DIY Chicken Feed Storage Ideas for Store Extra Feed

Inside: DIY chicken feed storage ideas to keep extra feed fresh, pest-free, and organized when buying bulk or mixing your own chicken feed.

When you raise backyard chickens, one thing becomes clear fast—you need a reliable and practical way to store your chicken feed. Whether you buy in bulk from the feed store or mix your own chicken feed from whole grains and supplements like sunflower seeds or oyster shells, proper storage is essential. Luckily, there are many easy DIY chicken feed storage ideas that are perfect for a small flock or even a larger homestead setup.

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DIY Chicken Feed Storage Ideas for Store Extra Feed

Storing chicken feed the right way isn’t just about staying organized. Poor storage leads to:

Moldy feed from moisture
Wet feed that quickly spoils
Pest problems (hello, mice, rats, and raccoons)
Loss of nutrients, especially in homemade chicken feed
Wasted money on feed that goes bad

Let’s look at some of the best options for feed containers, from simple plastic totes to durable metal garbage cans.

Plastic Garbage Cans with Tight-Fitting Lids

A plastic garbage can is a common and affordable way to store chicken feed. Look for cans with tight-fitting lids to keep moisture and rodents out. This is what we use, but we keep them in our basement. I actually have a few – one for chick starter (when we have chicks), one for scratch grains, and another for a grain we have started using recently during the winter.

I do not remember what it is called, but it's a mixture of molasses, corn, and oats, very similar to scratch grains. However, it's supposed to help birds stay warm in the winter due to the fermentation caused by the molasses. What I know is that my chickens love it, and it reduces my feed bill in the winter significantly.

Pros:

Budget-friendly
Lightweight
Holds many pounds of feed

DIY Tip: Use shock cords or bungee cords to secure the lid, especially if your area has curious raccoons or high winds.

Metal Garbage Cans for Rodent-Proof Storage

Metal garbage cans are a step up in durability and pest protection. If you live in an area where rats or squirrels are common, metal is the way to go.

Pros:

Rodent-proof
Long-lasting
Great for outdoor storage

Add-on Idea: Label each can (e.g., layer feed, scratch grains, oyster shells) so you always grab the right bag of feed or supplement. This saves time, and it is helpful if you have someone helping so they are grabbing the right stuff.

Plastic Totes for Indoor or Covered Use

Plastic storage bins or totes can work well if kept in a dry area like a shed or garage. These are ideal for keeping a couple of weeks’ worth of feed close at hand.

Pros:

Easy to move
Stackable
Affordable

Watch out: These are not rodent-proof on their own. Only use them indoors or elevate them in the chicken run inside a secured area.

Buckets with Screw-On Lids

Perfect for storing smaller portions, gallon buckets are a great way to keep fresh feed available near your treadle feeders or coop.

Pros:

Portable
Great for daily use
Airtight with screw-on lids

Best For: Those who buy bags of chicken feed but want to keep just a little bit on hand at a time. Or if you want to ferment feed for your flocks.

Keep Feed in Original Bags – Inside Containers

If you don’t want to dump out the feed, you can leave it in its original bag—just put the entire feed bag inside a plastic or metal container.

Benefits:

Maintains product labeling and use-by date
Reduces mess from torn bags
Easy to rotate old and new stock

Con:

It can be harder to scoop food from the bags
It can be hard to know when you are getting low

Elevated Pallet System to Keep Feed Off the Ground

Even with containers, it’s smart to elevate them on wood pallets or blocks. This prevents moisture buildup from the ground, especially in outdoor sheds.

DIY Tip: Stack bags of chicken feed on pallets and cover with a tarp for short-term storage.

Freezers or Coolers for Premium Homemade Feed

If you make homemade chicken feed using fresh ingredients like sunflower seeds or oyster shells, consider repurposing an old freezer or cooler.

Why It Works:

Insulated to prevent temperature swings
Rodent-proof with a locking lid
Ideal for free-range flock feed that includes perishables

Chicken Feed Storage Best Practices

To make your storage setup last and keep your flock healthy, follow these tips:

Keep feed dry and cool
Use containers with tight-fitting lids
Rotate feed to avoid mold and stale grains
Keep a small supply near the coop, but store bulk feed away from moisture and pests
Label containers clearly

Choosing the right DIY chicken feed storage method can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you have a small flock or a growing homestead, options like plastic containers, metal garbage cans, or storage bins can help you protect your investment in fresh feed.

By keeping feed secure, you’ll reduce waste, ensure better nutrition, and support your birds in laying consistent, high-quality free eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Feed Storage

What is the best thing to store chicken feed in? Galvanized drums or bins are perfect for storing chicken feed. Not only can rats not chew through metal — they can get through plastic and wood — but it can also prevent water from entering your chicken feed supply and causing it to spoil.

How long can you store chicken feed? Proper chicken feed storage is essential to maintain its quality and nutritional value. Feed stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight has a shelf-life of approximately six months from manufacturing.

Should chickens have access to food all day? Chickens should have free access to a complete layer feed from when they first get up until they roost at night.