Painting the cage

[happythieves]

I just got a "slightly used" cage that will fit perfectly on top of my 20-gallon aquarium! It's made of some sort of white wire and has three levels. This will give the girls sooooo much more space, I'm really excited about adding it on.

The cage itself looks a little weather-worn (it looked better in the picture on ebay!) and I was wondering if it would be worth painting it somehow with some type of (obviously) non-toxic spray paint. They are not big chewers (surprising, but true) but I'd still like to be safe!

Any thoughts on what to use, or even if I should do this at all?

-Karen

[Aimeelou]

What about stripping it down? Maybe sand it down to the metal?

[Sunshinemeg]

Even though they are not big chewers, metal bars are always a great attraction. I would be reluctant to paint the wires as they WILL be at least tasted by the degus, it would probably best to sand off the rest of the paint as Aimee suggests rather than add more to it.

[Hanlou]

...If you do decide to paint it, over here in the UK you can buy 'Japlac' which is non-toxic paint (for childrens toys) and also Plastikote sprays which are also non-toxic. Sanding may well be easier though. With Japlac, you have to allow at least 1 - 2 weeks for it to 'cure' so there are no nasty fumes. Japlac is pretty tough though, I have my sleep n' ledges painted in it and it makes them much easier to clean.