6 Best Weatherproof Bins For Storing Chicken Supplies That Keep Pests Out
Safeguard your chicken feed from rain and rodents. This guide covers the 6 best weatherproof and pest-proof bins for secure, long-lasting storage.
You walk out to the coop one morning and find the feed bag torn open, its contents scattered and fouled by rodent droppings. Or maybe you open a bin after a heavy rain only to be hit with the musty, sour smell of moldy feed. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re costly problems that risk your flock’s health and waste your money.
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Protecting Your Feed from Pests and Weather
The battle for your chicken feed is fought on two fronts: pests and weather. Rodents like mice and rats are drawn to the easy meal, not only eating your investment but contaminating it with diseases that can devastate a flock. Raccoons, with their clever hands, can defeat simple lids with frustrating ease.
Then there’s the weather. Humidity is the enemy of dry feed, causing it to clump and quickly grow mold. Aflatoxins, produced by certain molds, are highly toxic to chickens and can cause illness or death. A good storage bin isn’t just a container; it’s a fortress that protects your feed from being stolen, spoiled, or turned into a health hazard.
Behrens Galvanized Steel Can: Classic Rodent-Proofing
Get durable, rust-proof trash disposal with this 6-gallon steel can. It features a locking lid and is proudly made in the USA.
When your primary enemy is anything with teeth, a galvanized steel can is the gold standard. Mice and rats simply cannot chew through metal. It’s a simple, effective, and permanent solution to rodent pressure.
The classic Behrens can with its tight-fitting lid is a workhorse on any homestead. It creates a formidable barrier that keeps pests out and your feed secure. For storage inside a shed, garage, or barn, it’s often all you need.
However, it has its tradeoffs. The lid, while tight, isn’t truly airtight or waterproof. In a damp environment or left in the rain, moisture can still get in. A very determined raccoon has also been known to pry off the lid, so if they’re your main problem, you might need to weigh the can down with a heavy rock or paver.
Gamma2 Vittles Vault for Airtight, Stackable Storage
![Gamma2 Vittles Vault Pet Food Storage Containers - Sealed Dog and Cat Food Storage Container, Fits up to 50lbs, Made in the USA - [14"L x 20"H]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GP3rs5AzL._SL500_.jpg "6 Best Weatherproof Bins For Storing Chicken Supplies That Keep Pests Out 3")
If moisture and feed freshness are your top concerns, the Vittles Vault is an outstanding choice. These containers are made from heavy-duty, food-grade plastic and feature a unique, screw-on lid with a gasket. This design creates a truly airtight seal.
That airtight seal does two critical things. First, it completely locks out moisture, keeping feed bone-dry and preventing mold, even in humid climates. Second, it seals in the feed’s aroma, making it much less likely to attract pests in the first place. If they can’t smell it, they’re less likely to investigate.
The Vittles Vaults are also designed to be stackable, which is a huge space-saver in a tight shed or garage. While the thick plastic is very pest-resistant, a highly motivated rat could theoretically chew through it over time. But for most situations, the combination of a scent-proof seal and durable construction is more than enough to protect your feed.
Rubbermaid ActionPacker: Rugged, Lockable Option
Transport your gear safely with the durable Rubbermaid ActionPacker. This rugged, lockable storage box protects contents from weather and pests, and is made with recycled materials.
Sometimes you need a solution that’s just plain tough. The Rubbermaid ActionPacker isn’t marketed for feed, but its rugged construction and smart design make it one of the most versatile options available. These bins are built to take a beating.
Its biggest advantage is security. The lid has integrated loops that allow you to secure it with a padlock or a simple carabiner clip. This makes it virtually raccoon-proof. No more finding your bin tipped over and the lid ripped off in the morning. The thick, double-walled construction is also highly resistant to chewing.
While extremely water-resistant, it’s not 100% waterproof if submerged, but it will easily shed rain. Since it isn’t made from food-grade plastic, a best practice is to place the entire feed bag directly inside the bin. This keeps the feed from touching the plastic and makes cleanup a breeze.
