Old Cage

[Joey]

Today was the first time I went to the dump ever!and there was a nice little bird cage there so I took it it has no bottom but I could make that out of sheet medal I was just wondering...It is very very rusty so I was going to use WD40 on it and re paint it.But I know some paints are poisonus to birds...what type of paint would I use...?:S

[Johnny411]

I am in the carpentry business and i can guarantee you that almost all comercial paint is posionus wet or dry. But I think that paint that youd paint a picture with is water-soluable and is safe to humans so birds as well? I am not sure but thats my advice. Other wise, does your bird eat on the sides of the cage? If not it might not be a big deal but Id be very careful.

[Joey]

No not really I was thinking of putting a canary in there and they dont really bite bars even if they did I dont think they could get the paint off its such a nice little cage...(sad)

[Dinky]

I'd be very careful about painting a bird cage. Not only are the fumes toxic to birds (and they are there a lot longer than when humans can smell it)but many paints contain lead and zinc which are also toxic to birds. If you do decide to do it, do plenty of research first.

[Joey]

Im sure I will and I will let it dry for many weeks before getting the canary...I dont vene have the canary yet so it has lots of time to dry...:rolleyes:

[Star]

I googled it and I found some websites that may help.:)
http://www.multiscope.com/hotspot/poison.htm
http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm
http://www.avianweb.com/toxichouseholdproducts.html

I hope I helped! Good luck, and if you need more information just google it yourself.

[HollyT]

If it's that bad I wouldn't use it for an actual bird at all...I'd use it for decoration far away from the birds. If it's old the bars might have metal toxicity as well. Re-painting cages is a tricky business..there's not much on the commericial market you can just pick up...the WD40 alone could kill any bird in the cage.

I wouldn't even bother...if you like it paint it and put a plant in it as decor or something...but I would not use it for birds.

[Budgiekin]

I agree with Holly. I wouldn't use it for a real bird. Today's cages are coated with special powdered coatings that don't contain harmful lead or other chemicals. I just don't think I'd want to risk it, even for a canary that may not even chew the bars.

[abel]

You can frequently find great bargains on cages at garage sales, thrift stores, in papers where people sell and trade-- like penny saver, etc. Even some pet stores have good sales now and then. And you wouldn't have to paint it, just sanitize it real well.

[Joey]

Alright I guess I wont put anything in it Ill just throw it out...:(

[bananaz65]

My friends mom owns a bird cage and she got me this special paint i used on this old rusted bird cage we had lying around if you shopped around and asked people im sure you will find one easly. bird cages can be to 50 bucks to around 200bucks but its what you are looking for and fidning the right paint for th cage can save you lots of money <3 so at least try and shop around its better and make sure its safe for the bird. i have used my cage for over a year and nothign bad has happend:)

[Joey]

So you painted the cage?And they are fine?:S

[jayjay]

im sure you would be able to find a safe paint, the problem is really the need to use WD40 and the rust problem that already exist. no matter how hard you scrub and clean, that dirty layer will always remain part of the cage and you certainly dont want your bird accidentally biting through (even if he isnt big on nibbling on it) and getting a taste of that dirty layer. rust is tough to get off and as a lubricant, i hate WD40.

[Jess]

Hi I Read Somewhere That You Should Use Paint That You Paint Babies Furniture With

[Joey]

Hnm...I dont want to risk it ill throw it in the garbage where it belongs :)