FAQs

Field Notes: Answers to Common Questions

Got questions about setup, shipping, or our guarantee? You’re in the right place. We’ve gathered the most common questions hunters ask and laid out straight answers, no runaround. If you don’t see what you need, hit us up directly and we’ll get you squared away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the answers to your frequently asked questions about our products and services.

It is important to note that one Animator per decoy is recommended. These motors are capable of moving the Animator seamlessly when used correctly. Adding a SECOND ANIMATOR TO YOUR DECOY MAY OVER WORK YOUR MOTOR. Modern spinning-wing decoys last anywhere from one hunt to 20 years depending on the quality of their assembly. Spinning-wing decoys are not designed to have attachments and adding an Animator to your decoy may, or may not, be advised by the decoy manufacturer. Please understand, by using an Animator with your decoy Blue Bird Waterfowl will not be held responsible for the condition of your decoy before, or after, the addition of the Animator. If you notice your decoy is not functioning properly you can call us at 800.564.0914 to troubleshoot your issues and gather more information about how to use the Animator safely with your decoy. Here are some tips to ensure proper use of the Animator:

1) Use only one Animator per decoy.

2) Keep the decoy as close to the water as possible: keeping the decoy low will ensure the lease amount of drag on your battery and motor, while adding speed and splash to your setup.

3) Charge your batteries! Using low batteries will cause your motor to spin slowly and cause drag on your Animator setup. AA batteries should be lithium-rechargeable and be charged before each hunt.

Additional battery loss is rarely an issue at roughly 5%-8% and is unlikely to be noticeable by larger batteries. AA batteries suffer the most loss and are recommended to be upgraded to AA lithium rechargeable batteries. Having a fresh charge every hunt will ensure your AA battery decoys are performing at the highest possible level. Please check out our video on AA battery usage for more information. If you have questions regarding batteries, please call us at800.564.0914anytime.

A dab of Rem oil works wonders on The Animator cam shaft.

Your Animator is made of injected nylon. It has self-lubricating properties, but sometimes will still squeek during use.

If you do no have oil with you on your hunt, use some sunscreen or add a handfull of water over the cam while it spins and the squeek should stop immediately.

THE FIX: Loosen the two small screws at the top of the hinge connected to the cam-shaft. This should remove the "squished" effect of being overtightened.

If your Animator cam-shaft still does not spin smoothly, then call us immediately at 800.564.0914

If you bought your Animator from us, and you're the original owner, your Animator is covered under the Limited-Lifetime Warranty.

Your Limited-Lifetime Warranty covers EVERYTHING except loss and theft. If you have your product, we will replace it. Simply call us at 800.564.0914 to begin the process. You will have to mail back your broken part and cover shipping for that return, then we will replace it for you and ship it out for free, including shipping.

Though it is rare, the set screw can strip or become too tight in variable weather conditions. No problem! Simply call us at 800.564.0914 and we will replace the screw, or the entire plate, to be sure your Animator is easy to use.

WINGZ are designed to fit into your Animators, but not all WINGZ are suggested to be used with an Animator. The larger two sizes, 8" and 11", will significantly slow the speed of the decoy and subsequently slow the speed, and sound, of your Animator.

I recommend using the 6" Hi-Viz or the 9" Low-Light with an Animator and avoid pairing the Animator with the 11" Low-Light or 8" Hi-Viz. As usual, call me if you have any questions!

WINGZ are not currently designed to fit onto the floating mojos or other brands of spinning wing decoys. Though, they have been adjusted by some customers to fit the floaters.

Solution: The Mojo Elite Series Standard WINGZ will fit onto the floating mojo's by cutting down the connecting shaft on the wing by 0.5 inches and melting a notch into the plastic. Take this action at your own risk and call me if you have any questions!

If you bought your WINGZ from us, and you're the original owner, your purchase is covered under the Limited-Lifetime Warranty.

Your Limited-Lifetime Warranty covers EVERYTHING except loss and theft. If you have your product, we will replace it. Simply call us at 800.564.0914 to begin the process. You will have to mail back your broken part and cover shipping for that return, then we will replace it for you and ship it out for free, including shipping.

This decoy would normally use the WINGZ for Mojo Elite Series Standard. We have heard some folks are having fitting issues.

Though it is rare, the newest Spoonzilla decoy has a 0.5 inch shaft as opposed to the 1.25 inch shaft on the standard Spoonzilla decoy. If you hare having fitting issues, please read the FAQ on floating decoys for a simple solution.

Or, call us at 800.564.0914 and we will replace the WINGZ or refund your purchase at your discretion.

Still Have Questions?

Visit our contact page to submit a question. If you prefer email, reach us at animator@bluebirdwaterfowl.com. Or call 800-564-0914 or 707-536-0216 and we’ll help with any questions or concerns.