Raw • Unsalted • In Shell
Wakefield Extra-Large In-Shell Peanuts for Wildlife
Stock your backyard feeder with six pounds of extra-large Wakefield raw peanuts. These unsalted, in-shell peanuts are an engaging supplemental treat for squirrels, chipmunks, blue jays, woodpeckers, crows and other peanut-eating backyard visitors.
Product at a Glance
6 lb
Net weight
2.72 kg
Raw
No roasting or added seasoning
Unsalted
No added salt or flavor coating
In Shell
A natural foraging-style treat
A Satisfying Backyard Treat
Whole in-shell peanuts appeal to animals that can carry, open or cache larger foods. Their size and shell make them especially suitable for dedicated squirrel feeders, covered platforms and wire feeders designed with openings large enough for whole peanuts.
Offer them in moderate quantities as a supplemental treat alongside naturally available foods rather than as an animal’s sole source of nutrition.
Animal Comparison Guide
Use this guide to choose an appropriate feeder and serving approach for common backyard visitors.
Blue Jays & Larger Birds
Suitability: Excellent
Best setup: Covered platform or whole-peanut mesh feeder
Serving note: Offer a small amount and replace it before it becomes wet or stale.
Squirrels
Suitability: Excellent
Best setup: Dedicated squirrel feeder or raised platform
Serving note: In-shell peanuts encourage natural carrying and opening behavior.
Chipmunks
Suitability: Good in moderation
Best setup: Stable low platform away from roads and pets
Serving note: Provide only a few peanuts at a time and never hand-feed wildlife.
Deer & Large Mammals
Suitability: Not recommended for routine backyard feeding
Best setup: None without local wildlife guidance
Serving note: Feeding restrictions and baiting laws vary. Check applicable regulations first.
For pets or livestock, consult a veterinarian or qualified animal-nutrition professional before adding peanuts to the diet.
Responsible Feeding Directions
- Offer only an amount that visiting animals can consume within a short period.
- Use a clean feeder that helps protect the peanuts from rain, snow and ground moisture.
- Remove old food before refilling instead of placing fresh peanuts over leftovers.
- Clean feeding surfaces regularly to help limit spoilage and the spread of disease.
- Check state and local wildlife-feeding rules before placing food outdoors.
Keep Peanuts Cool and Dry
Protect raw peanuts from heat, humidity and direct sunlight. For extended storage, transfer them to a clean, tightly closed container and refrigerate or freeze when practical.
- Keep the storage area cool, clean and dry.
- Never offer wet, moldy, discolored or rancid peanuts.
- Rotate older peanuts to the front and use them first.
- Allergen notice: Contains peanuts.
Optional Human Preparation
How to Cook Raw Peanuts for Human Consumption
These peanuts are raw and should be thoroughly cooked before eating. Reserve a clean portion directly from the package for human preparation. Never consume peanuts that have been placed in a feeder, exposed outdoors or handled by animals.
Before cooking, inspect the peanuts and discard any that are moldy, discolored, damaged, rancid or unusually odorous. Cooking times are approximate because ovens and microwaves vary.
Conventional Oven Roasting
For in-shell peanuts:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Arrange raw in-shell peanuts one layer deep in a shallow baking pan.
- Roast for approximately 20–25 minutes, checking frequently near the end.
- Remove just before the desired doneness and allow them to cool. Peanuts continue cooking as they cool.
Microwave Roasting
For 1 cup of shelled raw peanuts:
- Remove the shells, place the peanuts in a colander and wet them thoroughly.
- If desired, sprinkle with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Place in a microwave-safe casserole dish or pie plate.
- Using a 700-watt microwave as a reference, cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 minutes, stir, and cook for another 2 1/2 minutes.
- For a darker roast, continue in 30-second increments. Cool completely before tasting; the peanuts become crisper as they cool.
Oil Roasting
For 2 cups of shelled peanuts:
- Remove the shells and heat enough peanut oil to cover the kernels to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan.
- Carefully add the peanuts and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove just before the desired doneness, drain on paper towels and allow to cool completely.
Use appropriate caution when working with hot oil.
Boiled Peanuts
For 2–3 pounds of raw in-shell peanuts:
- Rinse the peanuts and place them in a large pot with approximately 1 1/2 cups of salt.
- Add enough water to keep the peanuts completely submerged.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 1–3 hours.
- Remove a peanut, allow it to cool and check the texture. Continue cooking until the kernels are soft rather than crunchy.
- Drain and serve. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container.
Food-safety and allergen notice: Contains peanuts, a major food allergen. Prevent cross-contact with other foods and surfaces. Do not eat raw, spoiled or moldy peanuts. Preparation times vary by equipment and batch size, so monitor the peanuts closely throughout cooking.
A Wakefield Tradition Since 1965
Wakefield Peanut Company has supplied peanut products from Wakefield, Virginia, since 1965. This convenient six-pound package continues that tradition with raw, unsalted peanuts selected for customers who enjoy watching backyard wildlife.
The breathable mesh package is easy to carry, while the whole shells provide a familiar handling and foraging experience for peanut-eating visitors.