Handreared red squirrel kittens now 17 weeks old - Part 2

[feorag]

It's because peanuts contain a substance called Aflatoxin which is thought to cause liver damage in red squirrels. they can be fed "Aflatoxin free" peanuts, but I've never yet found any, so I don't give them to very young squirrels and only a very small amount to older ones. Hazelnuts are best, but they also like sweet chestnuts and you can feed linseed, wheat, pine nuts and of course fruit and veg. Carrots are particularly good for them! A cuttlefish bone is also useful for providing calcium.

[lizzied5]

Why are they not allowed too many peanuts? I put out peanuts and some hazelnuts and almonds occasionally. Is there a health risk?

[durre1941]

@lizzie 5 peanuts are not nuts and have no nutritional value for them but no harm in feeding them

[MegaTaice]

good