Cage

What is a nontoxic paint that can be used for a bird cage?

I bought a used cage and need to repaint it, due to rust spots. What paints can I use that don't contain lead, zinc or chromate? Where can I get the paint? The rust on the cage is not found where the bird can get at it. However, it makes the cage look dirty and I would like to update it.

Public Comments

1. You can use child-safe, non-toxic paint, but..... You shouldn't be using a cage with rust. The rust is toxic to birds. Covering it with paint that will flake off, won't protect your bird. Bird cages are powder coated and the paint is baked on. I wouldn't use a rusty cage for all the tea in China. I would throw it out and buy a new one, or get the old cage refinished, and have it redone at a professional powder coater. edit** If the areas you need to paint are inaccessible to the birds, you can use any spray paint for metal, preferably one that inhibits and covers rust. Choose a spray paint which is free of lead, zinc, and chromate. It should be high adhesion, hard wearing, and fast drying. Touch up paint is also available through cage manufacturers, but it usually comes in a tiny bottle and is applied with a paint brush. It's only intended for very small areas.