Q: Does SHOOO! use ultrasound?

A: No. SHOOO! uses audible frequencies. Birds like us can’t hear ultrasound. See the blog about academic studies on ultrasound.

Q: How long does the battery last?

A: 30 to 60 days, depending on light hours, temperature, and volume setting.

Q: How loud is SHOOO!?

A: SHOOO! has a maximum audio output of approximately 98 dB and plays bird calls at a volume similar to that of a real bird.

Q: How often does SHOOO! play its bird calls?

A: SHOOO! plays a random sequence of bird calls at a random time between 15 and 30 minutes. (for the Heron device 7.5 to 15 minutes)

Q: Can I reduce the time between calls?

A: Yes, you can put it into fast mode  for 7.5 to 15 minutes between calls.  See video 

Q: What bird songs does SHOOO! play?

A: UK/EU: Buzzard, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Kestrel, Red Kite, Peregrine Falcon, Crow, Magpie, Pigeon, Jackdaw, Magpie, Sparrowhawk, and Starling.

USA: Sparrow, Starling, Herring Gull, Hairy Woodpecker, Common Grackle, Common Crow, Red-Tailed Hawk, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, American Kestrel, Cooper’s Hawk. 

Q: How much area will SHOOO! cover?

A: SHOOO! is effective up to approximately 50-100 square meters. (500-1000 sq ft)

Q: How long will it take for it to be effective?

A: It can take up to 2 weeks for the birds to disperse.

Q: How do I attach SHOOO! to a vertical surface?

A:  If you have bought the product direct, then simply hook the product on the supplied button screwed to the surface.  If you purchased on Amazon/Ebay then use a cable tie. 

Q: Does SHOOO! work at night?

A: By default, SHOOO! is equipped with a photodetector that turns off at dusk. This feature can be manually deactivated (see the user manual) for continuous 24-hour operation.

Q: Is SHOOO! waterproof?

A: Yes, you can leave SHOOO! out in the rain, as it’s IP65 certified.

Q: Will SHOOO! disturb my pets?

A: No, unless you have a particularly nervous pet, SHOOO! plays natural bird sounds that your pet should be familiar with.

Q: Can I use rechargeable batteries?

A: You can’t use nickel-metal hydride batteries, but you can use the more expensive lithium rechargeable batteries.

Q: Is SHOOO! 100% effective?

A: No, unless you spend all day monitoring your yard and scaring away birds, no bird deterrent will be 100% effective. However, bioacoustic devices like Shooo! have been shown to be the most effective. Birds that have just approached the affected area may be present between SHOOO!’s alarm calls. before they’re scared and run away. The most effective method is to combine a physical deterrent with a bioacoustic device. We recommend hanging old CDs on a string, as birds dislike reflected light. Airport deterrents use lasers and bioacoustics.

Q: Why does my SHOOO go quiet? 

A: Make sure the device is exposed to good outdoor sunlight. It has a photosensor that turns it off from dusk to dawn.

Q: Can I get SHOOO! to play when dark?

A: Yes, the automatic switching on at dawn can be disabled for 24 hour operation. See description on how to below:

To enable 24-hour mode, turn it off for 2 minutes, then turn it on while holding the volume button, releasing when the beeps are heard. Two cockerels (daylight) or two owls (dark) confirm 24-hour mode. To return to default mode, repeat the steps until you hear a single cockerel or owl. The unit saves the setting when powered off. 24-hour mode reduces battery life.  Note: If you have an older model that makes a blue tit sound on start-up, the process is different.