Shelled peanuts vs unshelled (2 Viewers)

[Susan C]

I have just purchased a bag of shelled peanut pieces, but have found that the blue jays prefer the unshelled peanuts - anyone know why? Do they instinctively know that they will store better over the winter when stashed around the garden?

 

[Greenish Apple]

Probably. One day I was looking out our bedroom window to the corner of the neighbor's roof and I saw a Blue Jay poking a unshelled peanut into the soffit where it meets the fascia. The downspout helped keep him up there. I got my camera out but he did not show up again.

David

 

[Susan C]

Thanks Apple - I also see them stashing the peanuts, and occasionally stopping to eat one too. I've had a few nuthatches in now though to get the shelled peanuts - I wonder if they stash those as well?

 

[Guinness537]

I would agree that they (Jays) may known that unshelled peanuts will last longer. I get a kick out of the Jays that seem to weigh the peanuts in the shell and take off with the heavier offering first.

 

[fugl]

Western Scrub Jays also prefer unshelled to shelled peanuts, at least when they are in “storage” mode in my backyard where there’s always plenty of food. If they were hungry & planning to eat the peanuts right away I imagine they’d go for the shelled ones first.

Western Scrub Jays also do the “weighing” trick, sometimes picking up the same peanut several times before making a selection. Fun to watch.

 

[Di Stone]

I toyed with the idea of getting some shelled peanuts last night but wasn't 100% sure that the would be ok. Gonna give them a try and see what come into the garden :t:

Di

www.distone.webs.com

 

[Saphire]

My birds won't touch shelled peanuts they just go moldy in the feeder, rather then stop putting them out I came up with a tip. I used my coffee grinder to chop them up, now they can't get enough of them when I put out a dish full.

If you haven't got a coffee grinder just chop them up fine they will love them. I also mix them with the sunflower heart in the hopper.

P.S Ignore this post I just realized you are talking about the peanuts with the outer shell.:eek!:

 

[Zoogoer2000 - Packwatcher]

Whole peanuts are great for larger bird, while shelled peanuts are a favourite of nuthatches and woodpeckers

 

[jewlieee]

I put out both unshelled and shelled peanuts. The jays and titmice will take the unshelled peanuts over anything else. I love watching them weigh each peanut before taking off with one.

The chickadees and nuthatches that come around here always go for the shelled nuts or suet.