Can I store feed in a plastic garbage can?

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

I've used Rubbermaid containers for horse feed for years. We do have rodents and it's a constant battle to eliminate them. We've also never had anything chew through any of the containers.

 

[HelenB]

I got the least expensive 20 gal rubbermaid from the depot, installed it on the back porch, managed to lift the open bag and put it in by myself, irritating my husband in the process. My girls love their new ration, and come crowding around when I fill the feeder in the morning

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Good point! I do not dump the bag in, I serve from the bag. Chickens, ducks, cats, dogs.

 

[RockwaterFarm]

I use a ten gallon plastic can for 50 LBS and a 25 gallon one for 50 LBS

 

[Tala]

Quote:
Good point! I do not dump the bag in, I serve from the bag. Chickens, ducks, cats, dogs.

Well I hate the hastle of sticking my arm down in the bag. Plus I like to look at the food (check for bugs/mold) so I dump it out. When I get a new bag, I keep it in the house a day or two until I can fully dump the last crumbs out of the can into the feeder --- no old feed leftover in the bottom of the can.
Also, I have learned to pull the tag off the bag and write the date/lot code on the back of it (Purina feed especially, other brands are sometimes written on the tag already) --- in case of recalls or simply just to compare ingredients/analysis later.

 

[HelenB]

I use a rubbermaid tote for the 45# bag of dog food. I used to just dump the contents of the bag into the bin. Then I noticed that the food started to smell stale/rancid as we got toward the bottom, and the dog got much less enthusiastic about his meal. So, now I just cram the whole bag inside the bin, the food stays fresher, and the dogs stay happy.

The various pros and cons of leaving the feed in or dumping it out of the bag all have their compelling points, I'll leave mine in the bag for now.

FWIW, I started my babies on Purina from the Cenex store, the new feed is an organic starter crumble from Rogue feed that they are really loving. I noticed when I stuck my head in the bag that it does smell nicer than the Purina....