I just found out some info that I thought I should post so everyone could see. Hardware cloth that is safe is coated with PVC and is usually a green or black color. GALVANIZED hardware cloth appears silver in color. PLEASE check to see what type you have and change it if it is not PVC coated. That is what I am going to do because I believe that I used the glavanized hardware cloth on my cage. Please keep the health of your sugar gliders in mind and don't take any chances. You owe it to them to take the best care possible, at least that is how I feel about it, so please change the galvanized to the PVC coated hardware cloth. I know I just rambled on a lot there, but I feel really strongly about this now that I know all the information. I hope this helps someone like it did me.
Re: For those who use hardware cloth...
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#55438 08/22/0511:37 PM08/22/0511:37 PM
The reason things are galvanized is so that they don't rust. Usually iron and steel are coated in a layer of zinc b/c of zinc's anti-corrosive properties.
What is it in hardware cloth and what is it about galvanized cages that causes UTI's?
My b/f is a mechanical engineering major and knows a lot about this stuff. I am not discounting all of your knowledge and or research, but cars are usually galvanized so that they do not rust and it takes many upon many years for them to rust, and that is outside in the rain, snow, salt from ice, etc.
If you would like to read more about galvanization here is the link I was reading.
I think galvanized metal oxidizes from urine due to a chemical reaction. It's been a long time since I've looked at it (I luckily read about the hazard of galvanized cages before I built mine) but I think it looks different than rust (I used to have an outdoor galv. alum. aviary that I'm thinking back to). It's not so much brown like rust as white or just rougher texture.
Whatever it is, I've heard from many sources that it can and does cause UTI's in gliders, which can not only be fatal in itself, but can also lead to self-mutilation which is even worse! The reason is that when gliders mark their territory, they drag their cloaca along the sides of the cage, urinating. When the metal oxidizes, it can become an irritant to that area and cause the infection.
Re: For those who use hardware cloth...
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#55442 08/23/0501:23 AM08/23/0501:23 AM
Oh, graybarron, I just realized that you were the originator of the other post on galv. aluminum cages that I referred to above. Oh well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ohwell.gif" alt="" />
Re: For those who use hardware cloth...
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#55443 08/23/0507:15 AM08/23/0507:15 AM
Christinahan619, apparently the urine and the galvanized metal react, which can cause UTI's in sugar gliders. Urine is very acidic, and I'm not sure of the exact reaction, but I know all of my gliders, both boy and girl, rub their urinary areas on the wire when they pee. That reaction that happens then causes the UTI. Also, if the galvanization is a coating of zinc that also makes me worry because that can be toxic in heavy amounts in sugar gliders also. So if they are constantly touching it our they eat off it they can get sick!!!! If you are using the galvanized hardware cloth I would strongly suggest just replacing it like I am doing. It may be a pain, but at least you will know that your sugar gliders will be okay in that area.
Re: For those who use hardware cloth...
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#55444 08/23/0508:19 AM08/23/0508:19 AM
Oh, I didn't mean to imply mine was coated in zinc. I just read that most galvanized things are. I have had my cage for a while and have not had any probles with any of my gliders. I suppose when I get enough money (broke college kid) I will change that. As for now, I am cleaning the cage well with a disinfectant.