What to store feed in?

[WhenInRhome]

Right now we have been leaving it in the bag on the porch and that is obviously not a good idea. What is best to keep out the pests and bugs? Metal, plastic, trash barrel?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I do know that metal trash cans and plastic trash cans do not keep mice out. I tried both with cattle grain.
I am using home depot buckets with Gamma lids.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leaktite-5-gal-Pail-Black-Screw-Top-Lid-6-Pack-210631/204642286

So far no issues here. (5 years)

 

[Karenbear]

I have used metal feed trash cans for all my animals feed and have not had any issues. Tractor supply sells them and they are pretty air tight.

 

[pdirt]

I do know that metal trash cans and plastic trash cans do not keep mice out. I tried both with cattle grain.
I am using home depot buckets with Gamma lids.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leaktite-5-gal-Pail-Black-Screw-Top-Lid-6-Pack-210631/204642286

So far no issues here. (5 years)

I don't understand how mice could get into a metal trash can, assuming it has a tight fitting lid. I use cans like these and the lid is so tight, I don't think a racoon could get it off. A bear could probably tip the whole thing over or just "can-opener" it open. I did purchase brand new metal cans for the purpose of storing feed in them...no dents or defects that could allow a mouse in.

Did your metal trash can have a tight fitting lid?





That said, we're new in our town and new to chickens. It seems most long-time chicken keepers around here just store their feed in plastic trash cans. There are a few mice, squirrels and chipmunks around, but perhaps they aren't enough in numbers or aren't hungry enough to chew through the plastic ones. But they're nice cans and will last a very long time.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I think that perhaps the ones I was sold were not the good ones. If the lid has to be pried off than I would think it would work well. I just know how disappointed I was to have to discard all that grain.

 

[Folly's place]

I use metal trash cans, out in the coop and up on blocks to keep the bottom dry. A bungie over the lid will keep out critters, although having it in the coop rather than outside matters too. No bears here yet, fortunately! Mary