Possible new cage?

[rae]

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some opinions on this cage I may be getting for Basal and Link.
One of my bosses had sugar gliders that unfortunately passed away. She has asked if I want their cage (obviously going to be thoroughly cleaned). 
I didn't get any measurements or brand information. The picture is fuzzy, but I did see it in person and it does seem pretty huge for two buds. I found a similar picture online, but like I said I'm not sure the measurements are the same. I should have asked.

The one in the sales photo is 36 inches tall, 22 inches deep, and 33 inches wide. The current cage is 18 inches tall, 18 deep, and 30 wide. The website for what looks like the same or similar cage says this: "The bar spacing is 1/2 inch wide (made specifically for small mammals like Sugar Gliders) and the wire is finished in a professional powder coat animal-safe finish. This is not a bird cage (with lots of small doors that you have to tie-down to prevent escape)."
The bars are a bit thicker than their current cage, though I don't know if that's good or bad or neutral.


I want to make sure it would be a good idea for birds. I'm assuming it's fine. I like the doors much more because I could easily clip them open so they don't swing in and smash toes if the birds land on them, and they aren't guillotine like the current cage. When I was looking at it in person there didn't appear to be any wear or rust at all. She's an animal person and takes very good care of her pets. Her cat has some extravagant toys. I would guess she kept the cage in amazing shape. 

If it'll be great for the two boys then it's a free cage that's bigger. The width is my worry since it may not be the same as the website. If it's at least 30 inches I know they are comfortable with that. It would allow for more levels though.

She's sending some toys with it just to get them out. I'm wondering if I could salvage any. I know what's safe and what's not, but not sure if just cleaning them would be enough or if chucking them would just be the safer choice. 

Thank you for helping me.

[valb]

A nice tray with kitty litter and a piece of driftwood sitting on top would make it a very happy home for birdies. My cockatiel cage was tall like this one and they so loved their driftwood. I always knew where they were - perching. Few laps around the room and back to the driftwood. It worked great. The birdies loved it.

[Hezz]

Hi, rae; if the cage this lady has is the same as the one you have found online, then it is a great cage for the buds. I have one for mine that looks exactly like your on-line picture ..... the dimensions of mine are 98cm high (without stand), 80cm wide and 54cm deep. The bar spacing is good, thicker bars I don't see being any sort of issue, either. A number of us also have a similar cage with just the one big door, rather than the two, called the Hamberley, and everyone who has one swears by it. I don't think you can go wrong. Bar spacing is the important thing - if you are sure they are half inch spacing, the birds will love you for it.

[rae]

I picked up the cage. However, I've spent all afternoon removing some rust and repainting. It wasn't terribly rusted, but of course I wouldn't want the birds in it.

I'm having a time trying to find any instructional posts on here by using the search box. I looked on a lot of sites about refurbishing/painting bird cages and they all said Rustoleum is the best for the job. I've accomplished two light coats over the rusted spots. Basal and Link don't chew on the bars, or haven't in their old cage.

I'm wondering if I should do another coat just to be safe. I know usually you have to do more than a few coats on normal items. I wouldn't be able to until Wednesday, which means waiting even longer to put them in. I do know I have to wait on it to stop off-gassing, a week or so.

Should I go ahead and do another coat on Wednesday? It's the earliest I could do so because of my school/work schedule.

[Hezz]

This is not something I have had to do, but my instinct is always to overdo rather than underdo. If you feel another coat will be helpful, do it. The boys won't mind waiting a little longer for their cage.

[rae]

That's what I was thinking. Too many coats would make it too thick, but one more coat I feel would make it "safer" due to any residual rust I didn't get off.

I think I'm more excited than they are