feed containers?

[kjk]

what is the best type of containers to store feed and eventually scratch in? they would be outside in the elements probably. just outside of the run.

thanks,
kate

 

[fordmommy]

I use 5 gallon buckets. I got them free from a friend who works at a local cheese factory. But some folks here say you could ask your local grocer if you could have a few. Usually they just throw them away.

 

[MandyH]

We use 55 gallon steel drums that have metal lids. For the smaller amounts of feed, we use big galvenized garbage cans.

 

[blueseal]

i use a small chest freezer that doesnt work anymore it holds 2, 50 pound bags of layer mash

 

[JessHall]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2883542#p2883542

Check this out. It would keep any kind of critter out.

 

[kjk]

Quote:
for the galvenized cans, nothing knocks the lids off? it doesn't attract wildlife?

my dad thinks that i should bungee cord the lids to the cans to keep critters out. i think that might be a bit of overkill.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
for the galvenized cans, nothing knocks the lids off? it doesn't attract wildlife?

my dad thinks that i should bungee cord the lids to the cans to keep critters out. i think that might be a bit of overkill.

Bungee cords??? No way that would work for anything that can chew. You might as well use a plastic pet food or Rubbermaid container if they won't chew through the bungee cord.

My parents keep their outdoor cat food in a metal trash can. They CHAIN the lid down with a spring on it to keep it TIGHT. Raccoons will do ANYTHING to get cat food.

Just my .02 though

 

[MandyH]

Ours have a metal handle on them that goes over the top to lock it. IDK where we got them as we have had them forever. I think at some old hardware store.

 

[kjk]

so if they are going to be outside, whats the most important thing?

that they are:
*waterproof/airtight
*locking lid
*metal/vs plastic (will mice or critters chew through plastic)

 

[Tala]

Quote:
Airtight keeps moisture/mold out and nutrients in, so I would say it's #1

I honestly don't know how badly raccoons and nimble-fingered predators mess with chicken food. I have only experienced cat food outdoors.

Rats and mice *can* chew through plastic, but I've known people to keep things safe in Rubbermaid tubs so I guess it just depends on how desperate they are. And how much opportunity they have, for example if you have several cats or snakes keeping the population down.