulate the body against cold.

This property of walnuts enables birds to survive the harsh winter weather.

Ensure to mix walnuts with other healthy seeds to boost birds’ immunity and fight pneumonia.

Do Birds Eat Raw Walnuts?

Yes, birds eat raw walnuts. This walnut is usually soft and easy to ingest and digest, especially when shelled.

Raw walnuts are packed with a wide range of nutrients that birds require for their daily lives. Besides, they are sweet due to their 15% sugar content.

Can Birds Crack Walnuts?

Yes, birds can crack walnuts, especially when they have tough beaks, especially woodpeckers. Small birds may struggle to crack walnuts; hence, they should be shelled before offering them in their feeders. Remember to offer walnuts only in moderation.

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