Bird Cage with rust?

[ishael]

I'm currently researching to get another bird, but while I'm putting together the costs of it, I need to factor in the costs of a cage. I could get a reasonable second-hand one off the internet, or I could use the beautiful cage I have now. The only problem is that it has some rust.
Pictures:
http://i45.tinypic.com/vfj9z4.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/34eyovk.jpg
I used this cage when I had my two Cockatiels... however while we were storing the cage it started to get rusty. I brought it into our basement and cleaned it up very nicely, but I'm not sure how to get the rust off. And even if I did, won't that expose the metal and be harmful to a bird?
I looked up repainting the cage, and it would be lengthy process; scrubbing the rust off (and as you can see this rust is in every corner in small amounts! grr) putting oil over the scrubbed parts, buying a special type on non-toxic paint, spraying and drying multiple times, and then airing it out for about 2 weeks! I'm not planning on getting a bird soon, but it seems like a little too much hassle.
I could just sell the cage and get a decent price for it, letting the buyer know it would need to be repainted, but I love the cage!
Thanks in advance!
So could anybody let me know:
Is the rust harmful?
Is the procedure that I explained true/effective?
Would it be worth the work?
How much do you think I could get for it?

[pennyandrocky]

it's not worth the risk to your future bird sell it and get a new one. cages aren't really expensive when it comes to your birds health.

[Polarn]

Another alternative if you really like the cage itself is to get it sandblasted and powder coated just make sure it's done by a company seriouse enough to actually get a birds safe powder to coat it with. But unless you really really like the cage I'd say it's probably not worth the cost even if it's generally pretty cheap to get something powder coated.

[marie83]

Definitely don't use the cage with rust.

You can do it up with a company who will powder coat it but you may as well buy a new cage because it is expensive.
I also looked into paints to do up a cage we have but came to the conclusion it is just not worth the risk of using paint. Far too much debate on which ones are safe or not and also they tend to chip too easily. I gave up on the idea because my parrots mean too much to take the risk.

[ishael]

Thanks for the input guys!
I think I am just going to sell the cage... it would be more hassle than its worth! If I can get a good price for it then the money will be a good start on my budgie savings. It might take me a little longer than I planned now that I look at all my prices and I have a few things I'm in need of before I add another pet to my life... but i'll be sure to post as soon as I add my newest edition!
Thanks again <3