Seeing as how the birds live in the living room (which is open to the kitchen), and I typically get up for work at 2AM, I have always covered them at night so they don't get too disturbed. Works well, but Chico's cage is pretty enormous and tall, which makes it a two person job, ideally. So I decided to devise a ceiling track curtain system similar to what hospitals use, that would curtain off the whole section of room where the bird cages are. I quickly discovered that it was not an inexpensive proposition. Did some Googling, priced stuff out, and came up with a total of $527.00. Eek! That included everything, curtain and all. Decided maybe I could make the curtains myself, since they are the most expensive component. Total cost for the track, carriers, and other hardware totaled $129.00.

Right now I'm in the process of "making" the curtains. I bought two king size black sheets, and am installing eyelets, or grommets on them. The sheets had to be shortened, and the grommets require several thicknesses of material. I'm no seamstress (seamster?), can't even sew on a button. So, I'm just folding the top of the sheet over three times at 4 inches, which gives me the length I need plus enough material to make the grommets hold. Much measuring and head scratching, and I got the layout for the grommets. Then its simply a matter of poking a hole, enlarging same (carefully) with scissors to the right size, then whacking the crap out of the two-piece grommet with a die and anvil arrangement with a hammer, to get them together. Surprisingly enough, it seems to be going pretty well! Of course I have no idea whether they will "hang" right.

Once I have the track installed and everything put together, I'll post pics. Providing, or course, that the final result isn't a total disaster!

That sounds very cool - can't wait to see pics!

Sewing is just like carpentry. Measure everything many times - you can't know how often i've miscalculated.

~I wonder about thickening the top too much - it might not pull out of the way in the end. Sewers use an Interfacing - it's stiff but light - it goes in the middle like a sandwich - some iron on to make it stop shifting as you sew. In fact there are iron on hemming glue strips that will take away most of your sewing problems top & bottom.
~You should add weigh to the bottom - sometimes the larger hem will do this & sometimes weights are added. You won't want them blowing into the cages - will get reworked for sure that way & maybe scare the birds???

Suggestion: Go to the better stores to see how good drapes are constructed.

I can't wait to see these pictures! Sounds like quite the undertaking Nate...good luck!

I second this idea, I guess you already have an idea of parrot remodeling capabilities, I am not sure zons can get scared?? I am at present experiencing curtain and wall redesigning.

there is stuff in a fabric shop or dollar store whereever. that instead of sewing you can use this stuff as if you are sewing........

if you are doing ok with the way you are doing it. then cant wait to see pictures...................

i was thinking the same thing about budgie cage will do tht when i get into new apartment........

This may be too late but several dark shower curtains from the dollar store might have worked, too. They already have the grommets and they are usually weighted.
But I commend you on tackling this project. My husband wouldn't even know how to thread a needle.

Waiting for pics of your project........

I'm impressed. I would've never contemplated this project. Great idea! Post pics when completed.

You sure you got all the pleats in straight, right? And that you did not cut across the nap or grain of the fabric? Don't mind me, I don't know what the heck I am talking about -- just trying to yank your chain (or should I say, "rattle your grommet puncher"?) LOL I'm impressed by your creativity! Can't wait to see the finished product!