Galvanized wire is another common source of zinc intoxication in parrots, especially cheap,
imported wire. Aviary birds are often housed in galvanized steel wire cages. Galvanized
coatings can contain up to 99.9% zinc, however galvanized wire can also contain lead (Platt
2006). Galvanized dishes should never be used since zinc can leach into the water.
Powder coating is a protective coating for the cage. While formulas differ by manufacturers,
most contain no zinc, however some imported powder-coated cages use zinc to expedite
setting of powder coating (Richardson 2006).
Zinc can also leach out of zinc-coated iron shot into the environment. Waterfowl can then
ingest vegetation and sediments contaminated by zinc (Platt 2006).
A number of websites report that the adhesive in paper towel and toilet paper rolls contains
significant amounts of zinc, however this appears to be more urban legend than fact.