I’m wondering if these bins would work for feed storage?
The common feed room is getting pretty cramped with multiple owners, each with multiple feeds (pellets + balancer + beet pulp, for example) in various trashcan-type containers.
If a few of us went to 2-3 of these bins, stacked, it would make a huge difference at feeding time.
Has anyone tried them or seen them IRL? Will they each hold 50lb of feed?
Any other cost-effective options for space-saving feed bins to recommend?
I use Gamma Seal Vittles Vaults for my feed & supplements. They stack beautifully and are air tight. I have 40lb sizes and 60lb sizes. Been using them for 13 years now, still going strong!
I had an instructor who used some bins very similar to those, they worked great for her. But her’s were very thick plastic and could hold up to heavy weight loads. I have absolutely no clue what brand they were.
I cannot comment on how much they hold since I don’t really remember. But the 16 gallon one should be able to hold 50 pounds.
I will say though that Ikea those bins are not designed to hold a whole lot of weight and if stacked may collapse. I would buy one or two and test them out before committing to them.
I’ve seen something of the same design used, stacked 3-4 high, and it works quite nicely. I don’t know if it was Ikea brand though. There are a bunch of brands available so I would look for ones with some user reviews to make sure they are durable enough when stacked. Recycling is not normally going to be as heavy as a container full of horse feed.
To determine whether they will hold as much feed as you need, pour a bag of feed into buckets or tubs of known capacity (in gallons) and see how many you fill. Keep in mind that Ikea probably includes the air space above the bottom lip of the opening in the gallon size, and that will not all be useable space because if you fill it that much, it will just pour out.
I also use Vittles Vaults and love them!
We used something similar at my last barn which don’t seem to have an issue with the weight or rodents (but don’t know how that compares to IKEA plastic). It did help with the space issues you describe. The opening, however, is a PITA if you want to use a 3qt scoop. 2qt one is somewhat manageable. Smaller (like for an RB) is really the only easy to use option without taking the entire lid off. If you are just storing pre-portioned bags of feed in them, they work fine.
[QUOTE=IPEsq;8866844]
We used something similar at my last barn which don’t seem to have an issue with the weight or rodents (but don’t know how that compares to IKEA plastic). It did help with the space issues you describe. The opening, however, is a PITA if you want to use a 3qt scoop. 2qt one is somewhat manageable. Smaller (like for an RB) is really the only easy to use option without taking the entire lid off. If you are just storing pre-portioned bags of feed in them, they work fine.[/QUOTE]
Good point about the scooping. I make baggies, so would be using a small one for the baggies and the larger ones for the bulk feed, but wouldn’t be accessing the bulk feed daily.
I saw these when I went to IKEA earlier this week. I think there were two sizes. Rodents would be able to open. If they are to be stacked with different grains you would have to unstack them to fill because it looks like you would have to take that whole lid off. ( or at least I would, not that coordinated)
These bins are only 15 x 17 x 21. Don’t think they would hold a bag of feed.
Most hardware stores have recycling bins of a very similar design. I’ve been using mine for years now. Never had a problem with rodents, they hold a 50 lb. bag perfectly, stack and have a nice wide opening for a scoop.
Bergan Stack N Store
I really like them, they can be locked to avoid animals getting into them, and also keep out sticky fingers.
What csaper said - get the 60 gallon stackable Vittles vaults.
I have one and its definitely stackable, critter proof and seals well enough that you won’t have to worry about moisture either. They’ll be worth the extra cost.
Oh, and you CAN get a scoop inside of them!
https://www.amazon.com/Vittles-Vault-Outback-Stackable-60/dp/B0002H3S5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475161170&sr=8-1&keywords=vittles+vault+stackable+60
[QUOTE=csaper58;8866790]
The Ikea thin plastic is not rodent proof.
these are the Vittles Vaults
www.gamma2.net/size50.htm[/QUOTE]
What csaper said :no:
I used a Rubbermaid garbage can for about 5yrs before I started wondering why my grain was being used up so fast…
Vermin had nibbled through the bottom, creating a nice little dispensing station for themselves :mad:
Grain is now stored in 20 & 30gal galvanized cans.
When a raccoon started pillaging the smaller one it got bungeed shut, reinforced with a cinderblock on top.
I’m with 2DogsFarm on using a good solid galvanized steel cans. I’ve had some of mine for 26 yrs and some probably for 36 yrs and no way a rodent or raccoon is getting into them. They may be a little more cost-wise now but you will never need to replace them. :yes:
[QUOTE=msj;8870091]
I’m with 2DogsFarm on using a good solid galvanized steel cans. I’ve had some of mine for 26 yrs and some probably for 36 yrs and no way a rodent or raccoon is getting into them. They may be a little more cost-wise now but you will never need to replace them. :yes:[/QUOTE]
I agree that metal trash cans are the epitome of being rodent proof and lasting a lifetime, but the OP needs stackable feed storage. 
Thanks for all the input. Yes, metal cans would be ideal for repelling rodents, but we don’t have a rodent issue (knock on wood). We do have a space issue and the existing collection of metal and plastic cans isn’t space efficient. I guess IKEA is going to be out. I will look around at our local hardware places for something more durable, but will keep the Vittles Vaults in mind too.
[QUOTE=MissAriel;8872142]
Thanks for all the input. Yes, metal cans would be ideal for repelling rodents, but we don’t have a rodent issue (knock on wood). [/QUOTE]
We never had a rodent issue either until we had a rodent issue. We used rubbermaid containers for 10 years - no problem until they came and chewed through all the rubber maid containers.
The most important deterrent for rodents is not making it easy for them. period. When they are already there it is too late to deter them.
All grain is in metal cans now even though no rats have been seen for a year.
For bulk storage maybe get an old freezer but make sure there are no openings for rodents.
Good solution; http://www.globalindustrial.com/g/storage/bins-totes-containers/bulk/All-Welded-Aluminum-Storage-Containers
[QUOTE=Equibrit;8872292]
Good solution; http://www.globalindustrial.com/g/storage/bins-totes-containers/bulk/All-Welded-Aluminum-Storage-Containers[/QUOTE]
Very expensive though.
Tractor supple has these in different sizes: http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/bergan-stack-n-stor-100-lb-capacity?cm_vc=-10005
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
