Hippy beads to the rescue?

[Dustbunny]

Currently we've been avoiding using the front door so PB can't fly out. Instead we've been using the back door because it leads into a screened room with additional doors leading outside - a safe buffer zone. However, every now and then someone like the mailman comes to the front door and we have to answer. Even though PB has shown no inclination to fly out the door, best to not chance it, especially with Fozzie coming.

Now I know this is going to sound completely wacky but here goes. Remember those long strands of hippy beads people used to hang in their homes right next to the lava lamps and beanbag chairs? :09: If I were to hang them or something like them between my interior front door and the glass outer door, would that work to deter a bird from flying into the wild yonder? At the very least it seems like it might slow a bird down. Has anyone tried this or something like it before? Will it buy us a little more peace of mind or only reinforce everyone's opinion of my "eccentricity"?

 

[SilverSage]

Actually, my friend and I have been discussing this! But I think I am too concerned about the danger of tangling, and I think I am going to go with a sheer curtain instead.

 

[Phlox]

What about a screen? I've thought about getting one of these so the budgie can have more out of cage time:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Mesh-Hands-Free-Screen-Door/dp/B005KKAB0O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1407376314&sr=8-4&keywords=hanging+screen+door"]Magic Mesh Hands-Free Screen Door - Exterior Doors - Amazon.com[/ame]

They have magnets to close behind you automatically.

 

[Dustbunny]

I rejected the curtain idea in my case for a couple reasons:

(1) Frustration. The beads I can just walk through anywhere, but with curtains I can only go through at one point. Which means every time I have to find that point of opening. It sounds so simple, but I can't seem to part my window curtains without groping around like a blind woman. Trying to do that with a dog barking, an impatient delivery person waiting, etc. sounds unpleasant.

(2) Probably the biggest reason is because when you part curtains they actually separate a few inches. You then have to pull them back together. That leaves a large space for a bird to fly through and precious seconds lost adjusting the curtain. Whereas the beads would fall back into place as a person passes through.

(3) Curtains would require a rod or some type of hardware between the doors and this would reduce the clearance height of the door. I'd feel bad asking people to duck to get into my home. This wouldn't be an issue with Phlox's screen idea though. (Thanks for the suggestion Phlox!) This also wouldn't be so much an issue if the curtains were attached in a fixed manner, but that would then make getting in and out more difficult.

(4) Curtains would need to frequently be washed since they are more outside than in. They'd also have to be an outdoor friendly fabric to prevent mold since they would get damp but also have reduced airflow to dry them quickly.

(5) Let's face it, the beads would be darn funny. I could even change them out by season. Red and green for Christmas, black and orange for Halloween... The absurdity is actually growing on me. My house looks so normal outside. It NEEDS this. ROFL.

 

[Dustbunny]

SilverSage, what about bamboo hippy curtains such as this: Psychedelic Peace Bamboo Door Beads? I think they'd be less likely to tangle.

 

[Dustbunny]

Bamboo Bead Curtain with Parrot

 

[4dugnlee]

I worry about the front door with the birds. We may end up screening in the front porch/deck for this reason. It's not a huge problem with just me and hubby here, but if the kids were still here at home we would DEFINITELY have to do something:11:

I do really like the bamboo beads with the parrot!

 

[Dustbunny]

We have talked about screening in our front porch as well, but we're remodeling so many other rooms in our house right now it's just not possible. I've seriously got the next 2 years planned with house and yard projects. That said, my front porch railings need repainted and the overhang needs some minor work. It's not impossible that I might decide next spring to screen the porch while making repairs. I'll just have to see how far over budget I go on everything else between now and then. :54:

That Hawaiian Days store has 3 or 4 different bamboo curtain designs with macaws. However, I think I'm a bad parrot mom because I'm leaning towards the panda bear: 'Cute Panda Bear' Bamboo Curtain. I'm still mulling it over in my head to be sure it's a solid idea first. Anyone have other suggestions before I decide?