United Solutions Lock-Top Can for Bulk Feed Security
For those with a larger flock, a standard 20-gallon can just doesn’t cut it. The United Solutions Lock-Top Can is a great step-up, offering significant capacity (often 30-32 gallons) with an added layer of security. It’s a smart compromise between a simple can and a more expensive, specialized container.
The key feature is the lid, which is secured by flipping the handles up and over locking tabs. This simple mechanism is surprisingly effective at thwarting raccoons and other curious critters who rely on prying or lifting a lid straight up. It’s a significant improvement over a basic press-on lid.
This bin can typically hold two 50-pound bags of feed, reducing the frequency of trips to the feed store. Like other plastic options, it won’t rust when left outdoors. It provides a fantastic balance of bulk storage, pest security, and affordability for the serious hobby farmer.
Buddeez Pet Food Dispenser for Easy Pouring
Bulk storage is for security, but daily chores are about convenience. The Buddeez Pet Food Dispenser excels as a "day bin"—the container you keep close at hand for easy morning and evening feedings. It’s not your fortress; it’s your ready-to-use ammo can.
These dispensers are designed with convenience in mind. Many feature a "bag-in" system, allowing you to drop the entire feed bag inside, keeping the container clean. The best feature is often a flip-top lid with a pour spout, letting you dispense feed into a scoop or feeder without making a mess. Some even have wheels for easy transport.
Let’s be clear: this is not a rodent-proof or weatherproof solution for long-term storage. Its plastic is thin, and the lid is for convenience, not security. The ideal setup is to fill your Buddeez dispenser from your large, secure storage bin (like a Behrens can or ActionPacker) once a week.
Tuff Stuff Stock Tank: A Multi-Purpose Storage Solution
Sometimes the best tool for the job is one designed for something else entirely. A small stock tank, made from thick, impact-resistant plastic, can be a fantastic, large-capacity storage hub for all your coop supplies. It’s less a single bin and more of a central depot.
The primary advantage is durability and volume. These things are nearly indestructible and can hold multiple bags of feed, bales of straw or pine shavings, and other supplies in one convenient spot. This is perfect for organizing a corner of your barn or a covered area in the run.
The challenge is that it doesn’t come with a lid. This makes it a DIY solution. A simple, effective lid can be made from a sheet of heavy plywood cut to size, with a handle added to the top. The weight of the wood is often enough to deter pests. For the price, a stock tank offers an unbeatable amount of rugged, protected space if you’re willing to fashion a simple top for it.
Choosing the Right Bin Size for Your Chicken Flock
There’s no single "best" bin; there’s only the best bin for your specific situation. Don’t just buy the biggest one you can find. Instead, base your decision on a few key factors to avoid wasted feed and wasted money.
First, consider your flock size and feed consumption. A 50-pound bag of chicken feed is roughly 10-12 gallons in volume. A good rule of thumb is to have enough storage for one to two bags at a time, which keeps feed fresh.
- Small Flock (3-6 hens): A 20-gallon bin (like a Behrens can or Vittles Vault) is perfect. It will comfortably hold a 50-lb bag with room for your scoop.
- Medium Flock (7-15 hens): A 30- to 40-gallon bin is a better choice. This allows you to store two bags at once, saving trips to the store.
- Large Flock (15+ hens): Look at 55-gallon drums or large stock tanks to handle bulk feed purchases efficiently.
Finally, match the bin’s features to your primary threat. If you have intense rodent pressure, steel is non-negotiable. If raccoons are your problem, a lockable lid is essential. And if you live in a damp, humid climate, an airtight seal should be your top priority. Choosing the right bin is about correctly diagnosing your problem and buying the right tool for the job.
Ultimately, proper feed storage is a simple but powerful form of risk management. By investing in the right container, you protect your flock’s health, eliminate waste, and make your daily chores just a little bit easier. It’s one of the small details that makes for a smooth-running and successful homestead.
