Can Birds Eat Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is a popular sandwich spread, but did you know that some birds actually enjoy it too? That’s right, many birds love peanut butter, and it can even be a healthy treat for them! Peanut butter is a popular bird food, but it’s essential to understand how to offer it safely and what benefits it can provide to birds.

cartoon bird looking at camera with photo of peanut butter jar in background

Is Peanut Butter Good for Birds?

Peanut butter is packed with nutrients that are great for birds, especially during the colder months when food is scarce. It’s high in fats and proteins, providing the energy birds need to maintain their body heat and activity levels.

For your backyard birds, this can be a perfect supplemental food source. is a great source of protein for birds, and it’s also a good way to keep them entertained.

Many people believe that only certain types of birds like peanut butter, but the truth is that almost any bird can enjoy it with some precautions we’ll discuss below.

What Types of Peanut Butter Are Safe for Birds?

When choosing peanut butter for birds, go for the unsalted and no added sugar varieties.

It’s crucial to avoid peanut butter with xylitol, which is toxic to birds and other animals. Natural, pure peanut butter is the best choice for your feathered friends.

The Dangers of Peanut Butter

Yes, it can be dangerous for peanut butter to get on a bird’s wings. The primary concern with peanut butter is its sticky consistency, which, if gotten onto a bird’s feathers, particularly the wings, can cause issues. Here’s why:

Impaired Flight: Peanut butter on a bird’s wings can weigh down the feathers or clump them together, potentially impairing the bird’s ability to fly effectively. This can make the bird more vulnerable to predators, reduce its ability to forage for food, and hinder its escape from dangers.
Feather Maintenance: Birds need to keep their feathers clean and well-maintained for insulation, waterproofing, and efficient flight. A substance like peanut butter can interfere with the natural structure and function of feathers.
Grooming Difficulty: Birds groom themselves to keep their feathers in good condition. Sticky substances like peanut butter can make grooming difficult and even lead to further feather damage as the bird tries to clean itself.
Attracting Dirt and Debris: Sticky feathers can attract dirt, dust, and other debris, further compromising the bird’s feather quality and overall health.

Always observe how birds interact with the feeders and the food you provide, and be prepared to make adjustments to ensure their safety and well-being.

How to Safely Serve PB to Birds

To minimize the risk of peanut butter getting onto birds’ wings, it’s recommended to mix the peanut butter with cornmeal or birdseed to reduce its stickiness before offering it to birds.

Mix peanut butter with birdseed and cornmeal to form a more solid consistency. Roll the mixture into balls or press it into molds (like cookie cutters) to create fun shapes. Once they harden, place them in your bird feeder or suet feeder so the bird has a place to land that is not covered in peanut butter.

Specially designed peanut butter feeders are designed with small holes for the peanut butter positioned away from the perches.

For added variety, you can press pieces of fruit, nuts, or dried fruit into the peanut butter. This can provide extra nutrition and attract a wider variety of birds.

Regularly clean and disinfect feeders to not only keep the birds healthy but also to make your bird feeding station more attractive and safe. Ensure that any surfaces or feeders used for peanut butter are cleaned regularly. This helps prevent the spread of disease among bird populations.

Watch how birds interact with the peanut butter. If you notice they’re having difficulty, adjust the consistency or the way you’re offering it.

Remember, while peanut butter is a beneficial supplement to a bird’s diet, it should not replace their natural foraging behavior. Always provide a variety of food sources to ensure a balanced diet for your backyard birds–and plenty of fresh water.

Alternatives

Not sure you want to feed peanut butter? If you’re looking for alternatives to peanut butter, consider foods like suet or seed mixes–or even serving peanuts themselves at the bird feeder. These also provide high energy and are popular among a variety of bird species.