Can cockatiels eat peanuts?

Better not: cockatiels shouldn’t eat peanuts. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) says seed mixes for cockatiels shouldn’t contain peanuts. They are very fatty and often contaminated with mold spores, the STS says. NC State warns that moldy peanuts can contain aflatoxin, and birds are much more sensitive to small amounts than people. Merck adds that improperly stored peanuts in the shell can grow mold inside. The RSPCA, on the other hand, mentions peanut butter as a trick when switching a parrot’s diet, and Purdue lists it as an easy food for home care after a vet has treated a sick bird, so we err on the side of caution.

Good to know: If your cockatiel got hold of moldy peanuts or seems unwell, the AAV says to get help from an avian vet immediately, even if you only suspect it.