The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Part time dabbler on July 18, 2018, 08:23:30 am

Title: Rat proof feed storage
Post by: Part time dabbler on July 18, 2018, 08:23:30 am

I am looking for ideas for a rat and mouse proof storage for feed for my 18 chickens. I have seen galvanised steel bins for about £100. Any other options?

Title: Re: Rat proof feed storage
Post by: Womble on July 18, 2018, 08:36:52 am

We put a wanted ad in our local rag for a broken chest freezer. We ended up with three, except one of them actually still works, so is currently full of lamb!  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Rat proof feed storage
Post by: u06jgg on July 18, 2018, 09:23:38 am

I got used Mango Chutney barrels from a local Indian restaurant. They are thick plastic and hold about 20kg each. So perfect for me as you can move them around and stack them. Working well for 2 years. I actually bought them from a guy who had collected the old oil from the restaurants to make into bio-diesel. Paid £2 per tub.
On a bigger scale, an IBC with the top cut off works well. A cubic meter of storage for about £20 2nd hand.

Title: Re: Rat proof feed storage
Post by: Lingon on July 18, 2018, 09:36:03 am

I'm using a Knodd: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/small-storage-organisers/waste-sorting-bins/knodd-bin-with-lid-galvanised-art-10218937/ (https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/small-storage-organisers/waste-sorting-bins/knodd-bin-with-lid-galvanised-art-10218937/)
From the handle on one side, through the lids handle and to the handle on the other side, I have one of these to keep mice from getting in: https://www.clasohlson.com/uk/Luggage-Straps/Pr407996000 (https://www.clasohlson.com/uk/Luggage-Straps/Pr407996000)

Title: Re: Rat proof feed storage
Post by: doganjo on July 18, 2018, 11:06:07 am

Old freezer here - upright one, lain on it's side and drawers removed.  End blocked up to prevent entry of small mammals to the compressor area.