Cage myths?

[Swifty_ano]

Hi all,

I started building a small avary for a Parrot. I am looking at getting an Eclectus Parrot, Amazon Parrot or if money permits an African Gray.
The cage itself is 2000mm(long) x 1900mm(Heigh) x 1000mm (deep).....Or close to it, I cant remember haha
Material used was Galvanised 100x100 Square tube, 3mm galvanised mesh and colourbond roof & Back.

This is where research prior to making it would have been beneficial. Turns out, Zinc is toxic to birds......
Now, I am looking for my safest option to make this cage safe for birds.

1) Wash it with Vinegar regularly. I do not like the thought of this idea, but I thought I would include it.

2) Use a non toxic enamel paint (apparently, all paints are safe when dry...however, I will confirm) sprayed straight over galavnised

3) Sand Plast the frame and paint with a non toxic enamel paint

4) Powder coating (being so large, i think this may be too expensive)



Any advice/past experience/ expertise is welcome!

Thanks everyone

 

[weco]

Galvanized metal does oxidize and does need to be cleaned off periodically.....

1. Wash the galvanized metal with water. This process will help you eliminate sand and debris that can scratch the metal when you give it a full wash. This will also help prevent corrosion to the metal.
2. Mix ¼ cup of dish washing liquid in a gallon of hot water. Hot water can improve the efficiency of soap when cleaning galvanized metal and can remove dirt quicker and easier than cold water. Using a soft bristled brush, rub the metal surface in circular motions. Start at one end and cover the whole area until the metal is all cleaned.
3. For galvanized metal to be used around birds, make a solution of water and white distilled vinegar and scrub the area using a soft cloth. White vinegar is a mild acid and is extremely helpful in cleaning oxidation & hard water stains from galvanized metal. To use it in a different manner, the vinegar solution can be poured into a spray bottle to apply it to a huge area.
4. Then rinse this off carefully with hot water to ensure that no soap is left on the metal...allow to dry

Powder coating would be nice, but I'd think the wire diameter would almost make an application difficult if not impossible.....not to mention that most coaters want you to bring the work to them.....you could check with a coater/shop......

Powder coating would be better than enamel paint.....

 

[Swifty_ano]

So I painted the mesh in a water based enamel. Safe for birds.
However, it's not very hardy and scratches quite easily. Will this be alright for a bird ?

 

[DallyTsuka]

i would say no because in time the zinc will be exposed for the parrot to chew

 

[Swifty_ano]

I gave it a vinegar scrub. I'm just struggling to find a safe alternative in my area. No stainless or powder coated mesh anywhere