Raw nut concerns: peanuts in shells, walnuts, etc

[teamlamont]

Hi everyone.

Is there any concern over raw nuts, say peanuts or walnuts in the shell that are not roasted? If so should we bake them for a bit before feeding to kill any bacteria or insects or anything?

Thanks in advance for your help and incite!

[cypher]

Raw nuts are fine, they are more nutritious raw than roasted & it's better to give them that way.
They do need to be fresh though, nuts can go rancid fairly quickly.

[teamlamont]

Thanks so much Cypher. You have been really helpful. Just want to make sure Im doing the right thing and falling into good habits.

Thanks again!

[cypher]

You're welcome, it's surprising just how many things there are to think about when you start keeping hams!

[Pebbles82]

I think as long as you buy them in the supermarket (where they are sold fit for humans) they will be fine I did wonder about the difference between monkey nuts and roasted monkey nuts (peanuts in their shells) and didn't see a lot of difference - I've used both but the roasted ones seemed a bit nicer.

There are issues with peanuts for birds being lethal with a kind of fungus so they have to be the right peanuts. Just play on the safe side and get the ones for humans

Almonds in skins are supposed to be poisonous to hamsters I believe - shelled walnuts and brazil nuts are fine and peanuts in their shells are fine. I give half a brazil nut a week because it's extra protein and it's also supposed to have something special in that boosts the immune system. Our hamster gets a nut every day - either walnut, brazil nut, plain cashew nut or sometimes fresh coconut if he's lucky!

[cypher]

Dry roasted monkey nuts are a bit lower in fat than unroasted, I do sometimes use them & the hams seem to enjoy them as much really.

It may be different in the US but here in the UK all bird peanuts should now be free from aflotoxins (I can't remember how to spell it!) but to be on the safe side you can just buy human ones easily enough.

Sweet almonds sold for humans are fine but bitter almonds are toxic & almonds should never be given in the shell.

[teamlamont]

Great information everyone. Thank you so much. I would hate to make a mistake and cause harm to my little guy.

I really appreciate all the help and advice here!