7 Best Food Grade Plastic Barrels For Chickens That Old Farmers Swear By
Discover 7 food-grade plastic barrels veteran farmers swear by for chickens. Learn about durable, safe storage for feed and water to keep your flock healthy.
Finding the right storage solution for feed and water is the difference between a thriving coop and a rodent-infested headache. Food-grade barrels offer a chemical-free environment that keeps supplies fresh and birds healthy throughout the changing seasons. Experienced farmers know that investing in high-quality plastic now prevents the costly loss of spoiled grain and contaminated water later.
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Why Farmers Choose Uline and BayTec Food Grade Barrels
Safety starts with the material, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the gold standard for anything touching your flock’s food. These barrels are specifically rated for food contact, meaning they won’t leach harmful chemicals like BPA into the grain even when sitting in the summer sun.
Durability is the second major factor. While a cheap hardware store bucket might crack after one winter, these industrial-grade barrels are built to withstand the rigors of a working farm. They handle the weight of bulk grain and the pressure of 50 gallons of water without bowing or leaking.
Pest management is where these brands really shine. The tight seals on Uline and BayTec models are often the only thing standing between your expensive organic feed and a hungry family of raccoons or rats. A barrel that doesn’t seal is just an expensive buffet for local wildlife.
Uline 55 Gallon Open Head Drum for Bulk Feed Storage
The open head design is a game-changer when you are dumping 50-pound bags of layer pellets. You get a wide, unobstructed opening that makes it easy to scoop every last bit of grain from the bottom.
The heavy-duty lever-lock ring is the standout feature here. It provides a vacuum-like seal that keeps moisture out, preventing the dreaded mold that can ruin a whole batch of feed. If you live in a humid climate, this level of protection is non-negotiable for long-term storage.
Consider the footprint before you buy. A 55-gallon drum is large and heavy when full, so you’ll want to place it on a stable, level surface where it can stay. Moving a full barrel of corn is a chore that most hobby farmers only want to do once.
BayTec Blue 55 Gallon Closed Top for Gravity Waterers
Closed-top barrels are the ultimate choice for DIY gravity-fed watering systems. Because the top is sealed, you don’t have to worry about dust, feathers, or droppings falling into the birds’ drinking supply.
The blue pigment in these barrels serves a practical purpose beyond aesthetics. It blocks UV rays, which significantly slows down the growth of algae inside the tank. This means you spend less time scrubbing the inside of the barrel and more time tending to your garden.
- Pros: Excellent UV protection, pre-threaded bung holes for easy plumbing, and high chemical resistance.
- Cons: Difficult to clean the interior thoroughly without a pressure washer, and requires a pump or gravity setup to empty.
Eagle Manufacturing 30 Gallon Lab Pack for Small Coops
Not every flock needs 500 pounds of grain on hand at all times. For the backyard enthusiast with six to ten hens, a 30-gallon drum provides the perfect balance of capacity and portability.
These lab packs often feature a screw-top lid, which is much easier on the hands than traditional snap-on lids. This is a major advantage during the winter months when plastic becomes brittle and fingers get cold.
The smaller size allows you to keep multiple barrels for different types of feed, such as scratch grains or chick starter, without taking up the entire shed. It’s a modular approach that works well for diverse flocks with varying nutritional needs.
Vestil 30 Gallon Food Grade Polyethylene Storage Drum
Vestil barrels are known for their thick walls and structural integrity. If you are storing heavy supplements like oyster shells or grit, you need a container that won’t deform under concentrated weight.
The seamless construction is a vital detail for hygiene. Without seams or crevices, there are fewer places for bacteria or old feed dust to hide and ferment. It makes the periodic "deep clean" of your storage area much faster and more effective.
These drums are also highly resistant to impacts. If a goat or a heavy dog bumps into them in the barn, they tend to bounce back rather than crack. This resilience makes them a favorite for high-traffic areas where equipment is constantly being moved.
Augason Farms 55 Gallon Water Barrel for Large Flocks
When you have a large flock, water security becomes a primary concern. This barrel is designed specifically for long-term water storage, making it an excellent reservoir for a central watering station.
The BPA-free plastic ensures the water remains potable even if it sits for a few weeks. For farmers who rely on well water, having 55 gallons in reserve is a vital insurance policy against power outages or pump failures.
- Best Use: Emergency water backup or primary reservoir for nipple-drinker systems.
- Maintenance Tip: Always use a food-grade hose to fill the barrel to maintain the purity of the water.
Rubbermaid Brute 20 Gallon Drum for Daily Feeding
The Rubbermaid Brute is a staple because it is nearly indestructible. While many people use them for trash, the white, gray, and yellow models are often USDA-compliant for food contact.
The 20-gallon size is the "sweet spot" for daily chores. It’s light enough to be dragged across the yard or loaded into a garden cart, yet it holds enough feed to last a small flock for weeks. The molded-in handles are reinforced to prevent snapping under heavy loads.
The tradeoff is the lid. While Brute lids fit tightly, they aren’t always 100% airtight or rodent-proof against determined squirrels. Many farmers use these for "active" feed that is used quickly, while keeping "reserve" feed in a more secure, locked-ring drum.
Global Industrial 55 Gallon Tight Head Polyethylene Drum
This is the industrial workhorse for the serious hobby farmer. The tight-head design features two small openings (bungs) rather than a removable lid, offering the highest level of protection against the elements.
If you are storing grain in an area prone to flooding or extreme dampness, this is your best bet. The sealed top ensures that even if the exterior gets wet, the contents stay bone-dry. You will need a drum pump or a specialized tap to get the contents out, which adds a bit of complexity.
This barrel is ideal for "set it and forget it" storage. If you buy your corn or wheat in bulk once a year to save money, the Global Industrial drum will keep that investment safe from moisture and oxidation better than almost any other option.
Choosing the right food-grade barrel is an investment in the longevity of your farm and the health of your chickens. By matching the barrel’s size and lid style to your specific daily routine, you can streamline your chores and eliminate the waste of spoiled supplies. Safe storage is the foundation of a successful, sustainable backyard flock.
