It’s officially the wild bird fledging period in the UK and these delicate young birds have special feeding needs. Honeyfield’s resident wild bird expert Simon Smethurst, who is head of sales at Honeyfield’s, is here to help. He has put together some tips and advice for retailers to share with customers, to help their precious garden fledglings thrive. 

“Fledglings are young birds that have left the nest but still rely on their parents for food, said Simon. They require a diet rich in protein and fats to support their rapid growth, feather development, and increased activity as they learn to fly and forage.

“Feeding them is a delicate yet rewarding task. It gives you the opportunity to open dialogue with your customers to guide them on the best choices, to make their gardens as fledgling friendly as possible.”

Simon has written the following top tips for retailers to share with their customers:

• In the wild, parent birds provide fledglings with insects, larvae, and other protein-rich foods, but human intervention can help when natural food sources are scarce or when supplementing bird populations in their garden.
• Suet blocks and pellets are excellent options for supporting fledglings. Made from fat and enriched with seeds, fruits, and insects, suet provides concentrated energy that fledglings need to fuel their development and maintain body warmth.
• Mealworms are a highly attractive and nutritious source of protein that mimics the insect’s fledglings naturally consume.
• By providing supplementary foods, you not only help fledglings survive but also encourage biodiversity and provide birdwatching opportunities.
• Place suet blocks, pellets, and mealworms in easily accessible feeders or on flat surfaces near sheltered areas where fledglings can safely eat.
• To ensure the safety of fledglings, avoid foods that are difficult to digest, such as bread or processed items.
• Ensure a consistent supply of fresh water for drinking and bathing.
• Remember that cats are a danger to fledglings and birds’ nests. If possible, try to keep your cat inside until the fledglings have finished feeding and left the garden. It’s best to do this until the birds have moved on.

“By understanding and addressing the nutritional needs of fledgling birds, you can play a vital role in supporting their transition to independence while fostering a thriving local bird community.” said Simon. 

Honeyfield’s suet blocks and suet pellets are premium, energy-rich feeds designed to support wild birds, especially during demanding periods like nesting and fledging. Packed with essential nutrients, they provide long-lasting energy, helping birds thrive. Easy to use and highly palatable, they will attract a variety of species to your garden.

By choosing Honeyfields, you actively contribute to the health and vitality of local bird populations, fostering a vibrant natural environment all year round.

The range is competitively priced for consumers to be able to feed the best, while retailers can benefit from good margin structures and introductory stocking incentives.

To find out more about the Honeyfield’s range visit: https://www.honeyfieldswildbird.co.uk/