Putting Moth Balls in feed container?

[rstampa]

I keep my seed in the original bag and then I put the bag in a large trash can with lid. I was just wondering if I put some moth balls in the bottom of the can to keep keep bugs away. The moth balls wouldn't be in contact with the feed. Has anyone tried this? And what are your thoughts on this.

 

[redhen]

good question!

 

[fldiver97]

Moth balls can be toxic. Do not place them anywhere near chickens. Also, they can melt to an extent so even if the feed is in a bag it's toxic. I used to live in FL and people got sick....having mothballs 'cooking' in their 'attic' space.

ETA....I suggest Metal cans with tight fitting lids.... I place my bags into one (you can get them at feedstores, Ace Hardware, I'd guess the Home Depot or Lowe's on Dale Mabry should carry them too. They come in a size perfect for feed bags and a size smaller for larger bags og cracked corn or subflower seeds. The large ones are usually under $20 and the lids are snug.

 

[boaz]

Good question and my first response is to not use them. There are two common chemicals used as mothballs: napthalene and p-dicholorobenzene. While it is a solid at room temps, some vapor will be released. Both chemicals are toxic to pets, have risks such as causing anemia and other medical disorders and last may not be effective at the types of bugs you are trying to eliminate.

 

[rstampa]

Thank you all for you thoughts on this matter.
I do use medal cans and thanks for the info on moth balls. I could imagine how the fumes would guss out when I opened the lid. Especially in the Summer. And I'm sure it would permeate the feed.
Again thanks for the great advise.

 

[Kittymomma]

I haven't tried this so it's purely speculation, but how about a layer of food grade DE in the bottom of the can under your feed?

 

[panner123]

I know this may sound strange, but the bugs that grow in yur feed will increase the taste or the eggs. And may also be good for the chickens. What is the first thing a chicken does when it sees a bug in the run? Eats it. Bugs are a big part of a chickens deit, so don't worry about bugs in the feed. Strange, yes, but may not be as bad as you think. Soon of us even raise bugs to feed our chickens.

 

[rstampa]

Quote:
Thanks! I never thought of that. I don't have any bugs and hope I never do. I was just thinking of a way to prevent them from establishing themselves in the feed.

 

[purpletree23]

A plastic garbage can is better than a metal can because the metal can sweat in different weather conditions and the plastic wont. You also want to remove the feed from the original bag it came in.

I use DE on everything but never thought of mixing it with the feed while in storage!!! DUHH:/

I'm going to do that today. What a totally phenominal idea.

By the way....the moths you find in your feed are from buggies that came with your feed. Make sure your feed store turns it's stock over regularly.

 

[EweSheep]

I have metal garbage cans and I line them with plastic bags. Works well for me!

Plastic garbage bags are a no no for rats, I had them chewed thru it.