How to store supplies?

[wyo-helpmeet]

I wasn't sure where to put this, but I have questions regarding storage. For shavings, after you break open the bag, they tend to go everywhere (learned this when we had small rodents for pets- mice, hamsters, etc). Can I store them in a large rubbermaid-type trash can? Something like this one? What about straw? How much do rodents like straw?

Also, what's the best way to store feed? I have some buckets (like 5-gallon) but they are a pain to open & not in the budget for gamma lids at this time. How well will a rubbermaid tote hold up? I know we have a mice or 3, LOL, and I'm planning on mouse traps in the shed (where the coop is built into). Maybe a locking trash can as above?

I don't know- just some random thoughts on the subject. Things I have to start thinking about now!

 

[UrbanPolish]

For chicken and rabbit food we've always used those plastic storage things... Now I don't know what to call them... I feel like an idiot lol.

Edit: Here The blue things stacked on the ground lol.

 

[wyo-helpmeet]

TOTES!!!

Yes, I have tons of those!! I was hoping I could use those as they're bigger (hold more) and easy for me to open, as opposed to buckets.

 

[patandchickens]

The only problem with straw would be them *inhabiting* it, it's not going to be an attractive food for them.

Chicken feed will, of course. You can try a rubbermaid tote or trashcan, it for sure won't hold up vs rats but it will sometimes be ok vs relatively unmotivated mice. A metal trashcan is more secure; if you have major temperature swings in your climate you have to be careful about storing things in metal cans b/c of dampness from condensate that forms, but in a more level climate it's not so bad. Leaving the feed in its bag (just put the whole bag, opened at the top, in the trashcan) reduces the effect of condensate although you can still get mold problems in really weird weather.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Mahlzeit]

I use the metal garbage cans to store mine. As said before you have to be careful with big temperature changes.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

Those totes are ok IF you have a secure place to store them. Squirrels and rats will eat though them. I learned the hard way with 50lb bag of BOSS! I don't think mice would/could chew them up very quickly but I really don't know.