Fixing up a rusty cage?

[farseeker]

Hey all! Haven't been around for a while - working two jobs is making life very hectic, and I'll be starting up at Uni again soon too. I have been checking in fairly frequently though, never fear, just not posting.

One of my friends has spent about six months talking about how she wants a bird - specifically, a cockatiel. Originally I thought it might be a passing fancy, but it's been a fairly constant thing for that length of time now, and the bird hasn't changed.

Anyway, I told her that if she wanted for her birthday I'd give her Trouble's old cage and chip in a bit for toys and the bird. After all, who am I to not encourage a potential future bird-lover? The one caveat is that she has to get permission from her parents before I give her the cage, because she is living with them at the moment. She's fairly certain they'll say yes.

Anyway, I had a look at the cage yesterday and spotted a few small areas that have surface rust. It should be fairly easy to get rid of with some light sanding, but I'm wondering what would be best to use to cover the metal up again to prevent it from re-rusting?

Are there any paints that you would recommend, or do you think it's best that I buy her a new cage instead? This one is in perfectly good condition apart from those small areas, so it'd be a pity to have to toss it if it can be fixed. ;D

[Robyn]

Hi, i know they use flat water based paint to paint aviary wire. Not sure if it will be suitable on your cage its probably been powder coated when new so will not stay on to good. And no other paint is safe for birds. Maybe the cage is not to bad for her to use until a better one comes along.

[starreys]

i used a rust kill paint i rang up the manufacturers they said it was safe, because you can paint it on kids toys,this is from the co itself "White Knight Rust Guard Epoxy does not contain zinc or lead and is safe to be used on children's toys. White Knight Rust Guard Epoxy Enamel is totally safe for human contact when fully cured and meets Australian standards for toxicological requirements AS1647 pt 3. " i used it on a macaws kings cage i bought on ebay when i got it , it was in a bad state considering the seller had said it was in exc condition, paint was missing everywhere and it had beginings of rust in places.

[Robyn]

Gee that's good to know Sarah, i was always told only water based paints. How would that paint go with a real chewy bird??? I have some aged cages i have just stacked away because they are starting to rust in places.

Robyn.

[madaussie]

Yes i use the same paint always have i use a spray gun to paint the wire black even good old doc harry has used the same brand.
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