Old cage

[Lorraine]

I have an old cage that was sitting in someones garage. Is it possible to clean it up with steel wool to remove some rust? Can I repaint it? If so, what kind of paint???? I am happy if it is not painted as it looks ok,just metal like? I already have Kiwi the quaker in a cage and he doesn't need it right away.. but it is a larger cage and Im sure he would be a little happier.
well, my handfed quaker is now 4 months old now and is learning how to talk what a character. Anyway, any suggestions on the cage or am I wasting my time on trying to clean it.
well, adios for now thanx

[MaryG1959]

I would think it would depend on how "clean is clean" and what type of metal it is made of. I guess if you are unsure the best thing to do is not use it.

I've never repainted a cage so maybe someone else can answer that part of the question.

[dezilu423]

I am faced with the same issue, Lorraine. Except, my cage is rusted to the extent that the front door cannot be opened. See my topic in the cage discussions board on "Renovating Rusted Cage". They've said that WD40 might work, but I haven't tried it yet.

[BiiRDiiELuV805]

I Also Had To Restore A Cage And I Asked The Man At The Pet Store He Said Mix Regular Salt With A Lemon And Dish Detergent Mix Then Add Boiling Water And Scrub The Cage With It, Well The Rust Was Off In No Time I Had Planned To Scrub For Days But It Only Took A Few Hours I DID THIS TWICE THEN I WAS GOING TO PAINT THE CAGE BUT I LOVED THE SILVER LOOK

[Macaaaw]

I would think wd40 would be the last thing you want your birds get and licking remenits of.

I would NOT use a chemical solvent. Bird feet high in the air will be the result.

Water is also a solvent. True! So mix water with aquarium salt (health food salt will also do the trick) and go after it with a new green scrubber.

Rince it off with a garden hose and then go to a paint store (not wal-mart) and ask for paint that can be eaten by humans and pets. Have them put it in spray cans for you.

[birdlady49]

Older cage makers used toxic chemicals to weld the bars. I wouldn't take the chance of having any bird get lead poisoning. Break down the cage so it's not usable and toss it.