CONCORD, N.H. — Tucked away on the outskirts of Penacook and Concord, family-owned Duncraft has been helping folks feed and enjoy wild birds for more than 70 years. 

Founded in 1952 by inventor Gil Dunn, Duncraft has become a nationwide leader in developing and manufacturing innovative backyard bird feeders, seeds, and accessories—all in their Concord facility.

An Invention That Took Flight

Duncraft’s roots stretch back to a small shop on Main Street in Penacook, where Gil Dunn devised the company’s first product—a simple windowsill feeding station that dispensed fresh seed, water, and peanut butter. “My grandfather was always coming up with clever ideas,” says Shelby Dunn, a third-generation family member. “He wanted everyone to feel the delight of seeing birds up close at their windows and never stopped experimenting with new feeder ideas.”

By the 1960s, Duncraft’s 16-page black-and-white mail-order catalog was making its way to bird lovers across the country. “My father, Michael, and my aunt, Sharon, kept the innovation going,” Shelby notes. “We’ve come a long way from small ads in The New Yorker, but the same passion for high-quality bird-feeding products remains.”

As the business grew through the 1970s and into the ’90s, so did its national reputation. “We’ve been bringing birding essentials straight to your door for decades.,” Shelby adds. “Our print catalog was once the heart of the business, and now our website continues that tradition in a modern way.”

A Growing Website and National Presence

Today, you’ll find Duncraft’s extensive collection of birding supplies online at duncraft.com, where the company offers over 500 exclusive items—feeders, birdhouses, premium seed, and more—shipped right from the Concord facility to backyards across all 50 states.

“We love hearing from customers in California, Florida, Texas—everywhere,” Shelby says. “Even though we’re based in a small New Hampshire city, our reach is truly nationwide. It’s wonderful knowing someone in a different climate can still appreciate that moment of spotting a new bird at their feeder.”

Made in New Hampshire, One Feeder at a Time

Duncraft manufactures around 700 items in small batches right in Concord, focusing on environmentally friendly materials and ease of use. Many designs incorporate recycled plastic and solve backyard challenges, whether it’s deterring squirrels, discouraging “bully birds,” or keeping seed fresh and dry.

“It’s important to us to craft our feeders here in New Hampshire,” Shelby explains. “That hands-on approach allows us to maintain the highest quality and really listen to what our customers need, so we can create feeders that make bird feeding fun and simple for everyone.”

The Simple Joy of Bird Feeding

At its heart, Duncraft is passionate about sharing the delight of wild birds. “Even though the world is constantly changing, bird feeding remains a simple, joyful way to connect with nature,”
Shelby says. “It’s such a fun, relaxing hobby—once you get started, you can’t wait to see what bird might show up next.”

For newcomers or seasoned birders alike, Duncraft’s offerings include everything from proven squirrel-resistant feeders and exclusive suet shields to specialty seed blends and complete starter kits. Their popular Autoship program ensures fresh seed arrives at your door without ever running out.

Lasting Commitments and a Friendly Team

Duncraft backs its products with a rare 365-day satisfaction guarantee, giving customers an entire year to see how feeders perform in their own yards. “We want to make bird feeding completely rewarding,” Shelby says. “If something isn’t the right fit, we’ll gladly work with you to find a better solution.”

Behind every order is a close-knit staff of 25 to 30 employees—many of whom have been with the company for decades. 

The Dunn family’s tradition of working hard and treating each other (and their customers) like extended family remains a cornerstone.

Looking Ahead

From its humble origins in Penacook to its bustling website, Duncraft continues to encourage people everywhere to invite nature into their backyards. “When we see photos and stories from our customers, it reminds us why we’ve kept at this for over 70 years,” Shelby says. “The joy of bird feeding never gets old.”

Visit their website at duncraft.com or stop by their retail store in Concord to discover how Duncraft can bring more feathered friends—and more smiles—to your backyard.