FINCHforum

I knwo galvanized metal can be a problem for parrots, but is it really a problem for finches since they will not even be touching it, let alone mouthing it?

I don't think its a problem at all I have one thats been outside for almost three years without any ill effects

You can also purchase vinyl coated wire, but it's a little more expensive but it looks nicer.

Fishguy2727 wrote:I knwo galvanized metal can be a problem for parrots, but is it really a problem for finches since they will not even be touching it, let alone mouthing it?

From what I've been led to believe, it's not the galvanizing that's the problem. It's the lead used to saulder the wires that's the problem, but if you get wire that is galvanized after welding, then it's nice and clean, no chunks of saulder for the birds to pick at. I had the other kind, when I had society finches, and never saw them peck at it, but this time I got the cleaner wire, as I was going for a smaller size opening, and wanted better viewing. This stuff galvanized after welding is very clean and smaller gauge, so I'm sure it's safe for finches.

Franny, are you talking about the wire that is 1" x .50"? This seems to be a commonly used wire. The roll I purchased was actually welded and not soldered. I'm sure there are many types of wiring out there.

atarasi wrote:Franny, are you talking about the wire that is 1" x .50"? This seems to be a commonly used wire. The roll I purchased was actually welded and not soldered. I'm sure there are many types of wiring out there.

Hi neighbour (I'm in BC). Mine said it was "galvanized after welding" on the wrapper. And it's 3/8" X 3/8" openings as it's for the tiniest finches. I can't recall what guage (thickness) it said it was, but it's pretty fine, although plenty strong enough. I think it came in 1/2" X 1/2" but I don't think it came in 1" X 1/2". If I get to Rona I'll let you know the brand name. Not sure if it's available there though, I've never seen it at Home Depot which is a USA company. And I had to look up the difference between soldering and welding... Guess that's why the welded wire is cleaner. And why it's safe. No iron alloy used as the joining material as with solder.

Maybe you should come up here for a shopping trip. If you do, they sell it at the Rona on Fraser Highway in Surrey, BC. It's not far from the border. (I don't have a car so I don't get there often. But next time, I'll make note of the brand name.)

Neighbor is right! I have a friend in Abbotsford and I've been to Surrey and also to Rona. I actually prefer the welded variety better than the galvanized. It just looks cleaner because there isn't little blobs of solder. There is a company called "Quality Cages" in Portland OR and they use this wire I'm talking about. Twice a year (I think) they have a sale on their cages and also have a bird mart in their warehouse.

atarasi wrote:Neighbor is right! I have a friend in Abbotsford and I've been to Surrey and also to Rona. I actually prefer the welded variety better than the galvanized. It just looks cleaner because there isn't little blobs of solder. There is a company called "Quality Cages" in Portland OR and they use this wire I'm talking about. Twice a year (I think) they have a sale on their cages and also have a bird mart in their warehouse.

When it's galvanized after welding like the stuff I got, it's very clean. No blobs at all. I'm very pleased with the wire. And it allows for nice viewing of the birds, but small enough that if I should be lucky enough to get them to raise babies I know they won't escape.

Wish I had a car... I've only ever been to one bird mart. They have one here in Surrey (Clayton Heights) once every 2 years or so. But we've been twice and all they had wass parrots, canaries and the odd zebra finch or two. No other finches. Maybe one day I can talk a friend into a cross border trip to Portland.

I'll google Quality Cages to see if they have a website. I'm really happy with the cage I built, but if I should ever want to have more finches.... I don't think I'm going to get any younger, and I'm not sure I'd have the energy to make another cage!