interesting

[memmey]

From a letter update from The Oasis! (thanks for keeping us alerted to danger!)

None of this should be surprising...but now there is the threat of lead in cages made in China. Please read the below article. http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=7043217&nav=0RZF (http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=7043217&nav=0RZF).

We have a bird here who had suffered from lead poisoning from a glazed bowl purchased at a BIRD-oriented pet store.
Here at The Oasis we are sending in some expensive "bird baths" (made in China) for heavy-metal testing after some of our cockatiels became ill. If you wish to have any cages, bowls, toys etc tested follow these instructions: For cage coatings, paint or powder coat ----send a sample scaped with a stainless steel blade, including the undercoating....The sample should be at least dime sized (20 mm) Place sample in a plaxstic baggie or wrap in plastic wrap. Ship regualr mail to the address below:
Louisiana Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab
PO Box 25070
Baton Rouge, LA 70894
phone: (225) 578-9777

Send a piece of a suspect bowl, or toys to the same address.
Make checks payable to "LAVMD"

Zinc testing $ 30.00
Lead testing $ 32.00
Both $ 62.00

You should have results available in 7-10 working days.
Be careful. Be alert! Feel free to cross-post to your bird loving friends! Sybil Erden, Executive Director
The Oasis Sanctuary
www.the-oasis.org (http://www.the-oasis.org/)
520-212-4737

[Pado]

Wow - well thats scary !

[ArtS]

Actually, it kind of makes me worried about our cages - they are all made in the same place, somewhere in China!

Regards,

Art S.

[Sally]

Disgusting yet again. I am so sick of all of the lead, poisonings of pets, etc. Do they make a lead testing kit? Seems I have heard of them.

[Pado]

I have a Kings Cage. So I went online to research and found that most places that sell them state they are made in Europe as opposed to China. So after reading Memmey's message yesterday I emailed Kings Cages directly to find out for sure -

Below is their response:


Hello,

Thank you for your interest in King's Cages. We have been in the pet
industry for 30 years which assures you that you will receive the safest
and most durable cages and products for your feathered friend.
We have two different lines of cages. One is the Original Line
manufactured in Europe. The second is the Economy Line manufactured in
Asia. Differences between the Economy Line and Original Line:

1.) The original line has a bird proof latch, economy line has a latch
that is not guarantee it against a Cockatoo or a very smart Parrot.

2.) The original line larger cages bars are guaranteed not to break by a
large cockatoo or macaw, the economy line it is a possibility.

3.) The Original Line has bars that are welded to the main frame,
Economy lines bars are drilled through the frame. The possible problem,
excess water placed on the Economy Line cage can seep into the frame and
rust from the inside out. It cannot on the Original Line.

If you have any questions please call us toll free 866-777-7303, fax
732-698-9806, or e-mail info@kingscages.com


Thank you,

(I removed her name)
Account Manager
King's Cages International


Kings's Cages International LP




I'm assuming by Asia they are referring to China?

[ArtS]

I'm assuming you're right :rolleyes: .

[AndreaFahy]

I have an article somewhere about the dangers of powder coated cages.... :( they really are not safe unless house soley in stainless steel (so far as metals go)

[ArtS]

Andrea,

My understanding is that this applies primarily to larger birds because they have the ability to peal off the powder coating and ingest it. I have been told, and based on my experience thus far it appears correct, that parrotlets are unable to peal the powdercoating. Of course, if it contains lead, all bets are off...

Any thoughts on this?

Regards,

Art S.