10 Creative Ways to Repurpose Containers for Feed That Save Farm Money

Looking for budget-friendly feed solutions? Old containers sitting around your home or farm can be transformed into functional feeding systems with just a little creativity. From plastic barrels to wooden crates, these everyday items offer endless possibilities for feeding livestock, pets, or wildlife.

You’ll not only save money but also contribute to environmental sustainability by giving new life to items that might otherwise end up in landfills. These DIY feed container projects require minimal tools and skills, making them perfect weekend projects for homesteaders and animal lovers alike.

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10 Ingenious Ways to Transform Plastic Buckets into Livestock Feeders

1. Wall-Mounted Feed Stations

Create wall-mounted feed stations by cutting plastic buckets in half lengthwise and attaching them to barn walls. These space-saving feeders keep hay off the ground and reduce waste while allowing multiple animals to eat simultaneously.

1. Gravity-Fed Automatic Feeders

Transform a 5-gallon bucket into an automatic feeder by cutting small holes near the bottom and mounting it upside down over a tray. The feed gradually dispenses as animals eat, perfect for free-choice feeding systems.

1. Multi-Tier Chicken Feeders

Stack multiple buckets with holes cut in their sides to create a multi-tier feeding system for poultry. Fill different levels with various grains, grit, and supplements to ensure balanced nutrition for your flock.

1. Mineral Feeders for Livestock

Convert buckets into essential mineral feeders by cutting access holes in the sides and mounting them at appropriate heights. Cover these feeders with lids to protect minerals from rain and contamination.

1. Creep Feeders for Young Animals

Design creep feeders for calves or lambs by cutting openings just large enough for young animals but too small for adults. This ensures young stock get proper nutrition without competition.

1. Water-Resistant Feed Storage

Create weather-protected feed storage by installing rubber gaskets around bucket lids. These sealed containers keep feed dry during outdoor feeding and prevent rodent infiltration.

1. Mobile Feeding Stations

Attach wheels to the bottom of buckets to create mobile feeding stations you can easily move between pastures. These portable feeders reduce trampling and allow for rotational grazing management.

1. Self-Cleaning Trough Systems

Design self-cleaning troughs by drilling drainage holes in bucket bottoms and filling with removable liners. These easy-clean systems prevent mold growth and reduce maintenance time.

1. Puzzle Feeders for Mental Stimulation

Craft enrichment puzzle feeders by cutting various-sized holes in buckets and inserting internal baffles. Animals work to access feed, providing mental stimulation while slowing consumption rates.

1. Solar-Heated Winter Waterers

Repurpose dark-colored buckets as solar-heated waterers by insulating the exterior and installing floating covers. These simple systems utilize solar energy to prevent freezing during cold months.

How to Convert Old Barrels into Heavy-Duty Feed Storage Solutions

Old barrels offer exceptional durability and capacity for feed storage, making them perfect candidates for repurposing on your farm or homestead.

Protecting Feed from Moisture and Pests

Transform plastic barrels into weatherproof feed storage by thoroughly cleaning them and adding a hinged lid cut from the barrel top. Install rubber gaskets around lid edges to create a waterproof seal that prevents moisture infiltration. Elevate your barrel storage 6-8 inches off the ground using wooden pallets or concrete blocks to deter rodents and insects. For maximum protection, add food-grade diatomaceous earth (1 cup per barrel) to naturally repel weevils and other grain pests.

Creating Automatic Dispensing Systems

Convert your barrel into a gravity-fed dispenser by cutting a 4-inch hole near the bottom and attaching PVC piping with a closable valve. Install an internal baffle system using curved pieces of plastic sheeting to prevent feed clogging. For precise portion control, add a measuring chamber by connecting a smaller container to the main outlet that fills with exactly 2 cups of feed when the valve opens. This system allows you to dispense just what you need without waste or exposure to elements.

Repurposing Food-Grade Containers for Safe Animal Feed Storage

Best Containers for Different Types of Feed

Food-grade plastic buckets are ideal for storing grains and pellets, keeping them dry and pest-free for up to six months. HDPE containers work best for higher-moisture feeds like crumbles, while glass jars are perfect for small amounts of specialty seeds. Metal trash cans provide excellent mouse-proof storage for large volumes of feed, easily accommodating 50+ pounds of corn or oats. Remember that lightweight feeds need taller containers, while dense feeds store efficiently in shorter ones.

Proper Cleaning Techniques for Feed Safety

Always start by rinsing containers with hot water to remove visible debris before scrubbing with a 1:10 vinegar-water solution to eliminate bacteria. For stubborn residues, create a paste using baking soda and water, applying it to affected areas for 30 minutes. After cleaning, sanitize with a food-grade hydrogen peroxide spray (1 tablespoon per gallon) and allow containers to air-dry completely in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours. Never use chemical cleaners that might leave harmful residues your animals could ingest.

