Frequently Asked Questions

Feeds

What feed should I get?

If you're confused by all these different feed options, a good idea is to go for a feed bundle with a mix. That way you should be able to cover many bases, and attract a number of birds, all in one go. However, we list all the birds that a feed is suitable for, and you can check out our Hints and Tips page for more guidance.

Are thistle seeds the same as niger seeds?

In short, no. Thistle seeds are often mistaken for niger (sometimes spelt "nyger") because they are both small seeds. However this is where the similarity ends.

Can our feed be consumed by humans?

While we strive to provide the highest quality of feed for our feathered friends, we do not recommend human consumption of our feed products. Food for human consumption has different government requirements for both storage and hygiene that are monitored by the government; these differ to the requirements for animal consumption. While our feed is of the highest standard we do not recommend that it is consumed by humans for this reason.

Why do many 25.5kg order come in separate bags?

For ease! Ever tried lifting around a 25.5kg bag? It's heavy! So we do our best to give you a saving by buying in bulk, while making sure you can still move and use the bags. Storing one bag while using the other also optimises freshness.

What if I have a nut or other food allergy?

Please pay close attention to our ingredient list, should contact with the contents cause a reaction. Please also note that all of our feed products are produced in an environment where nuts are also used in the manufacture of other products in our range. For this reason we would advise caution to those with any severe allergies when purchasing our products.

Why won't the birds eat the food?

There are a number of reasons why birds might not come to your garden, and it can be hard to diagnose quickly, but here are a number of reasons.

1. The feeders aren't placed in the right location. They could be in hard to reach areas, close to natural cover or near where larger animals, such as cats, tend to prowl.
2. A lack of water - birds love water, and need it for both drinking and bathing. Bird baths are just the thing.
3. A lack of diversity in food can mean that certain birds that would otherwise visit your garden fly away somewhere else. So try different types of feed, and trial what works best.

Can I keep the feed in the bag?

We always suggest storing the feed in an airtight container to help it last for as long as possible. Read our guide on bird food storage for more information.

Are the bags recyclable?

Happy Beaks uses a mixture of recyclable plastic bags when packaging products. Smaller bags of 5kg bird food are packaged in mixed plastic bags which can be recycled on selected kerbside locations, and most recycling centres. Larger bags are sent in low density polythene bags, which can also be recycled at some kerbside locations, and most recycling centres.

Our long term aim is to remove all plastic from our packaging, and we are currently researching how best to do this. Making sure that all straight bird food, seed mixes and other bird feeds are stored correctly is important to us. As such, our current mix of plastic offers the best solution for waterproofing, and longevity. As our packaging is very sturdy, we encourage our customers to reuse the bags for transporting garden waste, composting or even just as bin bags!

What steps are taken to make sure the products are ethically sourced?

We source ingredients from across the globe (which is necessary because certain crops can be grown only in certain locations) however we aim to source ingredients as locally as possible. In doing this we aim to minimise the carbon footprint of those ingredients, as well as support the local economy.

Are neonicotinoids used in the product chain at all?

We do not wish to have products from farms that have used neonicotinoids, but the producers of key ingredients, such as sunflower hearts, could have sourced thousands of tonnes of black sunflower seeds from many farms. Sadly therefore it is currently near impossible for us to determine which of those farms has or has not used such pesticides. Only an outright ban on them could solve the problem - and we support any activity that promotes this ban.

Do your feeds contain palm oil?

In short, no. Though palm oil can be farmed responsibly, we have decided that it is more sustainable to remove it from our products altogether. That's why there is no palm oil in any Happy Beaks product.

Feeders

Do I always have to use a feeder?

Using a feeder allows you to maintain the best hygiene possible. Feeding off the ground can cause seeds and straights to get damp, which in turn can cause disease in birds. By using a feeder you also limit the area in which you have to tidy and clean. See our best bird bird feeding hygiene guide for more information.

What feeder should I get?

We list all suitable feeders on product pages. However if you need more help, check out our bird feeders guide.

How can I keep squirrels away from my feeder?

Squirrels are inquisitive types, and aren't going to pass up a free meal. So keeping them away from your peanuts is not going to be an easy task. Keeping your feeders away from easy to leap from areas (such as roofs or bushes) is one precaution. You can also invest in a quality squirrel proof feeder.

How often and how should I clean my feeder or bird table?

There is no steadfast rule as to how often you should clean your feeders and tables, but it is important to do it regularly. The more birds that gather, the more often you will have to clean your feeders or table.

Bird feeder brushes and cleaning spray are both available in the bird hygiene section of the site. Read our bird feeder hygiene guide for more information.

Ordering

How do I make an order?

Ordering is simple! Either use the website, or call on 0871 911 7026. Lines are open 6 days a week between 9am and 5pm. Calls cost 13p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.

How can I pay?

We accept PayPal, credit or debit cards. All payments are 100% secure.

Why have I not had a confirmation email?

Sometimes, email service providers may block emails as they wrongly identify it as spam. We advise to check spam and/or junk folders in this instance. If you feel you haven't had the email, and that it hasn't been blocked, then please contact us as soon as possible.

Offers and discounts

Where can I get discount codes and offers?

For Happy Beaks' best deals, make sure you are signed up to our email newsletters. You can do this at the bottom of the site. It is also a very good idea to follow us on all social media sites too! We don't want you to miss out.

My discount code or offer isn't working?

Sometimes, discount codes and offers can malfunction. Here is a basic troubleshooting guide. However if none of the below works, please contact us.

1. Logout and log back into Happy Beaks (if you have an account).
2. Clear cache and cookies on browser.
3. Turn off any ad blockers.
4. Try a different supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
5. Try a different operating system or device.
6. Check that the code isn't case sensitive.

Do you offer discount for military, charities etc?

At this current time, Happy Beaks does not offer any specific discounts to organisations or third parties. However, if you wish to suggest we start doing so, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact us with any suggestions.

Delivery and returns

How do I get free delivery?

If you spend more than £25 or make an order over 12.75kg (excluding postage), postage is free. See our delivery information for a full guide on exclusions and charges.

How long will my delivery take and how will it be shipped?

Make a Happy Beaks order over 1.8kg before 2pm, and it will fly its way out to you the next working day. Happy Beaks sends orders via Whistl.

Can I change my delivery details once I have finished placing an order?

If you need to change your address, please call 0330 174 3812 as soon as possible. Lines are open 6 days a week between 9am and 5pm. Charges to 03 numbers are the same as UK standard landline numbers starting in 01 or 02. Mobile providers may vary.

Can I track my order?

For DX orders you will receive an email on the day of delivery telling you that your order is on the road. We do not provide tracking for Royal Mail or UK Mail deliveries.

Do you offer weekend delivery?

All DX and UK Mail fulfilled orders will be delivered on the next available working day. Royal Mail deliveries will be delivered on a Saturday if applicable.

If you order before 3pm on a Sunday, and qualify for next day delivery, you should get your order on the Monday.

Can I return my items?

All returns information can be found on our returns information page.

General

How do I make an account?

There's no need to make an account before you purchase, you can do this during the checkout process.

I can't get into my account, what can I do?

Please press the “Forgotten password?� link and follow the process. You may need to check spam folders. Also, please double check all inputted information is correct.

How do I get in touch with you?

You can find all contact information on our contact us page.