Are hammertone coated metal cages toxic for parrots?

[Habiibatii]

My umbrella cockatoo loves chewing! This is my first parrot and prior I didn’t know much about birds. I’ve been doing my research and learned a lot this far. Im not finding much information on cages coated in hammertone or “Hammer paint”, and if they are safe. I’ve seen bird cages where it’s flaking off, and that can’t be good. It is a bird cage, but not all companies are integral and I am new to birds.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Hammer Paint, as you call it, should be okay if it's safe for nurseries and children's toys. Those are non toxic and should be safe for bird cages. Otherwise I'd avoid it. Beyond that, I wish I was of more help!

 

[BirdyBee]

My umbrella cockatoo loves chewing! This is my first parrot and prior I didn’t know much about birds. I’ve been doing my research and learned a lot this far. Im not finding much information on cages coated in hammertone or “Hammer paint”, and if they are safe. I’ve seen bird cages where it’s flaking off, and that can’t be good. It is a bird cage, but not all companies are integral and I am new to birds.

I would suggest finding an aluminum or stainless steel cage. I don't think any pqint safe if he ingest it. Small amounts? Sure. Large amounts? No.

I find very little info if it is safe even for humans, so I suggest not using it.

 

[BirdyBee]

I would suggest finding an aluminum or stainless steel cage. I don't think any pqint safe if he ingest it. Small amounts? Sure. Large amounts? No.

I find very little info if it is safe even for humans, so I suggest not using it.

I found a few documents online that say it can be harmful if humans ingest it so I dunno. Maybe we're thinking about a different paint.

 

[wrench13]

SO it really comes down to how it was painted. If they used a rattle can of spray paint, then the answer is a resounding NO. If however the cage was powder coated (which good quality cages are) then that is safe. Powder coating is a fine powder that is electrically applied to the cage and then cured in a high temp oven. It is hard as nails and as such is very beak resistant.

 

[Jexnell]

I trust the American made cages with "Hammertone" such as my Prevue or A&E cages over the hundreds of Chinese knock-offs.

My old roommates Mom showed up one day with a pair of Budgies in a cardboard box. Crazy right. I didn't have a real spare cage for them just my to-go cage for my Sun Conure. At the time I didn't have the cash for a Prevue or A&E cage so got one of the Chinese ones. When it arrived the paint was already rusting is some places and peeling off. Needless to say I sent it back and got a smaller Prevue cage than I wanted to.

 

[saxguy64]

Sadly, aside from possibly some custom makers, there are no more cage manufacturers in the US. They are all sourced from China, made to each particular brand's specs, and all from a small number of factories. The cheaper "Chinese" brands are cheaper because those specs are more cost effective, ie. cheaper, thinner materials, cheaper coatings, less stringent quality control, etc. End result leaving the choice of "good" vs "maybe good enough." (or maybe not)