Feed storage in humid climates

[MadameMarsh]

We’re in South Louisiana with very hot and humid summers so I’d love to hear from fellow humidity-living chicken owners your best methods for storing feed. We are newbies 1.5 months in with 7 pullets and are currently keeping their feed in its bag (and dried BSF larvae in their bag), inside a food-grade plastic bin, in our outside storage closet which is attached to the house but not insulated, yet the humidity is much lower within than it is outside. No rodents yet but could become an issue in cooler months. Will galvanized metal cans do the trick or will they trap moisture? I’ve read some leave feed in bag inside of metal bins…

 

[Debbie292d]

The farmer across the road uses giant metal garbage cans. I know as I have to open them up when I take care of her animals just a couple of times a year. Those lids are tight but I doubt they seal airtight.

We just use heavy plastic bins that seal and are on wheels. They come in different sizes but we bought 4 and each holds I think 30#.

If we have extra bags of feed, hubby brings it into the house in our basement. We've got cats, but they can't get in the coop or garden shed when it's shut up for the night.

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[Loving my girls]

Mine is in the sack rolled at the top, a heavy brick ontop, inside a galvanised dustbin with a terracotta tile ontop of that.
Oh and it’s undercover.
I make it like that mainly to stop rats but I’m pretty sure it stops the feed going manky.
Also I only buy as I need it.
Hugz

 

[Al Gerhart]

If you are dealing with condensation, that is caused by cool metal surfaces in contact with warmer moist air. Adding an old fashioned style light bulb will generate enough heat to keep the metal warmer than the surrounding air. Just keep the wattage down and the bulb not in contact with anything flammable.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I use metal trash bins. As long as you are rotating through the bags of feed regularly and dumping any crumbs left before putting a fresh bag you shouldn’t have an issue with mold. It has gone up to 109F here in summer with 80-90% humidity and down to-26F in the winter here for temperature reference.

 

[MadameMarsh]

The farmer across the road uses giant metal garbage cans. I know as I have to open them up when I take care of her animals just a couple of times a year. Those lids are tight but I doubt they seal airtight.

We just use heavy plastic bins that seal and are on wheels. They come in different sizes but we bought 4 and each holds I think 30#.

If we have extra bags of feed, hubby brings it into the house in our basement. We've got cats, but they can't get in the coop or garden shed when it's shut up for the night.

Welcome to BYC!

Be sure to check out our Learning Center. There are tons of articles in there that may help you.

Thank you!