Powder-coated cages?

I'm looking in to buying a cage from Martins'. I was planning on getting The Rat Skyscraper (R-695) in powder coated. The cages are available in either galvanized or powder coated, but I have read that galvanized isn't a wise choice. I'm not sure about the whole ordeal with the powder coated, though. Is the cage dipped in powder? Will the powder come off on your hands/when you wash the cage? Or is the powder hardened and then glossed over, ensuring that you can wash it with soap and water?





I was just a little confused on how you would go about washing this cage, if the powder is loose or not.





http://www.martinscages.com/products/cag鈥?/a>





Thanks in advance!Powder-coated cages?
I have both powder-coated and galvanized cages. The powder coated cages are the safer of the two types because bare galvanized wire contains zinc and if you have rats that chew the bars of their cage they're getting a zinc overdose which can cause health problems.





Galvanized floors end up stained with a white, funky-smelling, residue, which won't come off. This residue builds up in the corners of the cage where the rats choose to pee and poop. This problem is easily resolved with the use of a litter box and litter training for the rats.





Powder coated cages are beautiful to look at, clean-looking, perfect, cages that don't pose any of the problems that galvanized cages do. BUT, if you have rats that chew the bars, they will eventually chew the powder coating off and it's very expensive to get the cage repaired..





The neat thing about Martin's is that the company really takes care of you. Many of the Ratlisters enjoy this part of buying Martin's cages. The Ruud Cage that you've probably already seen was especially designed for a Ratlister named Missy Ruud. Martin's will also customize your cage if you want some changes in the one you choose to buy.





Me, I have to settle for the imitation Martin's-like cages because it's too expensive for me to buy the cages and have them shipped to Canada.





As for cleaning, they are very light for their size, and can fit in a bathtub for cleaning. LOL! some rat-keepers have been known to take their cages to a car wash for a once-a-week cleaning. The powder coating will not come off with regular washing. It's baked on at a high temperature something like ceramic.





spazrats


';my life has gone to the Rats';Powder-coated cages?
Baked on. Wash it with a pressure sprayer if you like. Properly applied, it won't come off.
I have that same cage. :D It's wonderful. You're right, powder-coated cages are the way to go. Galvanized cages absorb urine and eventually eat away at the cage. Powder coating is the technique of applying dry paint to the cage which is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The cage just looks like it has shiney paint on it and won't come off unless you keep banging it on things when moving it around to clean it and it chips off. It usually won't. Martin's cages are the way to go! :3





As far as washing, I use equal parts of vinegar and water put in a spray bottle. You can use a weaker concentrate if you want. All you do is spray it on the cage let it sit for a few minutes, scub it, then rinse.





Oh, and just to add- If you do get one I would suggest putting it together with zip ties.(It's alot easier) Just snip the extra off thats left when you zip them on.





hopefully everything makes sense, if you have any questions feel free to ask.