hi everyone! i was just wondering how to remove rust from a bird cage, i got this cage at a garage sale and its huge, but it has rust in it and i wanted to get it out before i put oscar in it.

please help!

Just so you don't feel ignored, I'm here but have no real advice, just questions.
What is the cage coating now? How old do you think the cage is?

I guess I'd start out with sanding it down. After that, I'm not sure.

well i think the cage is a couple of years old and im not sure of the coating, but thanks for the sanding tip ill try that

You can't really get rid of rust and it is harmful if your QP chews it. I think you can neutralize it with vinegar but I'm not sure how well that works, I guess it depends how much rust there is? Can you take a picture?

Another safer, but more expensive option would be to get it repowder-coated. Just check your phonebook for a company that does powder coating.

Hopefully some others have more ideas! Good luck!

well the rust is on the bottom and i wouldn't have to worry about him chewing it because i can cover it with paper, but is it only harmful if he chews it?

I think its only harmful if he chews it...but how would covering it with paper help? could he move the paper and get to it?

Of COURSE you can get rid of rust.... sanding is the usual method, then going over it with a fine steel-wool. And depending on how deep the rust goes and where it is, sanding is the way to go unless it's on most of the bars of a really good cage that you want to restore and then you can have it "dipped" by a professional restorer. Then it can be painted with a good non-toxic spray paint. If the rust is only on the bottom of a cage then it's not too big a deal to sand, paint, and then keep covered with paper or whatever you want to use. I have really great antique cage that I would love to use for Sweet Pea but all the wires are rusted and that is part of it's antique charm. It would be harmful to keep Sweet Pea in it, and harmful to the value of the piece to change it.

If your guy is like most Quakers and if he found flaky, rusty spots to pick at and nibble he would be all over that! Not good, so get rid of the rust.

Personally, if it were me, I'd bite the bullet and get a new cage. If he has access to it in any way (and even though there is paper covering it, if he gets it into his head to start shredding paper, then he has access to it), it can be very toxic to him and the vet bills to make him better will cost you much more then a new cage ever would.

You could try to cover it with another piece of tin/steel cut to size.
Or could you get another base/tray from the manufacturer?

Other than that all i can suggest is sandpaper & elbow grease!

I agree. Sanding is the best way. Other than that I would go the"new cage" avenue. Safer than just covering it with paper. QP's love to chew up paper and he would probably then see the rust underneath, and then want to check that out too... Not worth the risk.

well theres no rust for him to chew on and he wouldn't shred the paper because it it is lower in the cage, the part he does not go on and the is no rust on the bars, i checked 7 times

oscars_mommy,

If I may, I would like to offer my 2 cents worth......
Sounds like the rust is on the "Poop" tray and not anywhere that Oscar can get to it.... correct?
I certainly wouldn't trash a perfectly good cage if that's its only problem... IMHO!

Ever wonder how the Navy protects the metal from salt water corrosion on ships???
Well here is what I would do.... wire brush any loose or flaking "powder coat"/rust/paint off the pan.
Purchase a bottle of "Naval Jelly" rust remover. Stuff is toxic.... use outdoors and with latex or rubber gloves.
Read the directions thoroughly! Once the rust is dissolved.... rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Finish the cleaned pan with "Rust-O-Leum" or "Krylon" spray on Epoxy Appliance Paint. Expensive but VERY DURABLE and Non-Toxic when fully cured!
Should last a long, long time!
Good Luck with your project!
New QP Dad