3 replies to this topic

[goofy166]

My friend Andre who is having an on-going battle with a demon bird, a Northern Cardinal, who is constantly attacking his windows. I have posted about it under "Demon Bird" and got some good ideas. Andre is an engineer with a incredibly creative mind and wondered if there was a product he could design tho thwart these birds in a high tech way. So I'd like to know what you guys think of this idea and if you feel it has potential as a product.

"Do you think there would be a market for an 8-12" tall 1/8th to 1/4" thick "sticker" that has magnets and suction cups, with solar charging and li-ion battery, so it lasts 5 years hands free and can suffer the elements. When it detects motion in front of it, or vibration, or attack of the window its affixed to, it makes the attack sound or one of many attacks of the species the is a predator for this song bird. And if it matters I can make the eyes blink colors, and we even could make the wings move if we have a sub-assembly, of course they would move in 2D, but the birds can't tell probably

We could have a few of the predator birds modeled up and images silk screened on, manufactured, with electronics and power.

Do you think that would sell, and a price point of say $19-29?

I bet there are a lot of people that need to keep certain species of birds away, and short of killing them, might this be a nice deterrent in both residential and agricultural settings? Furthermore, it wouldn't cost much more to make it 3D, of course, that model stick on the window anymore."

[zoutedrop]

Prior to production the inventor should go through the home remedies suggested in the forum. A sheet of foil may be enough to dissuade the intruder. If the item is as easily produced as a nesting box, the risk is minimal. If a sophisticated build there would have to be a fairly high demand which doesn't seem likely.

[spyonabird]

It would sell if you could market it to the correct audience. People will buy almost anything if the price is reasonable. however, I see three main issues.
1. This would only deter birds attacking the window. This is a small niche market This would do nothing for the birds that fly into the windows when spooked or migrating. This is a larger issue with a larger target audience.
2. Marketing the idea. Luckily you have a good resource here for marketing. We have found that most of our business costs in the past have been trying to get the word out.
3. At that price point, you would have to be able to build the device for under $10 to make any profit. If you sell direct, you could keep the price lower. If you want to distribute through bird stores etc, you will have to pay the middle man (or woman )
Good luck!

[Julie H]

I like the thought of solar-charging this semi-moving object, but that would add another issue for north-facing windows, or those in constant shade of a tree or other building. Not sure that all this can be accomplished for a "reasonable" price. Merits some thought, though...

Julie