The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Equipment => Topic started by: Kerriech on April 23, 2017, 09:57:52 am

Title: Feed storage
Post by: Kerriech on April 23, 2017, 09:57:52 am: Looking for ideas.....

We keep a few weaners, pet lambs and hens. Don't have any outbuildings. Looking for economical outside, weather and rodent proof feed storage. Currently our feed is kept in the utility room, but it gets kind of cluttered. Our pig feed is bought in small batches of bags which is very expensive. Ideally would like to be able to store 30 or 40 20-25kg bags.

I've tried searching for mini silos but can't find anything under 2T! Galvanised bins I've found seem too small.

Any ideas?
Title: Re: Feed storage
Post by: landroverroy on April 23, 2017, 10:27:46 am: Second hand metal/shipping container. Look on the internet and there's bound to be some available in your area eventually, for a few hundred quid. Make sure it's all metal, not part fibreglass, so rats can't get in.
Title: Re: Feed storage
Post by: winkhound on April 23, 2017, 07:13:55 pm: tote bins are great if you have a loader to lift the bangs on top to fill.

http://farm.autotrader.co.uk/used-farm-machinery/tote-bins/livestock-equipment/tote-bins-1tonne-selection-of-tote-bins-brigg-ffpa-2c929a7b5b47cbc8015b4c70d3dc6397/categorysubcategory/category/livestock-equipment?searchPosition=4&searchPage=1 (http://farm.autotrader.co.uk/used-farm-machinery/tote-bins/livestock-equipment/tote-bins-1tonne-selection-of-tote-bins-brigg-ffpa-2c929a7b5b47cbc8015b4c70d3dc6397/categorysubcategory/category/livestock-equipment?searchPosition=4&searchPage=1)
Title: Re: Feed storage
Post by: greenbeast on April 23, 2017, 08:06:28 pm: what's the budget?

we use a shipping container, a 20' but you could use a 10' (though the prices don't scale well because of demand and haulage complications)
Title: Re: Feed storage
Post by: Scotsdumpy on April 24, 2017, 09:59:23 am: I would consider a shipping container ( the bigger the better) as you need to be able to keep your feeds separate from each other - ie chicken feed well away from pig feed and any pet feed kept away from 'farm' animal feed. You will get a visit from animal health and/or trading standards at some point and they are very stringent about this! You also need to rodent proof everything and keep records of rodent control procedures. They are actually quite helpful and point you in the right direction to comply with regulations.
Title: Re: Feed storage
Post by: Backinwellies on April 24, 2017, 12:38:27 pm: All ours in old freezers .... they are in sheds but would store OK outside but I guess will get a bit rusty.
Title: Re: Feed storage
Post by: valmet10 on April 24, 2017, 05:59:57 pm: how about coal bunkers , get plastic ones or grit/salt bins
Title: Re: Feed storage
Post by: Kerriech on April 28, 2017, 05:07:04 pm: Thanks for all your replies. Been busy so hasn't checked for updates.
I've managed to come to a deal with my supplier. Buy in lots of bags, and pick them up a few bags at a time. Feedstore is on my way home from work. It's not ideal but will do till we get something better organised.
Pig feed is kept in a plastic bin in the utility and hen/lamb feed in a box in the hallway. Hopefully that should cover us if AH visit.
Title: Re: Feed storage
Post by: stufe35 on April 28, 2017, 09:40:17 pm: Plastic dust bins. ( tip food in) or wheelie bins ( leave food in bags as too deep to reach in with scoop)