Fixing rust on cages

Frecs · Oct 26, 2012

I have Bass Equipment cages for my outdoor rabbitry. I'm noticing some rusting starting. (I live near the coast so there is salt air issues.) What can I put on the rusting spots to stop the rust and prolong the life of my cages?

OneAcreFarm · Oct 26, 2012

Honestly? You would be better off to cut out those panels and replace them with new wire. If this is not an option, I have heard of others that clean the rust off and seal it with some kind of metal sealer, but I am not sure what it is or how. I am sure one of those guys will chime in. If the rust is on your floor wire, I would just replace the floor wire.

Cowboy1 · Oct 26, 2012

I would try to wire brush all the rust and corrosion off. The more you remove the better.

After that is complete, paint with multiple coats of galvanizing spray paint. Rustoleum manufactures a paint perfect for this.

OneAcreFarm · Oct 26, 2012

Cowboy1":1vbfcd6b said:
After that is complete, paint with multiple coats of galvanizing spray paint. Rustoleum manufactures a paint perfect for this.

I knew someone would have the answer! Thanks Cowboy1! :thankyou:

Cowboy1 · Oct 26, 2012

But of course!

Demamma · Oct 26, 2012

I was given a cage that had a 12 gauge bottom and 14 sides but was all rusted up. I gave it a good cleaning with cleaner. I then gave it a good scrubbing with a wire brush. after that I used rustoleum. It is my favorite cage. The wire though was no where rusted through and very good shape except for the rust.

jollysrabbits · Oct 26, 2012

Cowboy1":gztjumrj said:
I would try to wire brush all the rust and corrosion off. The more you remove the better.

After that is complete, paint with multiple coats of galvanizing spray paint. Rustoleum manufactures a paint perfect for this.

did it on all the used cages i bought, works like a charm! still going strong a year later.

MamaSheepdog · Oct 26, 2012

Galvanizing spray paint? :shock: Who knew? (Besides Cowboy and Jolly's that is...)

I bought a wire wheel for our drill and used that to remove the rust from the aviary panels I used to floor my growout cages. It is my understanding that a little rust is no problem for the bunnies, it is when it starts getting spiky that it causes harm to their feet.

I used Rustoleum Spray paint, but it is chipping off already. I'll have to find the galvanizing paint next time.

Frecs · Oct 26, 2012

Galvanizing spray paint...check...next trip to the BigBox. The rust is mostly on the latches but I figure this is something I'll have to keep an eye on due to the ocean air.

Cowboy1 · Oct 26, 2012

Another option could be a bbq grill paint.
Typically only black, which could cause heat issues, but very thick and chip resistant.
I would use it personally over the galvanizing spray except for the heat.<br /><br />__________ Fri Oct 26, 2012 10:59 am __________<br /><br />

Frecs":3vwk30du said:
Galvanizing spray paint...check...next trip to the BigBox. The rust is mostly on the latches but I figure this is something I'll have to keep an eye on due to the ocean air.

Keep in mind paint will change your dimensions. The latches will probably have paint scraped off in order to work, leaving you in the same situation, and probably why you see rust there first.

MamaSheepdog · Oct 26, 2012

Cowboy1":1fp0j9bl said:
Typically only black, which could cause heat issues

I used black paint, but the cages are shaded.

Frecs · Oct 26, 2012

Yeah, the cages are shaded so black paint wouldn't be a problem.

Good point on the scrapping issue with the latches, Cowboy.

Fixing rust on cages

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