6 Best Metal Trash Cans For Rodent Proofing The Barn That Old Farmers Swear By
Protect barn feed from pests with these 6 farmer-approved metal cans. Their chew-proof galvanized steel and locking lids keep rodents out for good.
You’ve seen the evidence before: a tiny hole chewed in the corner of a feed bag, a trail of pellets leading behind a stack of hay, and the tell-tale droppings that confirm your suspicions. Rodents in the barn aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a direct threat to your feed supply and your animals’ health. The first and most important line of defense is getting that feed out of the bag and into a container that a mouse or rat can’t turn into a midnight snack.
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Why Galvanized Steel Beats Plastic for Feed Storage
Let’s be direct: a plastic trash can is just a temporary obstacle for a determined rodent. I’ve seen rats chew through the thickest heavy-duty plastic bins like it was cardboard. They have all night, and their teeth are sharp.
Galvanized steel, on the other hand, is a fortress. The slick, hard surface gives them nothing to grip, and the material itself is simply too tough for their teeth to gain any purchase. It’s the difference between a locked door and a screen door. While a steel can might cost a bit more upfront, it will last for decades, unlike a plastic bin that you’ll be replacing after the first major breach.
Think of it as an investment in biosecurity and feed savings. Every bag of feed contaminated or consumed by pests is money thrown away. A good steel can pays for itself quickly by eliminating that waste and protecting your animals from the diseases rodents carry.
Behrens 20-Gallon: The All-Around Workhorse
If you need one can that does almost everything well, this is it. The Behrens 20-gallon galvanized can is a classic for a reason. It’s the perfect size to hold a standard 50-pound bag of layer pellets, goat feed, or all-stock grain with a little room to spare for your scoop.
Its construction is simple and effective. You get two sturdy side handles for carrying it, even when full, and a tight-fitting lid that seats firmly on the rim. For keeping out mice and containing smells, this simple friction-fit lid is usually more than enough. The can is durable enough to handle the occasional knock from a wheelbarrow but light enough to move around the feed room without a struggle.
This is your daily driver. It’s not designed for maximum security against clever animals like raccoons, but for general-purpose, rodent-proof storage, its blend of size, durability, and value is unmatched. It’s the can you buy for your main feed supply and never have to think about again.
Behrens 610 Locking Lid Can for Max Security
Sometimes, a tight-fitting lid just isn’t enough. If your barn is visited by raccoons, opossums, or even an overly curious dog, you need to upgrade your security. The Behrens 610 locking lid can is the solution for when pests have proven they can outsmart a simple lid.
The key feature is the integrated latching mechanism. A simple but strong steel handle pivots over the lid and locks into a catch, creating a seal that can’t be pried open by dexterous paws. This is a game-changer. It provides genuine peace of mind that your high-protein starter feed or expensive supplements are completely safe.
The tradeoff is minor but real: you have an extra step every time you open and close the can. But when you compare that tiny inconvenience to the cost and frustration of a raided feed bin, the choice is obvious. If you have raccoons, a locking lid isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Rubbermaid Commercial: Heavy-Duty Barn Staple
When you see the "Rubbermaid Commercial" name, you might think of plastic, but their galvanized steel cans are built for absolute abuse. These are the cans you find in workshops, commercial kitchens, and barns where equipment is expected to work hard and last forever. They are often made from a heavier gauge steel than standard consumer-grade cans.
What sets this can apart is the build quality. The rims are often reinforced to prevent warping, the handles are securely riveted, and the lids are engineered for an exceptionally snug fit. This isn’t about fancy features like locks; it’s about raw, simple durability. It’s designed to be dented, kicked, and left out in the weather without failing.
Think of this as the buy-it-for-life option. If you’re tired of replacing cheaper cans that have dented, rusted, or lost their shape over the years, investing in a commercial-grade can is the answer. It will stand up to the daily rigors of farm life far better than its lighter-duty counterparts.
Toter 32-Gallon Can for Bulk Feed Storage
When you’re buying feed for more than a handful of animals, a 20-gallon can fills up fast. A larger 31- or 32-gallon galvanized can is the right tool for storing multiple bags of feed at once, reducing trips to the feed store and allowing you to take advantage of bulk pricing. These larger cans easily hold two 50-pound bags, making them ideal for your primary feed like layer pellets or hog grower.
The main consideration with a can this size is its weight when full. You won’t be moving it easily, so pick a permanent, convenient spot in your feed room before you fill it up. Place it on a couple of stacked pallets or cinder blocks to keep it off a damp concrete floor, which prevents rust and makes it easier to scoop from the bottom.
Because of their size, the lids on these larger cans can sometimes be less snug than on smaller models. They rely on weight and friction. This is a prime candidate for the security tips mentioned below, like placing a heavy paver or a bungee cord over the top to ensure it stays put.
Vestil GAL-31-L Pail for Specialty Grains
Not all feed comes in 50-pound bags. For smaller quantities of high-value items, a full-size trash can is overkill. The Vestil galvanized pail with a locking lid is the perfect solution for protecting things like scratch grains, sunflower seeds, mineral supplements, or medicated feed.
This is essentially a miniature high-security can. The locking mechanism ensures that absolutely nothing can get in or out, which is critical when you’re dealing with expensive or specialized products. It keeps the contents fresh and completely safe from both rodents and moisture.
Its small size also makes it incredibly practical. You can easily carry it right out to the chicken run or paddock for feeding, rather than scooping into a separate bucket. Having a few of these pails is a great way to organize your feed room and ensure your specialty grains aren’t cross-contaminated or wasted.
United Solutions 10-Gallon for Small Batches
For the hobby farmer with a small backyard flock or just a couple of goats, a 10-gallon can is often the perfect fit. It comfortably holds about 25-30 pounds of feed, which might be a month’s supply. This prevents feed from sitting around for too long and potentially going stale, especially in humid climates.
This can is all about simplicity and convenience. It’s small enough to tuck into a corner of a coop or a small shed, and light enough for anyone to handle. It’s an excellent choice for things you use less of, like chick starter, grower crumbles, or even just for storing bedding like pine shavings in a rodent-proof container.
While its simple press-fit lid is perfectly adequate for keeping out mice, it’s not designed to stop a determined raccoon. But for its intended purpose—keeping small batches of feed secure from the most common pests—it’s an affordable and highly effective tool.
Securing Your Cans: Tips Beyond Just the Lid
A great can is the foundation of your feed defense, but a few old-timer tricks can make it impenetrable. Even the best non-locking lid can be knocked off if a can is tipped over. Smart placement and simple reinforcements make all the difference.
First, always add a secondary lock. A simple bungee cord or a small ratchet strap, hooked on the side handles and stretched tightly over the lid, is incredibly effective. It costs next to nothing and will defeat almost any animal that doesn’t have opposable thumbs. For even more security, place a heavy cinder block or flat paver on top of the lid.
Second, think about location. Don’t push your cans flush against a wall. Leaving a few inches of space all around makes it harder for a rodent to brace itself and try to work at the lid seam. Elevating your cans on a small wooden pallet also helps by keeping the base away from floor-level moisture and pests. Your system is only as strong as its weakest point, so a good can combined with smart strategy is the only way to win the war.
Ultimately, choosing the right metal can is about protecting your investment in both your feed and your animals’ well-being. It’s a simple, one-time purchase that pays dividends for years by eliminating waste, preventing contamination, and giving you one less thing to worry about on the farm. Don’t wait for a problem to appear; secure your feed now and keep your barn rodent-free.
