How to Use Non-Toxic Paints on Bird Cages

New bird cages are often painted in powder coat which some bird owners consider too hard on the bird's digestive system because it does not break down as easily as regular paints.

Pet birds have a tendency to chip and chew at their cages, so it is essential that the paint you use to keep the cage looking fresh is nontoxic. Nontoxic paints are made primarily of natural materials and don't have harmful effects if eaten by your pet bird. There are brush-applied paints as well as spray paints that work for refinishing cages. The procedure for applying nontoxic paints is simple.

Things You'll Need

• Spare bird cage
• Paint scraper
• Sandpaper
• Newspaper
• Nontoxic paint
• Paint mask
• Fish oil
• Safety glasses

Instructions

Instructions

1. 

   Move bird to spare bird cage.

   Move bird to spare bird cage. Thoroughly clean the bird cage to be painted and remove all bedding materials and bird toys. Use a paint scraper to remove existing paint from bars and use sandpaper to remove any signs of rust.

2. 

   Lay old newspaper on the ground outside.

   Lay scrap paper or old newspaper on the ground outside. Set the cage flat on the newspaper. Apply a thin coat of fish oil to the bars to prevent rust. Allow fish oil to dry and become tacky. Apply a thin coat of nontoxic paint to each bar of the cage and double check that all areas of the bars have been covered.

3. 

   Paint the bottom of the cage.

   Allow the paint to dry. Place the cage on its side and paint the bottom of the cage. This will help prevent rust and complete the painting process.

4. 

   Allow the paint to dry for at least 48 hours before putting the bird back in the cage.

   Hang the birdcage in a well-ventilated area. Allow paint to dry for at least 48 hours to ensure that all paint is set. Place new bedding at the foundation of the cage and reattach bird toys, food and bath. Put bird in cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Wire several perches inside the cage to encourage your bird to use the perches rather than the bars of the cage to climb from place to place. This will help prevent paint from scraping or being swallowed by your bird.

• Always check the label on the paint you are planning to use. Avoid paints heavy in zinc.

References

• Avian Web.com: Refinishing Cages
• Eartheasy.com: Non-Toxic Paints
• The Bird Channel.com: Pet Bird Cage Questions