Turning Household Items into DIY Poultry Feeders

Kitchen Container Conversions

Transform everyday kitchen items into functional poultry feeders with minimal effort. Clean plastic containers like coffee cans make excellent small feeders when you cut openings in the sides. Ice cream buckets can become hanging feeders by drilling holes for rope handles. Plastic gallon jugs work perfectly as chick feeders when you cut openings near the bottom. These conversions prevent feed waste and keep your flock’s food clean and accessible throughout the day.

No-Waste Chicken Feeding Systems

Create efficient no-waste systems using common household items to keep your feed bill manageable. Convert plastic tote bins into covered feeding stations by cutting access holes just large enough for chicken heads. PVC pipe feeders made from 4-inch diameter pipes mounted horizontally prevent scratching and spilling. Repurpose drawer organizers as divided feed troughs that prevent chickens from walking through their food. These systems can reduce feed waste by up to 30% compared to traditional open feeders.

Creative Feed Solutions Using Empty Pet Food Bags and Containers

Transform Pet Food Bags into Feed Storage

Pet food bags are designed to keep kibble fresh and protected, making them perfect candidates for upcycling. You can extend their usefulness by turning empty bags into storage containers for different animal feeds. Clean the bag thoroughly, fold down the top several times, and secure with binder clips to create an airtight seal. These repurposed bags work exceptionally well for storing chicken scratch, birdseed, or small amounts of livestock supplements.

DIY Dispensers from Plastic Pet Food Containers

Large plastic pet food containers offer excellent opportunities for creating gravity-fed dispensers. Cut a rectangular opening about 3 inches from the bottom of the container, leaving the bottom edge attached to create a hinged door. Install a simple spring mechanism to keep it closed when not in use. Mount the container on a wall or fence at appropriate height for your animals, and fill with feed. When animals push against the hinged door, they’ll receive a measured amount of feed without waste.

Portable Feeding Stations from Kibble Tubs

Those sturdy plastic kibble tubs that hold 25-35 pounds of dog or cat food make perfect portable feeding stations. Remove the original label, drill drainage holes in the bottom, and cut a semicircle entrance on one side large enough for chickens or ducks to access. The remaining lid can serve as a rain shield when attached to the opposite side. These stations keep feed dry and minimize waste, with the added benefit of being lightweight enough to move around your property.

Feed Scoops and Measures

Create custom feed scoops by cutting diagonal sections from empty plastic cat litter jugs or similar containers. Leave the handle intact for easy gripping. You can mark volume measurements on the inside with a permanent marker to ensure consistent feed portions. A 2-liter soda bottle cut in half also makes an excellent scoop for smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs.

Feed Enrichment Toys

Transform empty plastic containers into feed enrichment toys for livestock and pets. Drill holes of appropriate size in plastic containers, fill with treats or feed, and hang where animals can interact with them. As animals nudge and move the containers, feed slowly dispenses, providing both nourishment and mental stimulation. This technique works particularly well for goats, pigs, and even chickens, reducing boredom and encouraging natural foraging behaviors.

Building Self-Dispensing Feed Systems from Recycled Containers

Gravity Feeders Made Simple

Gravity feeders utilize the natural force of gravity to deliver a consistent supply of feed. Transform 2-liter soda bottles into instant dispensers by cutting a 2-inch opening near the bottom and mounting them upside down. For larger livestock, connect multiple 5-gallon buckets vertically with PVC pipes, creating a feed flow system that refills automatically. These systems reduce daily feeding chores and ensure animals always have access to fresh feed without spillage or waste.

Weather-Resistant Modifications

Protect your DIY feed systems from rain and snow by adding simple weather guards. Cut the tops off plastic jugs to create protective hoods that extend 3-4 inches over feeding areas. Install small drainage holes in the bottom of all containers to prevent moisture buildup. For permanent outdoor installations, coat exposed wooden parts with non-toxic waterproof sealant and elevate feeders at least 6 inches off the ground using concrete blocks or wooden platforms to minimize rot and extend their usable life.

