Cleaning galvanised wire.

[kali]

We just cut out a grate for Lexi's new cage and i need to scrub the wire before putting her in it. I've run out of vinegar, can i soak it in a bleach solution in the bath? Will it clean it the same way?

[jimpierce7]

I don't believe it will. Vinegar is acidic and coupled with a scrub brush one can get off all loose zinc.

[kali]

Ok, i just got some vinegar and scrubbed the thing with a bristle brush for about 20 mins. Is that enough? Should i use a metal scourer instead? I want to have this done properly but not sure exactly what to do?!

[kali]

There are no loose pieces, it's all smooth and it seems clean to me. I just read something saying to give apple and extra calcium to help guard against zinc poisoning, so i will have to buy a whole BAG of apples tomorrow!

I'll try her in it and see how it goes. I'll post some pics once it's all done, i wonder if anyone has tried a rabbit cage for birds before?!?!

[Rahni]

THe main thing is to make sure the wire is not shiny, it should look powdery. If it is shiny it still has zinc residue, and yes they actually do get zinc poisoning because one of my turks got it and I had to give him meds for nearly two weeks! My fault.
Don't use a metal scourer as this will take the zinc off completely and thus defeating the purpose as the wire will rust.
If you can try and soak it in water overnight or let it stay really wet over night, as this speeds up the oxidisation.

[Rahni]

THe main thing is to make sure the wire is not shiny, it should look powdery. If it is shiny it still has zinc residue, and yes they actually do get zinc poisoning because one of my turks got it and I had to give him meds for nearly two weeks! My fault.
Don't use a metal scourer as this will take the zinc off completely and thus defeating the purpose as the wire will rust.
If you can try and soak it in water overnight or let it stay really wet over night, as this speeds up the oxidisation.

[kali]

It took a while for someone to answer, so i sprayed the vinegar on with a spray bottle and left it for a bit, scrubbed for another 1/2 hour and then put it in.

Should i take it back out? I've already taken everything out of her cage and put it in the new one! I could just have the paper down the bottom for a few days until it's done.

[Rahni]

It really depends on whether it still looks shiny, if it does I wouldn't risk it. Where are you using the wire? if it's on the bottom and if she spends not much time on the ground then newspaper should be fine, it's really only if they climb on it and grab the wire in their beaks that they are likely to ingest it. And if it is on the ground then the poop will help too as it is also acidic!

[kali]

Its on the bottom of the cage. I need a grate there as she spends a lot of time on the bottom. I watch her a lot though, and she doesn't chew on it.

[jimpierce7]

wow. I was told the exact opposite about the galvanized. As it comes powdery looking and clean it until that is gone. lol Yikes.
You will never get all the zinc off. Zinc is the main product in galvanizing. The work you put into it should be more then enough. When I built my own cages a few years ago I went crazy with it and used a wire wheel on a drill with vinegar. Basically just sped up the process.