Badgers and peanuts

[Snuckie]

Hi
We have badgers that visit us every night. I have put out peanuts for them as a treat now and then. The rest of the time they eat the bird seed I put out for the ground feeders. I must admit they do keep things rather tidy apart from their holes they dig. Last week I put ot some peanuts still in their shells for a change. I expected them to eat them all shells included. I did not see the badgers that night but next morning they had shelled the peanuts, eaten the nuts and left the shells. They have done this twice now. Hubby is not impressed with the mess of shells.
I might be a bit naive but I am suprised by this behaviour.
Do badgers usually shell the nuts?

Gina

PS we don't have squirrels and this only happens at night.

[nightshade]

Would you eat peanuts in their shells? no?

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Snuckie

....Do badgers usually shell the nuts?...

I sometimes put out peanuts in their shells as well and yes, our visiting Badgers also shell them

Originally Posted by nightshade

Would you eat peanuts in their shells? no?

...but I wouldn't eat earthworms either

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[dave midi]

I would simply use the peanuts that we feed the birds (without shells).
Badgers are also fond of peanut butter.

I went badger watching a couple years ago and we laid a trail of peanuts where we wanted the badgers to go so we could get pictures. Sure enough, the badgers followed the trail and obliged for portraits.

[Eryri]

Peanut butter works best, but you have to open the jar for them.
Also, best surround the sett with twigs dabbed with peanut butter for filming....
Mid Wales Badger Man
Warning : When visiting the Brecon Beacons, it's best to wrap up your sandwiches securely.

[dave midi]

Yes indeed, you need to open the jar for them

That's a fantastic video, Eryri. Thanks for showing us.

[Dorts]

The only mammals I have come across that eat 'shells 'n all' are Pigs and Horses, and horses will try to seperate the shells.. Be interesting if anyone can add to that; possibly Deer perhaps?

Best thing to keep Badgers interested are toffees, they love them but they get stuck to their teeth so they have stick their paw in their mouths to to try and un-stick them; keeps them busy for ages.
Put them almost out of reach up a tree! Not too be fed too often though. Dental health and all that.
Dorts.