Sanctuary finds lead paint in Chinese-made bird cages

[Birdiemommy]

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=7043217&nav=0RZF

 

[TexDot33]

That's really scary ... something that everyone should think about ... and the scary thing is, there is no way to tell unless you have the paint tested ... and just how do you go about doing that?

 

[Flyte]

It's ridiculous. Nearly everything from China seems to be poisonous!
Thats why I took all the plastic items/toys out of my birds cages. I'm sure I'm over reacting and they were angry but I prefer them angry to sick, ya know? Thanks for sharing that info..

 

[Redballoon]

I think Mattel just recalled a whole heap of toys that were filled with lead.

Good idea to make sure our birds dont have any in their cages. I have always assumed if its safe for a child, its ok for the bird.

 

[Flyte]

Yep Fisher Price too as well as a few other companies. I used to always buy those plastic monkeys or the plastic pretend food at Walmart to make toys for my birds but it all says made in China :/

 

[Tracy842]

Anyone have any ideas where you would go to have your cages tested for lead paint. Kinda scary just gotta check to be sure.

 

[Birdiemommy]

That's really scary ... something that everyone should think about ... and the scary thing is, there is no way to tell unless you have the paint tested ... and just how do you go about doing that?

I asked my avian vet if they had a way of testing. They can send a chip of paint out to the same lab that does testing on a bird's blood for zinc and lead.

My cages are from Mexico, but I think I'm going to take a couple chips in to have them tested. I've stopped buying bird toys in the store unless they're made in the U.S. I can't find any dog toys that aren't made in China either. I'm making my own bird toys and buying the dogs real bones instead of the highly processed ones made of ground stuff stuck together. I have lost confidence in the pet food and toy industry. It seems like they just don't care.

 

[NicoleN]

There are also at-home lead kits you can get. Last winter when I tested Sisqo's cage, I sent it in to a company and it cost $30. Don't know how much it is at the vet.

 

[Keupi]

Make sure you also test for zinc. It's not just lead when it comes to metals.