Stainless Steel vs. PowdercoatStainless Steel is a very popular material for large bird and parrot cages. But why is stainless steel so expensive? And what are the deciding factors that make so many parrot-lovers flock to Stainless Steel over Powder Coated cages?
As the name implies, Stainless Steel does not stain, corrode, or rust as often as regular steel due to the addition of a small amount of chromium, which forms an invisibly thin layer of chromium oxide on the outside of the steel. Being extremely durable and highly resistant to rust, corrosion and oxidization; Stainless Steel has quickly become the sought-after cage material of choice among small, medium and large parrot fanciers alike.
Stainless Steel is an alloy (Think "Hybrid" metal) and therefore parrot fanciers must be mindful when shopping for their bird's stainless steel cage. There are four types and over 150 grades of stainless steel, each containing different quantities of certain elements including nickel, carbon, iron, nitrogen and molybdenum; all of which are non-toxic to parrots.
All of these elements must be melted, mixed, molded and welded to form stainless steel which largely accounts for Stainless Steel's hefty price tag. However, these cages can certainly outlive their residents. Because they are so durable and resistant to corrosion & rust, and have no powdercoating to chip; they will last for years and years in top-notch perfection as long as they are cared for properly. They can stand up to the largest of beaks over the 80+ year life span of the larger species, making them well worth the initial investment.
304 Grade Stainless Steel is a strong, easily weldable, non-magnetic variation of Stainless Steel that is often used in medical facilities and doesn't contain trace elements of toxic metals. Some cages will claim to be "304 Grade Stainless Steel" when in fact, they are not. Be sure that you know your source when shopping for a Stainless Steel cage. Most large and well-known purveyors of bird cages are a safe bet, such as A&E Cage Company and Freedom Cages.
ParrotWorld.net is an authorized dealer of A&E Cage Co. and Freedom Cages, and we
only sell Stainless Steel cages manufactured by the aforementioned.