Upcycling Plastic Bottles into Small Animal Feed Dispensers

Plastic bottles are perfect candidates for creating efficient feed dispensers for small animals like rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs. By repurposing these everyday items, you’ll save money while reducing plastic waste. Here’s how to transform bottles into practical feeding solutions:

1. Simple Hanging Feeders: Cut a 2-liter bottle horizontally about 1/3 from the bottom. Drill two small holes near the cut edge and thread string through for hanging. Fill with feed for chickens or other small livestock.
2. Timed-Release Dispensers: Create small holes (1/4 inch) near the base of a clean soda bottle. Fill with grain or pellets, then cap it. As animals nudge the bottle, feed gradually dispenses, preventing waste.
3. Automatic Waterers: Invert a filled water bottle into a shallow dish. The vacuum effect releases water only as animals drink, keeping water fresh and preventing spillage.
4. Treat Dispensers: Cut small holes in a plastic bottle and fill with treats. Animals roll the bottle to release rewards, providing both nutrition and mental stimulation.
5. Wall-Mounted Feeders: Cut a large opening in the side of a gallon jug, leaving a 2-inch lip. Secure to a wall at appropriate height for your animals to access feed without contamination.

Transforming Metal Containers into Durable Outdoor Feed Stations

Repurposing Old Metal Cans

Old metal coffee cans, paint buckets, and toolboxes make excellent weather-resistant feed stations. You’ll find these durable containers last significantly longer than plastic alternatives when exposed to harsh sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Start by thoroughly cleaning the container with vinegar and water to remove any residue. Then sand down sharp edges and drill drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water accumulation. For added durability, apply a coat of food-safe paint to prevent rusting and extend the container’s lifespan.

Creating Wall-Mounted Feed Systems

Transform metal ammunition boxes or tool cases into space-saving wall-mounted feed stations. These sturdy containers can be easily attached to barn walls or fence posts using heavy-duty brackets or screws. Install a hinged lid to protect feed from rain and pests while allowing easy access for refilling. For added convenience, create a sloped internal design that naturally funnels feed toward the opening, ensuring animals can access every last pellet. This design works particularly well for chickens, goats, and other livestock that need protected feeding areas.

Building Weather-Resistant Mineral Feeders

Metal containers like old mailboxes and electrical boxes make perfect mineral and salt block holders. Their inherent durability protects important supplements from weather deterioration. Mount these containers at appropriate heights for your specific animals—lower for sheep and goats, higher for horses and cattle. Drill several holes in the bottom to allow water drainage after rainstorms. The enclosed design prevents mineral waste while still providing animals with essential nutritional supplements throughout the year.

Designing Automatic Gravity Feeders

Convert metal trash cans into efficient gravity-fed systems that reduce daily feeding chores. Cut feeding ports at appropriate heights for your animals, then install internal baffles made from scrap metal or wood to control feed flow. The slick interior surface of metal containers allows feed to slide down smoothly, preventing clogging issues common in plastic feeders. For larger livestock, pair a 30-gallon metal trash can with a feeding trough to create a system that needs refilling just once weekly rather than daily.

Crafting Specialized Poultry Feeders

Metal containers offer unique advantages for poultry feeding solutions. Old metal toolboxes with multiple compartments become perfect sectional feeders for different types of feed or supplements. Cut access holes sized specifically to prevent larger birds from bullying smaller ones. The weight of metal containers prevents chickens from tipping them over, reducing waste and mess in your coop. For added functionality, install a removable metal mesh over feeding areas to keep birds from scratching out excess feed.

Budget-Friendly Container Hacks for Horse and Livestock Feed

Repurposed Water Troughs as Feed Bunks

Water troughs can double as excellent feed bunks for horses and cattle. Old plastic or metal troughs with minor leaks that no longer hold water perfectly can still serve as durable feed containers. Install these troughs along fence lines or in paddocks at appropriate heights for your animals. For horses, position them at approximately 24-30 inches from the ground to promote natural grazing postures and reduce the risk of respiratory issues from dust inhalation.

DIY Slow Feeders from Storage Totes

Transform standard plastic storage containers into slow feeders that extend feeding time and reduce waste. Purchase a sturdy 18-20 gallon tote with a secure lid, drill 2-inch holes across the lid, and fill with hay. The restricted access forces horses to pull smaller amounts through the openings, mimicking natural grazing behavior. For cattle, create larger 3-inch openings to accommodate their feeding style. A single tote can save up to 30% on hay costs by preventing trampling and wastage.

Recycled Barrel Hay Feeders

Convert old plastic barrels into protected hay stations perfect for outdoor use. Cut a barrel in half lengthwise to create two trough-shaped feeders, or cut strategic openings in an upright barrel for a weather-resistant feeding station. Mount these feeders securely to walls or posts approximately 3 feet off the ground for horses. For sheep and goats, position them lower at 18-24 inches. The curved shape naturally prevents feed from being pushed out, reducing waste by up to 25%.

