Rusting grates on suet feeders (2 Viewers)

[Backyard Sanctuary]

I have a couple of Bird Choice Tail Prop suet feeders with the grates rusting. Seems I have to replace them every year. Is rust bad for bird? Any suggestions to avoid having to buy new grates each year?

 

[Joe1980]

I can't see it being an issue, but I do find an issue with them rusting after a year. That seems awefully premature to me. I've had my same ole suet cages for a decade, and none have rusted. Another suggestion would be to get a rubberized spray, similar to truck bedliner spray, or spray paint them to prevent rusting.

 

[Backyard Sanctuary]

That seems awefully premature to me. I've had my same ole suet cages for a decade, and none have rusted. Another suggestion would be to get a rubberized spray, similar to truck bedliner spray, or spray paint them to prevent rusting.

I think it is due to squirrels getting to my feeders. I thought I had solved that problem when I hung them 20' from the fench and hanging from a 3' cable. I have not seen any squirrels on the feeders, but something is chewing on the grate and exposing the wire under the coated finish.

I looked on line for vinyl dip. I think I might be able to pick some up at my local hardware store.