This was a strange question to start with, I know, but most pet cages are already coated so I haven't had to think about it before. I only bought this one as it was on sale and I needed something quick as the guys were in a tiny one level rabbit cage the rescue centre donated to me. I didn't want to spend £100 I haven't got on a cage that's too big for them.
Plasticote and Japlac were recommended to me by people on rat forums that I have been using for years so there are obviously no health risks involved as they have used it on their own rats cages and equipment.
I posted here as I needed information on the technical side of things. I did not expect to get the third degree about my rats health, especially from people who haven't a clue about keeping rats.
I appreciate that people are only concerned for my animals welfare/their consciences, but if I'd had a straight answer to my question in the first place, I wouldn't be so annoyed. I do not post on here telling people how to do plumbing jobs and laying flooring as I haven't a clue what I'm on about. Catch my point?
As it is, I have all the info I need on rats health from rat people and my own experience from the last 5 years. I just didn't want to coat my cage and then havie it all peel off again as I had not used a primer.
As I said before, I have scrapped the idea of coating the cage as I am sick of explaining to people about why I wanted to do it and the virtual zero risk of my rats being poisoned. The boys are quite happy in their new home and it will probably resist corroding just long enough to see them out til they pop off if I look after it properly.
Thankyou to everyone who tried to help me with my dilemma, and to those who lectured me about my rats being poisoned - bbbbllllllllllrrrrrrrr! *blows big sloppy raspberry*
Donna