can i feed chestnuts?

[owenssammy]

Hi all.

Just wondering if I can feed peanut some chestnuts I collected while out dog walking?
Obviously don't want to give them to her if it makes them sick but I have seen squirrels eating them in the wild?

Thank you xx

[sadie7684]

I'm almost certain that you can't. I'm sure someone will be along soon that can tell you for sure but I would hold off until then. :)

[Jackie in Tampa]

I think FRESH FOUND would be fine..
IT"S THE IMPORTED RAW that are found in the grocery that has hurt sqs in the past... mycotoxins:shakehead
Not that all IMPORTED Chestnuts are a problem, but seevral sqs have died because of... just not advised...
however I am jealous that you guys can pick them up for free! sweeeeeet!

[island rehabber]

Jackie's right -- you never know how long the imported ones in the store have been lying around in shipping containers. I always find that some of them have started to mold inside, or they mold within hours once they're peeled :shakehead. Better to stick with ones you've collected outside that you see the wild squirrels eating, as you suggested. :thumbsup

[Milo's Mom]

As others have advised if the chestnuts are FRESH OFF THE TREE (like you opened the husks to get the nuts) they are okay. My guys (rehabs and wilds) LOVE LOVE LOVE them.

I would NOT buy them to feed.

[owenssammy]

Thank you very much. I will give her a tiny bit from a freshly picked one and see if she likes it. But I probably won't make a habbit of it just in case. Don't want to kill her!!!

Thanks for all your advice :thankyou