OK calm down, I myself have a blue Indian ringneck parrot. Rust is fine for them its not gonna poison them. Don't put any sprays that have a smell to them on the rust because that will defiently poison the birds. If u have air the cage out and do not clean it with alcohol, trust me i m a breeder

Do not paint it. It would be toxic. I wouldn't use rubbing alcohol, either. If they have things to chew on, they will not chew on the rust. A few mineral blocks and wooden toys.

So tomorrow I'm getting two budgies, and the problem is, it has to be tomorrow and my cage is a bit rusty (not everywhere, just some parts of the cage). I cleaned it very well and left it in hot water. I will also clean it with rubbing alcohol. Food and water containers are new. But until I can paint this one (or buy a new one) they need to be in this one. So what I'm asking is - how dangerous is it, and can I do something FAST to prevent it if it is. For example - duct tape the parts that are rusty (but they can still chew on the tape??).. I don't know what to do, I just don't want them to get sick. It's very pretty and big, so I think they will be comfortable in it.. But the rusty parts worry me.

Don't tell me to paint it/buy new one - I will, I just can't do it for at least for a week. :/