BTW - It IS the Missouri office that told me it was non-toxic, not the CA office.
Nola, this discussion necessitates the question -- if you express so much concern about these pans, why are you (and most everyone else on here) using them? --they are GALVANIZED and that alone in and of itself is toxic to chins!!! They should never be exposed to zinc.
Let me assure you that you are no more concerned about your pets and rescues than I am about mine. I go to great extent to ensure that none of my exotics - be they parrots, reptiles, or rodents -- are exposed to anything harmful. Yet I purchased - but have not yet used -- these pans because everyone on here, including you, so highly recommended and used them. Ungalvanized would rust out in no time -- I asked about rinsing them in vinegar to neutralize the zinc, but was told they would rust out very quickly from the urine. Plastic we know is not good. So I am assuming you all use these pans because the benefits outweigh the risks -- or the chins aren't prone to chewing on them and ingesting zinc. It seems to me the zinc-laden edges would be more prone to being chewed, yet no one questions that.
So, someone please explain to me why so many are using galvanized pans, and don't feel THAT is an issue????????? Apparently I just don't get it.
I think I will just send them back and use wood shelves.
I'm not looking for an argument, just further clarification -- I just have a hard time understanding why the sealant (which I can remove) is such an issue but not the zinc (which I cannot). But then I have never understood why the rodents I have don't choke on all the wood and other "safe toys " they gnaw on! And though I keep them away from plastic toys, I really have not understood why that would cause impaction issues any worse than wood would. It's not like gastric juices would dissolve wood. But I don't take the chance.