Bulk Feed Storage

[tjbryner]

I use an old deep freezer, If it's going to be out in the open make sure to seal an gaps (around the handle) with a good latex caulk. I just scoop out what I need by hand but It don't take long.

 

[gjensen]

You must watch storage duration even for intact grains if temperature and / or humidity are excessive. Confer with your local mill operator about conditions are optimal for grain storage. If you cannot realize proper storages conditions then smaller allotments for storage may still be your best bet. Bad feed can cause serious problems fast and even low quality feed can hamper health and productivity of your birds.

I know, but it can be done. It has been done forever. I just need to learn how.

 

[centrarchid]

I store feed and feedstuffs for extended periods. Keeping quality up with larger lots by investing storage can cost more than savings provided by purchasing in bulk. If you employ free-range with quality forages then you can be more tolerant of nutrient degradation (vitamins, fatty-acids) but not toxins produced by fungi and bacteria.

Cool, dry, out of Sun, away from insects and rodents can extend time feed stuff is good. Sometimes eve a few degrees cooler during summer months can help. Winter should not be problem unless grain not properly dried. A miniature silo that is shaded and rodent proof is the way to go.

 

[nguyenkinhphuc2]

Hey Everybody, I'm in need of some BYC help.

We've wasted SOOO much feed due to mice, its driving me crazy. (can you say LAZY barn cats, ugh)

We've been looking for a "small" bin of some sort to store our feed in for sometime now and have been unsuccessful. I'm looking for something that will hold 1000-2000lbs of feed, something just tall enough that we can back the truck up to it, dump the bags in and put a 5gal bucket underneath and open a door/slide and go to town.

I see them when we're out driving around, but I've been unable to locate a local dealer or what I'd really like is a used one. We've done the craigslist thing and auctions and I've even walked up onto a couple farms that I've seen them on, no luck.

We're in NE IN, and as most of us, on a budget so any help/leads would be greatly appreciated.

http://richmond.craigslist.org/grq/4208850836.html

 

[popcornchicken]

Hey everybody!!

Thanks for all the input, i'm still trying to sort it all out.

In my job I have access to alot of corn, but it's hit & miss and when it's offered I have to take it at that time or loose out. So there are times when I have to take 2-3000#'s of corn at one time then I take it home and process it into chicken, goat and hog feed as needed. well sometimes I end up w/ a bunch of 50# bags of corn in the barn waiting to be ground up into whatever feed is needed at that time and that's when we run into problems w/ mice.

I'd really like a feed bin like the images posted by Centrachid, something 6-8ft tall so I could back up to it and stand in the back of my truck and dump 50# bags into the top and have a door of some kind on the bottom to dispense from, it's just finding one at a reasonable price

I do have freinds that keep feed in an old chest type freezer and it works great for them, my problem w/ that is where to put it in my barn (100+yr old 3 bay timber frame) something like that would have to go in the middle bay and that would stop us from driving thru when we put up hay. I've been looking for barrels w/ removable lids for sometime but all i've found are solid tops, thanks for the listing Nguyenkinphuc2!!!

In a perfect world, I'd get the grain bin, load it up w/ raw corn, take it to the mill and have the feed made, then bring it home and put it into steel drums for each different feed, but we're still working on that

Thanks again, and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

 

[philsienna]

Hello, can you tell me where you find "55 gallon used food grade steel drum with a sealable lid"? I am looking for storage solutions, and really like your idea.