Feed Storage for flock

[Dcoop]

Just getting started with birds after 50 plus years, have seen lots of options for feed storage, so far none have touched on invasive insects especially ants gaining access to whatever container is being used. Would like to keep 50 to 100 lbs in covered location near chicken yard. We have lots of problems here in Central Tx with fire ants and they make a habit of being a painful nuisance.

 

[Dee Dee N Desiree]

Hi, welcome. I'm fairly new here so I can only tell what I use and is working great. I got galvanized steel buckets with lids that are sooo tight, it's hard to lift them off sometimes. I got mine at the Tractor Supply Store, made in USA. I live in Washington State. Like you I have problem with ants, bugs and rodents where I live so I needed something that they could not get too. I have had no problems. I'm sure others with have some good ideas also.

 

[K3nzi3]

I've seen people use water tight tote containers for their feed.

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

I use five-gallon buckets with Gamma lids.
Buckets are available pretty much anywhere---HD, Lowe's, TSC.
I bought food safe buckets from Lowe's but I think the regular buckets would be fine. The Gamma lids are sold separately.
Each bucket holds 25 lbs of feed.
If you're not familiar with a Gamma lid, here's a pic. The bottom ring snaps very tightly on to the top of the bucket and the lid screws on. There is a gasket and it forms a good seal.
No bugs in my feed.

 

[Folly's place]

I use metal garbage cans with lids. A big can will hold two fifty pound bags of feed, stored in my coop/ covered run. Mary

 

[sannabelle]

I second the metal garbage cans. I use them for all of my feed- poultry, horses, goats, no bugs ever and no moisture gets in just make sure your kid has a tight fit. I also see people selling steel drums with lids on Craigslist all the time for around 5$- would probably be a good option also!

 

[Folly's place]

Standard metal garbage cans need to be under cover, and up on a dry concrete pad or something, because they aren't totally water tight. Stored outside in the weather, water will leak in and spoil the feed. Mary

 

[Li'lFlock]

Also a metal garbage can user. I also sprinkle Food grade DE in the can and on the bag. Sometimes I dump the food into a black garbage bag, depending on the condition of the bag and sprinkle DE on the surface of the bag. Do this for the dogs too. I have had ant issues, but not fire ants

 

[21hens-incharge]

I am a gamma lid user.

I find it much easier to carry 25 pounds to refill feeders then a 50# bag. I do keep my feed indoors in a spare room though.

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

I am a gamma lid user.

I find it much easier to carry 25 pounds to refill feeders then a 50# bag. I do keep my feed indoors in a spare room though.

I keep my buckets in the shed and fill the feeder from there.
I only have six girls---those with big flocks have different considerations altogether and I can certainly see how the buckets wouldn't work for them.