Some of my cages are starting to look rusty toward the base - when that happens, do you buy new cages or try to repaint the old ones? And what paint is safest?

Rehabbing cages can be a job. You have to make sure you get all minute traces of rust off, then prime and use a pet safe paint or have them repowder coated which is pricey also.

I usually just replace mine when they get to that point.

Agreed. Unless you truly enjoy doing things like that, I'd just buy new quality cages. You're going to need a safe cage during the rehab process anyway as it will take several days if done properly.

Haha, I actually do enjoy stuff like that I've got 6 HQ Brisbanes and 3 A&E flight cages that are all interchangeable, so I've been switching out the rusty parts. But I'm starting to run out of good pieces :-/ The A&E ones are definitely worse off, if anyone is curious about quality!

So I know rust is not good, but is it something you need to make sure to get at as soon as it appears?

Oops, double post...