The Final Piece of the Jigsaw!
“It’s a bit big Dad!”
Cleaner Feeder 4 - Version 1
It all began with Cleaner Feeder 4! I vividly recall Andrew remarking, "it's a bit big, Dad." He was spot on—I had crafted the perfect feeder for myself, but not necessarily the ideal product for everyone. Design and development are continual processes, filled with valuable lessons. CF4 served as proof of concept, prompting the birth of Cleaner Feeder 1 and 2. Retaining the same innovative concept as 4, they were designed in a more convenient size and at a more affordable price point.
Our product family has since grown to include the Cleaner Window Feeder and Cleaner Peanut Feeder. Today's journey in product development is an exciting one. We're on the verge of launching our Millet and Suet spring set—an uncomplicated addition, yet another layer to enrich our product line. Following closely is ZIG, a solution for Squirrels and Parakeets, validated through successful trials and already in the pipeline with our suppliers.
“Does it stop squirrels?”
Parakeet trying, and failing to access a CF2
All of our feeders are developed with wild bird health as the main priority, but the thing we are most often asked by the public is - “Does it stop squirrels?”. Andrew has been asking about this for years, and after trying a number of different solutions, we’ve finally cracked it.
Anticipated to hit the market in late April, ZIG (Zero Invasive Guarding) has proven 100% effective in trials. It's amusing to note that when we asked our trial partners for photos of squirrels and parakeets on the ZIG for a showcase, they simply replied, "they don't bother trying anymore."
Originally planned for CF1 and 2 only, due to a customer request, we are now producing 50 for CF4. As evident from the inception of this piece, CF4 holds a special place in my heart and shouldn't be left behind.
Bringing the family together
Sneak peak at the Cleaner Feeding Centre
And now, we arrive at the final piece or pieces of the jigsaw—CFC, the Cleaner Feeding Centre. It's our own hanging system meticulously designed for our products. You might be wondering why. The answer lies in the fact that CFC facilitates four critical wild bird safety innovations. It drastically reduces ground-based disease transfer and keeps rats at bay. It provides clean water, incorporates our ultrasonic Cat deterrent, and includes our camera system.
CFC will be available on a modular self-assembly basis. Buyers can tailor solutions to the issues most relevant to them and add other options later. The most significant advancement lies in the interception of waste husks in a safe manner. Birds won't have access to the waste; it will be securely held for disposal in bird-inaccessible pans.
Clean water will be held in a refillable bottle, connected to a narrow trough fitted with a perch. While we won't be providing a bathing option, we'll offer clean drinking water, free of any contamination.
CFC is compatible with ZIG up to CF2 size. So, picture this: clean, dry food, intercepted waste, clean water, a 360° Cat deterrent, and the ability to observe it all on your phone!
Most elements will be unveiled for the first time at a press event on February 20th, with trials scheduled in Scotland, Sussex, and The Isle of Sheppey.
As we near the completion of this jigsaw, the inevitable question arises—what will we do next? 😉
