new aviary

[kayesey]

i have just built a new aviary and have read the wire should be washed with a vinegar solution to remove zinc toxins.Can anyone tell me the % of vinegar /water i should use and is it o k to use white or malt  vinegar.
Also  years ago when i had an aviary i remembered painting the wire mesh with a black paint .But i can`t remember what type of paint it was?? if anyone could help please?

[Deleted]

10 :1 white vinegar, no need to paint the wire.

[Deleted]

I've heard you can use blackboard paint or hammerite.And if you pait with hammerite you don't need to wash with vinegar, not sure if that goes for blckboard paint though.

[Gaile]

quicker and cheaper using vinegar xx

[Deleted]

The reason for painting the wire is that if painted black it is less visible to the human eye. It almost disappears so from a distance the birds look to be free flying.

[kayesey]

thankyou for all your help and advice everyone. it`s so nice to have found this site.

[mizloco]

Welcome to the forum. Loads of helpful advice and fellow budgie addicts.

[Learner]

Apr 13, 2013 23:27:13 GMT @corie said:

10 :1 white vinegar, no need to paint the wire.

Hi @corie

I'm after a bit of advice please:

Thought I'd check before I get splashing. Is it really 10 parts water to 1 part white vinegar?

That's quite a dilute solution....but sounds good to me.

How many coats would you suggest to do the job?

[Deleted]

That's the dilution i used and had no problems, i than left it in the elements for a few days washed it down than put the birds in.

Here's a read.

www.forthebirdsdvm.com/blogs/news/1586482-whats-that-cage-made-of

[Learner]

Thanks for that link @corie. There certainly was a lot of information.

I found this bit: "Many aviculturists mistakenly think that treating galvanized wire with a vinegar wash will remove any risk of zinc ingestion. While vinegar will dissolve small, oxidized deposits and hasten their removal with a soft brush, vinegar will not remove the zinc coating from the wire."


And this: "Preparation of any wire is a critical step in cage construction. Most wire is coated with an oil before shipping. A potential toxin in itself, this must be removed before the cage houses a bird. The process of galvanization can leave tags of zinc on the wire. These must be removed with a steel brush. These tags can pose a hazard to birds that might eat them. Most experienced aviculturists carefully brush the wire and also allow it to cure outside before it is used"

So it seems that a combination of brushing and the acid in the vinegar may help remove oil residues and knobbly lumps of zinc.

Let's hope so.

Thank you again for your help.

[Deleted]

Your welcome.