Established 1979 Company Number: 11693988 VAT Registration Number: 284 0522 13 +44 (0)1606 836036 +44 (0)7871 701585 elimarpigeons@gmail.com

James Hancock of Harkers

 

JIM EMERTON INTERVIEWS

JAMES HANCOCK OF HARKERS

James Hancock, Sales & Marketing Director of Harkers, presenting the 2012 Hormoform Bird of the Year trophy at the Blackpool Show.

1. Can you detail your services to the pigeon fancier?

It has always been the purpose of Harkers to provide a range of healthcare products for the fancier. This has been done successfully since 1954. Harkers have a first class distribution chain and the majority of our products are available through all good pigeon retail outlets. In the past we have had our own pigeon hospital service but with changes in the laws this had to be discontinued.

The first product Harkers brought on the market was Hormoform. This was launched at the now defunct “People Show” in 1954. It speaks volumes for the product that we are now in 2012 and Hormoform is still a leading product in the pigeon world. This opened up other opportunities for treatments for worms, coccidiosis, canker and insecticides for treating things like Red Mite. One of the most popular products Harkers ever sold were Corizium capsules for the treatment of One Eye Cold. These had to be taken off the market because of new restrictions, which was sad for everyone. 

2. Do you use current science in the formulation/selection of new products?

Yes we do and we have done this with products like Harkaverm, Harkanker and 3 in 1. There are better and more effective actives to use and this has been made easier by the introduction of the Small Animal Exemption. It means that we now have access to better actives. Before when pigeons were under the poultry banner it could be difficult as poultry are in the food chain. A few years ago it would have been impossible to launch a product like 3 in 1 that could be sold on general sale.

3. Are you field testing your products with top pigeon fanciers at different distances? 

Over the years we have field tested many products with leading fanciers but not at different distances. We always say “only healthy pigeons win races”. If the pigeons are healthy the fancier will do the rest. 

4. I was a user of Chevita products, finding them genuine. Do you concur? 

Chevita are a first class company with an excellent range of products. For many years Harkers and Chevita have enjoyed a good relationship. The main problem we had when we were their UK distributor was that everyone wanted the products we were unable to sell. For example they had some good products for respiratory problems but they contained antibiotics and couldn’t be legally sold in the UK. That is the same with all antibiotics, they can’t be sold over the counter. We are well aware that this is going on all the time, but Harkers have far more to lose than most. 

5. Are you bound by DEFRA/regulatory criteria in what you can supply? 

Yes, very much so and that is why we always follow the correct codes. Over the 62 years our company has built up huge creditability in what we do and we are not going to destroy that.

6. Will you have new products available?

Every year we look to add new and innovative products to our range and 2012 is certainly no exception! We are currently in the licensing stage for a number of new products that we are hopeful to launch later this year and early in 2013.

7. Hormoform is a huge supplement success. Can it be further improved?

Over the years Hormoform has been improved, which has helped to keep it in the place it is today. At the moment everyone seems very happy with it and no doubt 2012 will see many big race winners either fed or reared on Hormoform. Like all companies you cannot stand still and if a genuine reason came to improve it we would give it serious thought. However we wouldn’t want to change anything just for the sake of it. 

8. Do you advise on optimal nutritional requirements of racing pigeons?

No, we tend to leave this to the manufacturer of pigeon feeds, who have advanced a lot in recent years. Fanciers have their own ideas on feeding and loft management, much of it very secretive! If it works for you, you are happy and that’s what matters. If our products fit in, which invariably they do, we are happy also.

 

For more information on any Harkers product visit www.petlifeonline.co.uk.