Why do bird cages come in different finishes?
In the late 1970s, when the exotic bird hobby became increasingly popular as a result of the availability of hand-tamed, domestically-bred young parrots, it was difficult to find suitable cages for large birds. Black wrought iron was a typical offering, and rust was a typical complaint. Manufacturers responded to the rising demand for cages by using various materials, such as cold-rolled steel in their manufacture. Various methods of finishing these cages evolved in response to customer preferences, and the powdercoat process (a method of electrostatically applying paint to metal) became quite popular due to the durability of the finish and the variety of colors available. Bird owners were now able to coordinate cage colors with their birds or home décor. “Hammertone” finishes that blend metallic paint with a color have the advantages of durability and beauty. They also don’t show dirt as quickly as some other finishes. Nickel-plated and brass-tone cages have been longtime favorites as
