7 Best Metal Feed Storage Containers For Fire Safety That Old Farmers Trust
Prevent barn fires from spontaneous combustion. We review 7 metal feed containers trusted by seasoned farmers for ultimate fire and pest protection.
It only takes one stray spark from a tractor backfire or a frayed wire in the barn to change everything. We spend so much time worrying about predators and weather, but fire is the silent threat that can undo years of hard work in minutes. Choosing the right feed storage isn’t just about keeping rodents out; it’s a critical, and often overlooked, line of defense for your entire homestead.
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Why Metal Feed Bins Are a Fire Safety Must
The single biggest reason to choose metal over plastic is simple: metal contains a fire, while plastic fuels it. Many grains and especially hay can spontaneously combust under the right conditions of moisture and heat. If that process starts inside a sealed metal can, the fire is starved of oxygen and often snuffs itself out.
A plastic bin, on the other hand, will melt. As it deforms, it exposes the smoldering feed to more oxygen, turning a small problem into a full-blown blaze. The melting plastic itself becomes a flammable, molten fuel that spreads across your barn floor, igniting everything in its path.
This isn’t just a theoretical problem. A hot exhaust pipe parked too close to a feed bin or a spark from grinding metal can easily ignite dust or stray bits of hay. A metal container acts as a firebreak, giving you precious time to react. A plastic one acts as an accelerant.
Behrens Galvanized Can: The All-Around Classic
Get durable, rust-proof trash disposal with this 6-gallon steel can. It features a locking lid and is proudly made in the USA.
You’ve seen these everywhere for a reason. The simple, galvanized steel can is the workhorse of feed storage on small farms. It’s relatively inexpensive, durable enough to handle being knocked around, and the steel construction provides excellent fire containment for standard grains and pellets.
These cans are perfect for holding a 50-pound bag of layer pellets, scratch grains, or sweet feed. Their simplicity is their strength. There are no plastic parts to break or melt, and the slick sides are difficult for most mice to climb.
The main tradeoff with the standard model is the simple, loose-fitting lid. It keeps dust and moisture out but offers zero resistance to a determined raccoon or a strong wind. For basic fire safety inside a secure structure, it’s a solid, budget-friendly starting point.
Little Giant Feed Bin for Easy Access Scooping
This bin addresses the biggest annoyance of standard round cans: getting that last bit of feed from the bottom. The Little Giant features a slanted, hinged lid that makes scooping easy, even when the bin is full. You don’t have to heave a heavy lid off every time you do chores.
Made of heavy-duty galvanized steel, it offers the same fire-resistant properties as a traditional can. The design is particularly useful in a tight feed room where you might stack bins or have limited overhead space. Its rectangular shape is also more space-efficient than a round can.
The convenience comes at a higher price, and while the lid is heavier than a standard can’s, it doesn’t have a true locking mechanism. It will deter casual pests but not a truly motivated one. This is the bin for someone who values daily convenience and is willing to pay for it.
Vestil Steel Drum: Ultimate Bulk Fire Protection
When you’re storing oily feeds like sunflower seeds or large quantities of grain, you need to get serious about containment. A 55-gallon Vestil steel drum with a locking ring lid is the gold standard for fire safety. These are built for industrial use, meaning they can handle just about anything a farm can throw at them.
The magic is in the lid design. A heavy-duty gasket creates an airtight seal, and a lever-lock ring clamps it down tight. If a fire were to start inside from spontaneous combustion, it would quickly exhaust its oxygen supply and die out. This level of containment is unmatched by any other common feed bin.
Of course, this is not your convenient, twice-a-day feed scoop solution. These drums are heavy, cumbersome, and opening the locking ring takes a moment. They are best used for long-term storage of bulk ingredients, where you refill smaller, more accessible bins from this main, fireproof cache.
Tarter Stock Tank: Versatile Bulk Feed Storage
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. A galvanized steel stock tank is an excellent, fire-resistant container for storing feed bags inside a secure feed room. Instead of dumping feed in loose, you can place multiple 50-pound bags upright inside the tank.
This approach keeps the bags off the concrete floor, protecting them from moisture and making it harder for rodents to chew into them from the bottom. The open top makes it incredibly easy to see your inventory at a glance and grab the bag you need. Because it’s just a big steel tub, it will effectively contain a fire that starts within it.
The obvious tradeoff is the lack of a lid. This method is only suitable for use inside a rodent-proof room. It offers zero protection from pests on its own. But for organizing and fire-protecting your bagged feed supply in a dedicated space, it’s a cost-effective and practical choice.
Miller Manufacturing Chow Hound for Dogs & Goats
Fire safety extends beyond the feed room to the feeding stations themselves. The Chow Hound is a clever, on-demand feeder made almost entirely of galvanized steel. Animals push a magnetized door to access the feed, which closes automatically when they’re done.
This design is brilliant for a couple of reasons. First, it keeps feed contained, dry, and away from pests right at the point of use. Second, its all-metal construction means it won’t melt or burn if exposed to a stray spark in a stall or kennel area. It’s a far safer option than the plastic gravity feeders that are so common.
While designed for dogs, these are legendary among goat and pig owners. They prevent waste and keep the feeding area much cleaner, reducing the amount of flammable, scattered feed and dust. It’s not for bulk storage, but for creating a fire-safe feeding station, it’s one of the best tools for the job.
Behrens Locking Lid Can: The Rodent-Proof Fort
This is the upgraded version of the classic galvanized can, and the upgrade is a game-changer. The Behrens locking lid can features a tight-fitting top that is secured by a simple but effective steel handle that snaps into place. This small change elevates it from a simple container to a secure vault.
That locking lid is what makes this can truly rodent-proof and raccoon-proof. No more coming out to the barn to find your expensive feed scattered and contaminated. This pest-proofing has a direct link to fire safety, as rodents are notorious for chewing on electrical wiring, creating a significant fire hazard in barns.
You get all the fire containment benefits of heavy-gauge steel, plus top-tier pest protection. It costs a bit more than the standard can, but the peace of mind and saved feed are worth every penny. If you can only buy one type of feed can, make it this one.
Rugged Ranch Bin: Modern, Secure Feed Storage
For those looking for a purpose-built, modern solution, the Rugged Ranch bin offers a blend of security and convenience. These are often designed with a hinged, angled lid that stays open on its own, a hasp for a padlock, and sometimes even a divider for storing two types of feed in one container.
Constructed from powder-coated or galvanized steel, they provide excellent fire resistance. The design focuses on user experience—no more fumbling with separate lids or worrying about pests. They are built to sit flat against a wall, making them a great fit for organized feed rooms.
The primary tradeoff is cost, as these are premium products. However, they are built to last a lifetime and combine the best features of other bins into one package. Think of it as an investment in efficiency, security, and fire safety for the heart of your farm’s operations.
Ultimately, choosing a metal feed bin is about reducing risk in an environment full of it. You’re swapping the flammable weakness of plastic for the steadfast containment of steel. It’s a simple, one-time decision that pays dividends in safety and peace of mind every single day.
