Wild bird and pet food producer Henry Bell & Co has some top tips on what retailers might want to stock at this time of year.
Spring is an important time for wild birds as it is the season for egg development and for young birds to receive the right nourishment as they grow. It’s also important to look after parent birds to help them raise their chicks successfully, the retailer advises.
Henry Bell & Co is a fourth-generation family-owned British business that launched its own range last year – Henry Bell Wild Bird Care – featuring 120 products designed with health and wellbeing of birds in mind. All Wild Bird Food packaging is 100% recyclable.
Tony Clare, commercial director, offers these recommendations for products that are appropriate to stock and sell at this time of year:
1. Nutrient-rich food to help with egg development – a calcium boost will be welcomed by birds. Suet is rich in nutrients and is a great way to meet the dietary and health requirements of wild birds. Henry Bell offers Berry or Mealworm Suet Bites in a variety of pack sizes to suit all needs. These can be used in wild bird feeders, on bird tables and ground feeding. Prices start from RRP £3.99 for 500g up to £9.99 for 2kg. Henry Bell also offers Superior Suet Bites, Suet Cakes and Superior Suet Cakes, and Suet Rolls.
2. Protect chicks – peanuts must be fed in a rigid mesh feeder and the same goes for fat and bread. This is because large chunks of peanuts or other food can choke baby birds. Putting wild bird food into feeders allows the right sized pieces to be taken. Better still, choose seed mixes that are smaller and packed with energy and nutrition. Henry Bell has a variety of seed mixes, including a Superior Seed Mix (RRP £1.99 for 1kg – £9.99 for 12.55kg); a No Grow Mix (RRP £3.99 for 1kg – £17.99 for 12.55kg); and a No Mess Mix (RRP £2.99 for 1kg – RRP £15.99 for 12.55kg).
3. Parent growth – in springtime, parent birds need as much as help as they can get in caring for their young. You can provide this with a rich protein source like mealworms. Put feed out regularly and always ensure there is plenty of fresh water available. Henry Bell offers Mealworm in 100g (RRP £3.99), 500g (RRP £9.99) and 1kg (RRP £19.99). Mealworms can be enjoyed from the ground, the bird table or bird feeder all year round. All Henry Bell Mealworm packaging is recyclable.
4. Popular springtime birds – greater spotted woodpeckers give one of the loudest and most recognisable sounds of spring. This iconic bird can commonly be found on the side of a tree drumming the bark with its powerful beak. The distinctive drumming sound tells us when the male is ready to attract a mate – single males can drum up to 600 times a day. Peanuts are a recommended food for woodpeckers as they are a powerhouse of energy. Henry Bell ensures its peanuts are of the highest quality and tested for aflatoxins. Henry Bell Peanuts range from 1kg bags (RRP £4.99) to 12.55kg (£34.99). These can be placed in Henry Bell’s Heritage Squirrel Proof Peanut Feeder (RRP £24.99), which will keep nuts away from the mischievous garden friend, the squirrel.