Feed Sack Management Systems

Organize your feed room using old feed sacks themselves. Cut the tops off empty feed bags and reinforce with duct tape to create temporary storage bins for supplements or specialized feeds. For a more durable option, slip these modified bags into milk crates or 5-gallon buckets for structure. This system allows you to keep multiple types of feed separate and easily accessible while costing virtually nothing to implement.

Gravity Feed Systems from PVC Pipe

Construct self-replenishing feed stations using 6-8 inch diameter PVC pipe sections. Cut pipes to 2-3 foot lengths, cap one end, and mount at a slight angle on a wall or sturdy post. Add feed through the top opening, and gravity will continuously deliver small amounts to the lower opening as animals consume it. This hands-free system works particularly well for goats and sheep in limited space settings, reducing feeding frequency while maintaining consistent access.

Best Practices for Labeling and Organizing Repurposed Feed Containers

Transforming everyday containers into functional feeding solutions isn’t just economical—it’s a sustainable approach to farm management that reduces waste while meeting your animals’ needs. With these DIY projects you’ve gained practical skills and discovered how versatile common materials can be when viewed through a creative lens.

Remember that proper labeling of your repurposed containers prevents mix-ups and helps track feed freshness. Take your creativity a step further by establishing a color-coded system or using waterproof labels to identify contents at a glance.

Your upcycled feeding systems do more than just save money—they showcase your resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability. As you implement these ideas your animals benefit from custom solutions and you’ll find satisfaction in giving new purpose to items that might otherwise have been discarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of creating DIY feeding systems?

DIY feeding systems help you save money, reduce waste, and customize solutions for your specific needs. By repurposing items like plastic buckets and barrels, you contribute to environmental sustainability while creating functional feeders. These projects require minimal tools and skills, making them accessible weekend activities for homesteaders and animal enthusiasts.

Can I use any plastic container for animal feed storage?

No, not all containers are suitable. Always use food-grade containers for feed storage to avoid chemical contamination. Thoroughly clean and sanitize containers before use, especially if they previously contained non-food items. Look for the food-grade symbol (usually a cup and fork icon) on plastic containers to ensure safety.

How can I protect my DIY feeders from weather damage?

Add protective elements like plastic jugs as hoods over feeding areas, install hinged lids, and elevate feeders off the ground to prevent rot. For outdoor feeders, use weather-resistant materials like metal containers or treat wooden components with pet-safe sealants. Proper drainage holes and overhangs help keep feed dry during wet weather.

Are gravity-fed systems difficult to build?

Gravity-fed systems are surprisingly simple to build. You can create basic versions using 2-liter soda bottles, 5-gallon buckets, or plastic barrels. These systems work by allowing feed to flow downward as animals consume it, maintaining a consistent supply. The difficulty level is low, typically requiring only basic cutting tools and minimal assembly skills.

How do I create a self-dispensing system for multiple animals?

Create a multi-access feeder by cutting several openings in a large container like a barrel or storage tote. Install dividers to prevent feed hogging, and position the feeder at appropriate heights for your animals. For more sophisticated systems, add individual feeding stations with controlled portions using measuring chambers made from smaller containers.

What materials work best for outdoor feeding systems?

Metal containers like ammunition boxes, toolboxes, and trash cans offer superior weather resistance for outdoor feeding systems. Thick plastic barrels and heavy-duty storage totes also perform well. Look for UV-resistant materials or plan to place feeders in shaded areas. Galvanized metal provides excellent durability against rust and wildlife damage.

How can I make a slow feeder to prevent animals from eating too quickly?

Create a slow feeder by cutting small openings in storage totes or buckets and installing mesh or grates over feeding areas. This design forces animals to work for their food, slowing consumption. For hay, use barrels with strategically placed holes or create grid patterns with bungee cords across totes to reduce waste and extend feeding time.

What are some creative ways to repurpose pet food bags?

Transform empty pet food bags into airtight storage containers by rolling and securing the tops with binder clips or clothespins. You can also create portable feed scoops by cutting and folding the bags, or make temporary feed trays for travel. Some bags can be woven into durable feed mats or reinforced with duct tape to create storage bins.

How can I create feed enrichment toys for animals?

Convert plastic bottles into puzzle feeders by cutting small holes that release food when animals manipulate them. Old containers can become treat dispensers with adjustable openings for difficulty control. For larger animals, create hanging feeders from buckets with holes that require nose or hoof interaction, providing mental stimulation while feeding.

What’s the easiest DIY feeding system for beginners?

Wall-mounted bucket feeders are perfect for beginners. Simply cut an opening in a clean 5-gallon bucket, mount it securely to a wall or fence at appropriate height, and fill with feed. This project requires minimal tools (just a saw and drill) and can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal starting point for DIY feeding systems.