“Most reptiles and amphibians eat live insects or frozen
rodents. Putting a focus on those items that can only be
purchased in-store is important and [can help] upsell the
customer to add an extruded or commercial diet for variety
and nutrition.”—RYAN MCVEIGH, brand manager for Zilla, a
brand of Franklin, Wis.-based Central Garden & Pet
HIGGINS PREMIUM PET FOODS
offers in Tune
Complete &
Balanced Diet
for Birds. The
food does not
contain artificial
preservatives
or flavors. The diet uses colors sourced from seeds, spices and vegetables for
natural, subtle colors. The tropical aroma is derived from real banana, pineapple
and citrus. Balancing these natural aspects, in Tune has added vitamins, minerals
and amino acids. The antioxidant formula contains balanced DHA omega- 3 and - 6
fatty acids along with stabilized vitamin C and vitamin E to support the immune
system. Fruits, vegetables and highly cooked grains are added to support the digestion of carbohydrates. Protected probiotics are added to promote the delivery
of active, beneficial bacteria to the intestinal tract in order to support digestive
health. It is available for macaws, parrots, conures, cockatiels and parakeets.
higginspremium.com
INDUSTRY VOICES
How can retailers leverage herp diet sales to get
a leg up on the competition?
“We have a little bit of a blind spot because I don’t
see the [hobbyists] who are buying online. I can
say that herp diet products are selling fantastically,
and our regulars are buying from us. They want to
support us so that we’ll be around for them. Online
competition is definitely a big issue, but in that case
I can’t see what I’m not selling.”—JAYZUNBOGET,
assistant manager of the reptile and small animal
department at Preuss Pets in Lansing, Mich.
“Customers are more certain of what they’re going to
get from a store like us compared to what they might
get over the internet. I do have a lot of people who
come in saying they ordered [live foods] over the internet, and when it arrived they were all dead. I’ve seen
a wide variety of people coming into the store. I feel
like the hobby’s expanding.”—MATTBENEDICT, sales
associate for Custom Creatures Pet Shop in Phoenix
BRENT-WOOD PRODUCTS
offers the Bow Wow Dog
Houses Tortoise House, built
on the platform of Bow Wow’s
large doghouse with outside
measurements of 40 in. by 40
in. The addition of 4-in. legs
to the home raises it off the
ground. The primary entrance,
that includes the ramp, was
expanded to a 20-in. width.
There is an insulation option
for the floor, walls and roof, which would assist in keeping the temperature
moderate and would serve as a barrier for controlling heat. It features a heater
as well as a full-size side swinging door for additional access with an option to
upgrade to a double door or French doors for the front opening. Other custom-
izable options are available. The company utilizes premium materials made only
from environmentally conscious resources. bowwowdoghouses.com
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET presents
the Zilla Spring Cave, natural-look-ing rock décor with running water
for species that like to drink from
a trickling water source, such as
geckos and chameleons. A large
stick helps animals climb into
the cave to drink, and a blue LED
allows owners to see them at night.
Amphibians will also love this
internal rain chamber as it provides
water to keep them hydrated and
raises the humidity in the terrarium.
The product includes a removable
feeding dish, which sits on top.
zillarules.com