QC Pan w/ Chipped Coating.

[3CsMommy]

My cages and pans are almost 3 years old now. I'm not sure how one of my little monsters managed it, but somehow they've removed a 3" (roughly) patch of powder coating from the bottom of the pan. I haven't seen any sign of it in droppings and they're both acting normal, so I don't know if they ate it or what. The odd part is that nothing usually sits there, so I don't think it was caused by their hide box or chinchiller digging at the surface either. It's somehow just been chipped away, leaving the aluminum(?) exposed. :tantrum:

Should I dispose of the pan now that the coating is off, or is there a way to reseal or recoat it that's still chin safe? I still have 2 QC co. cages since I have 2 chins, and I'd rather not have to order another pan and pay to have it shipped to Pittsburgh from Portland, but I want to keep two full cages ready at a moment's notice in case there's a fight or a rescue situation comes up. Any suggestions?

 

[Rickman]

I'd call Quality cage, as that usually only happens if the surface hasn't been prepped correctly! If they won't warranty it completely, ask them for a discount on a new one - they're real nice people and easy to get along with!

 

[shuboyje]

On the upside most powder coating is non-toxic and safe for them to ingest. I obviously can't guarantee that theirs is, but MOST is so the odds are on your side.

 

[3CsMommy]

I didn't get out of work until 8PM eastern time, so I missed the office workers by about 5 min. when I called Q.C. tonight. If I don't hear tomorrow AM, I'll call again tomorrow. Good idea Rick. Thanks.

 

[Sesame]

hmmm... let us know what happens! I forsee this happening to my QC pan in the future, so it'll be handy to know what to do in this situation!

 

[Rickman]

Did you ever notice a bubble where it peeled? If so, make sure you mention that to them!
In the powder coating process, the shop is supposed to use a "etching primer" that digs into clean metal, but just a little grease from your fingers will inhibit that!
Then the powder is applied, magnetically, and baked on!
I think it's Linda at Q.C. you'll talk to, and she'll be real interested in this problem, because, as she says, "that's why we're called Quality Cage!"

 

[3CsMommy]

Nope, no bubbles, cracks, splits or dings anywhere until Sunday's cleaning. The exposed metal isn't discolored at all either, so they've got to be fresh.

 

[3CsMommy]

Update: Nothing is toxic or remotely dangerous to the chins unless they really whittle the coating off the whole pan. A replacement pan is $34 and counting shipping to western PA will be about $45.