The 'Other' Robins
As is the case with Robin Red, recent EU regulations demands that animal feed can only contain colouring agents that are 100% natural. This explains why we have had to create an alternative version of Robin Red, one that contained no artificial colour foods, as is the case with our original Robin Red. However, we have been able to keep that original ingredient on our product list by recommending that it can only be used in hookbaits. (See entry for Robin Red HB). However, by changing the dyestuff slightly, keeping the other ingredients similiar, we can now offer an excellent alternative to the existing Robin Red, one that contains only natural dyestuff. (See entry for Robin Red UK/EU).
The idea behind these new ingredients is to allow bait makers to utilise much of the attraction of the original product, Robin Red, without the subsequent – possibly unwanted – consequence of having the bait finish up a deep red colour. Thus naturally yellow birdfoods base mixes can be coloured orange, green or gold, and still maintain the taste and attraction offered by Robin Red (which would otherwise create red baits).
In exactly the same manner we have been able to adjust the composition of the other Robins by ensuring that only 100% natural ingredients are used. There are three additional Robin on our product list, all following the same basic concept of offering a highly attractive recipe that is nutritious and effective. Here they are:
a) Robin Green:
This one with especially appeal to the bait buffs out there, as it contains that well-known attractor Spirulina to provide the colour. The fact that is also a brilliant base mix ingredient is a big positive in Robin Green's favour. It can be used year round to add a vital spark to any bait be it fishmeal-, birdfood-, nut- or milk-based, as its natural peppery taste and smell can improve any mix.
But some of you may be asking, "What is it?" Well, in pure technical terms it is a biomass of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can be consumed by humans and animals. It less pure terms it is a high BV (biological value) nutrient that contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, pigments, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, that are known to benefit a carp's metabolism
After prolonged field trials, we are happy to reveal that Robin Green containing 20% Spirulina, has proved to be a real winner. Spirulina is also very high in vegetable protein (70%), which supplements the carp's natural day-to-day diet. Naturally occurring Spirulina is believed to be one of the most nutrient-rich foods on Earth. In addition, it can colour carp baits naturally to blend in with natural weed growth and with the lakebeds of silty and weedy lakes and rivers. It is also an important nutritional food that carp can detect and to which they respond positively. We recommend an inclusion rate of Robin Green of between five and ten per cent, but a stronger level of around twenty per cent can be used in high attract hook baits and freebies.
b) Robin Orange.
The new all-natural Robin Orange is a sweet and fruity alternative 100% natural colour food with powerful spicy undertones. This is one of the most attractive colour foods on the market thanks to its totally natural make up. It produces a light orange hue in the finished bait.
In common with the other Robins in the range, it can be used throughout the year in any type of base mix, be it fishmeal-, bird food-, nut or milk protein-based. Robin Orange has a powerfully sweet and peppery flavour, which will improve the performance of any bait and it can be used straight from the bag to boost the attraction of cooked seeds, nuts, cereals and pulses.
Furthermore, the spices and plants in the blend will ensure nutritional recognition thanks to the proven attractors incorporated in the mix. Our suggested inclusion rate is between 5-10% with room for experimentation upwards.
c) Robin Gold.
We have often been asked by the trade to create a colour food with the attractive properties of Robin Red, but that won't create a red bait, especially when mixed with our yellow coloured base mix ingredients such as Red Factor, Nectarblend or Softbill Food.
So we put our thinking caps on can came up with Robin Gold, which follows the same pattern of construction as Robin Red. However, in this case the dyestuffs used create a yellow/golden hue in the bait, which not only supplements the egg biscuit's natural colour but also adds significantly to the overall attraction given off by the bait.
These all contain the naturally yellow egg biscuit which, unsurprisingly, creates boilies that are yellow in hue unless a food dye of some description is added. There is no getting away from the fact that Robin Red is arguably one of the most naturally attractive colour foods available, but not everyone wants boilies that end up red in colour. So if you want all the attraction of Robin Red but don't want red baits, here's the alternative.
Written by Ken Townley
