FINCHforum

Hello everyone,

I'm a new owner of 2 zebra finches and I will be building them an indoor aviary (3' x 7' x 6.5')

I've been doing some research into wire meshing for the cage and most people seem to use galvanized hardware cloth. Now I read that galvanizing involves coated the metal with zinc to prevent rusting which is toxic to the birds. I don't want to scrub with vinegar because i'm worried that the mesh will end up rusting rather quickly. And stainless steel which is apparently safe costs a fortune.

So my question is can I prevent zinc exposure by simply painting the hardware cloth?

If so, what kind of paint is safe for my finches? ( I may also eventually add a pair of budgies in the cage)

If not, is there any other kind of wire mesh I can use that is safe, rust proof and not too expensive?

Thanks in advance!

Many people paint their wire mesh with black paint, as it makes the birds more visible, the mesh almost seems to disappear. Just make sure the paint is low VOC or approved for use around children.

Thanks for the reply Sally!

I just stumbled upon this website.
http://www.martinscages.com/products/wi ... coated.htm

Has anyone ever ordered from it before?

I think that galvanized wire is safe because finches are not going to try and eat the mesh. Also the galvanize doesn't come off.

I used the vinyl-coated wire or PVC coated wire for mine.

It is recommended to remove the zinc with a vinegar wash and rinse well, dry in he sun and pain as Sally suggested. You will need to remove the zinc powder coating to get the paint to adhere well. If wet once, dried and painted it will not rust....better to be safe than sorry.

This is another site, they sell the hardware cloth, vinyl coated and cage needs...

http://www.kwcages.com/wingzcatalog/

I recently had this dilemma building the new aviary here after reading a lot of theories online, but was told by several experienced breeders and shops whom had been trading for years, that zinc galvanised wire is fine for finches & soft bills as they do not tend to chew on the wire or use it to move around like hook bills do. I would be more concerned about birds chewing pieces of plastic off of PVC coated wire and exposing non-treated mesh underneath which could rust or corrode.

Just my opinion but I gave used standard zinc galvanised wire for many years with various birds and no problems with it (nor have friends who have kept birds also). In fact, it is only online that not using zinc galvanised mesh is promoted that I have seen.

darrenwilson I would have gone with hardware cloth, since as you mentioned, finches don't chew on it, but the problem is I will likely get some budgies eventually....

Toddmin I can't find any Canadian suppliers online for PVC mesh... Shipping from the US is so expensive

darrenwilson, my finches have never chewed on the hardware cloth.

@antz318, shipping for mine was expensive. I bought a long roll of it, which made it heavy to ship.

Try feed stores or hardware stores

Toddmin wrote: darrenwilson, my finches have never chewed on the hardware cloth.

Which is why I said normal zinc galvanised welded mesh is fine for finches!