Supplementary Feeding

Mixtures to suit farmland birds

Farmland birds often become vulnerable to starvation during winter when natural sources run out. To ensure they enter spring in the best possible condition for breeding and survival, supplementary feeding during this ‘hungry gap’, from December to April, is vital.

Natural England introduced options EF23 and HF24 within Environmental Stewardship and this has since been followed through to Countryside Stewardship as option AB12 to support this activity, termed supplementary feeding. There is also an opportunity to support the Campaign for the Farmed Environment by providing seed for farmland birds.

Supplementary feeding involves provision of additional seed from December through to the spring on a regular basis alongside areas of wild bird seed mixture and over wintered stubble. Great results have been reported by those that practise supplementary feeding and a range of farmland birds clearly switch to this additional food source when the planted seed supply becomes exhausted.

Kings supplies a range of advice and seed mixtures designed specifically for this purpose:

• Expert guidance on variety selection to meet Environmental and Countryside Stewardship requirements
• A bespoke mix tailored to growers' specific needs
• A range of small seed pre-mixes, full mixes including the cereal element and straight raw materials for growers wishing to mix their own seed
• A wide variety of pack sizes, from 25kg to 1 tonne bulk bags
• Inclusion of SEED grade millet within Kings mixtures ensures high quality feed components. This is vital to help avoid potential contamination of rogue seed species to plots
• Flexibility of ordering and delivery; order any time for delivery in early December or whenever suits you.

Supplementary Feeding Record Book

Given the need (for agreement compliance reasons) to record the regular feeding locations, volumes of feed used etc we have created a supplementary feeding record book for annual use which can be used alongside your ongoing feeding activity.

It is weatherproof and designed to be kept in the vehicle cab, next to the feed store or in a jacket pocket and comes with enough space to note observations along with a simple farmland bird guide to help recognise some of the key species. 

To discuss your needs with one of the Kings technical advisory team, call 0800 587 9797.

Mixtures to suit the winter feeding of game birds

In preparation for winter feeding, Kings has created mixes to hold game birds and keep them in good condition during the colder months.

• Holding mix 1 contains wheat, maize with aniseed, red dari/sorghum, kibbled peas, tic beans, black sunflower and red millet. It’s ideal for spreading and spin feeding on the ground.
• Holding mix 2 includes maize with aniseed, red dari, kibbled peas, red millet and sunflower hearts. It’s designed to be used for spreading and in hoppers and can be mixed with farm saved wheat where required.
• Kibbled maize with or without aniseed.

Seed is available in bulk bags and 20-25kg bags at competitive prices and mixes can be adapted to suit individual needs.

For more information, please contact the team, speak to your local Kings advisor or call 0800 587 9797.