How to bird proof open windows?

[CrazyBirdChick]

Last summer I only opened the windows (with screens ofcourse) in Blu's room when I was there with him to supervise. I used the AC almost constantly if it was hot.

This summer I was hoping to get a little more fresh air but I'm paranoid that he may be able to chew the screen and make a hole and escape.

I am brain storming ideas to make the windows bird proof. So far, the only thing I can think to do is buy some stainless steel mesh and attach it to the window pane somehow. But not even sure how I'll do that yet.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

 

[faislaq]

This might sound silly, but if you had some light- colored sheets you could pin them over the whole window. You couldn't see through those windows, but you'd still get light through them. And fabric isn't chew-proof, but it might deter him from landing on those windows to chew the screen in the first place or buy you some time first if he's determined.

Or pin the mesh the same way. Nothing a little spackle couldn't fix.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

This might sound silly, but if you had some light- colored sheets you could pin them over the whole window. You couldn't see through those windows, but you'd still get light through them. And fabric isn't chew-proof, but it might deter him from landing on those windows to chew the screen in the first place or buy you some time first if he's determined.

Or pin the mesh the same way. Nothing a little spackle couldn't fix.

Thank you, Karen! It's a good thought. Unfortunately, Blu is very comfortable landing on sheets (we have them all over already actually due to his chewing shenanigans, lol) I have a feeling that might bring more attention to the windows. That's the reason I don't use curtains even though I would actually like some.
I appreciate the thought though, thank you!!

 

[faislaq]

Then the mesh sounds like your best bet.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

Then the mesh sounds like your best bet.

Thank you! It's a little tricky cause I have the kind of windows that open up all the way sideways so I need to figure out a way that I can put mesh on but still have access to the lever.

 

[WallyLoopey]

Yes, I did sheer curtains over mine, but imstead of letting them just hang loose I secured them at the sides and bottom so they’d be tight against the windlw.

 

[faislaq]

Cut mesh to fit over, then maybe strong magnets?

 

[Mizzely]

@webchirp might have ideas

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

Good ideas that I will keep in mind, thanks everyone! I was just Googling and it looks like it's possible to buy ss windows screens, actually! It won't be cheap but that would probably be the easiest option. I wonder if my screens are already ss? Is there any way to test them?

 

[TikiMyn]

Thank you! It's a little tricky cause I have the kind of windows that open up all the way sideways so I need to figure out a way that I can put mesh on but still have access to the lever.

View attachment 272709

I have the same sort of window:

I also wat to bird proof them so I can open it, I wanted to do it a while back but as it was winter I let it slip. My dad is a builder and he says he can make something to fix it, not really sure what his idea was but I Will ask him to draw it out next time I am there and perhaps it would be of help to you

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

I have the same sort of window:
View attachment 272710
I also wat to bird proof them so I can open it, I wanted to do it a while back but as it was winter I let it slip. My dad is a builder and he says he can make something to fix it, not really sure what his idea was but I Will ask him to draw it out next time I am there and perhaps it would be of help to you

If it's not too much of a bother, yes, I'd love to hear what he thinks! Thank you!!

 

[faislaq]

I wonder if my screens are already ss? Is there any way to test them?

I'd like to know this myself. Luv Bug loves unscrewing hardware so she has her own ss bolts and nuts, and sometimes I wonder if the ones I find on the floor are hers or something else she has unscrewed & I don't want to pu any zinc ones back in her toy bowls.

And if they do belong to something else it would be good for me to thoroughly check the undersides of our furniture!

 

[Peachfaced]

I'd like to know this myself. Luv Bug loves unscrewing hardware so she has her own ss bolts and nuts, and sometimes I wonder if the ones I find on the floor are hers or something else she has unscrewed & I don't want to pu any zinc ones back in her toy bowls.

And if they do belong to something else it would be good for me to thoroughly check the undersides of our furniture!

I would get a magic marker (like a red one or something) and put a quick dot on the ones from the furniture, so that if she does mess with them, you know not to give them back to her.

 

[saroj12]

I had screens made from 1” x 2” ss welded wire and attached outside the window frame, beyond the regular screen. We took them down because it’s a fire hazard getting trapped in.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

I had screens made from 1” x 2” ss welded wire and attached outside the window frame, beyond the regular screen. We took them down because it’s a fire hazard getting trapped in.

Darn, that would have been a good idea if it wasn't a fire hazard.

Right now I'm looking into getting ss screens made into the screen frames I have now. It looks like it will cost around $100 a window.

 

[faislaq]

I had screens made from 1” x 2” ss welded wire and attached outside the window frame, beyond the regular screen. We took them down because it’s a fire hazard getting trapped in.

Darn, that would have been a good idea if it wasn't a fire hazard.
Right now I'm looking into getting ss screens made into the screen frames I have now. It looks like it will cost around $100 a window.

Just do 2 or 3 on opposite ends of the house for some air flow.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

Just do 2 or 3 on opposite ends of the house for some air flow.

That's a good idea but since Blu has his own room and only has 2 windows, one on the south side and one on the west side, I don't want to take a chance on it being a fire hazard. Fires scare me more than anything.

 

[webchirp]

Stainless mesh with vinyl u channel to cover the sharp edges. I need it more for window bonkers.

Excuse the messy window...it’s one that will be removed for the sliding door...

 

[Mizzely]

You can buy Muriatic acid from your local hardware store in the paint section. It reacts to zinc and will bubble, but does not bubble when there is none present. It's nasty stuff though so you have to be careful

Testing for Zinc in Parrot Toys

 

[Peachfaced]

Might even be able to use an old cage grate if it's the same size as your window?