Fixing rust on cages

[Frecs]

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]

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]

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]

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]

But of course!

 

[Demamma]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 />

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]

Typically only black, which could cause heat issues

I used black paint, but the cages are shaded.

 

[Frecs]

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

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