Instant Oatmeal

[AhhbearFl31]

I have a case of instant oatmeal & I wanted to know if feeding it to my chickens is safe. I've read some other posts about this, but I'm still not sure. Can it be given straight out of the package or should it be cooked 1st? The other posts mentioned oatmeal from the feed store, but what I have is meant for people. Don't wanna hurt our babies. Thank you!!!!!!

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I've feed my hens it cooked and not cooked before, I like to save it for a cold day and cook it so the hens have a nice warm treat.

 

[AhhbearFl31]

Thank you! They were tossing a whole case of non-flavored oatmeal at my job & I took it hoping our babies could eat it. But before I just tossed it out to them, I wanted to insure their safety. Was wondering if it was anything like uncooked rice. Was worried about swelling. We are in sunny Florida, so I don't think they want warm, cooked oatmeal right now. LOL

 

[RJSorensen]

We like to share a warm bowl of oatmeal with our birds in the winter as well, but for you in your situation perhaps you might try feeding it moist. Warm food in the winter is an easy sale, but dried oatmeal might not hit the 'sweet spot' right off. Just something to keep in mind should the initial taste test prove to not be a hit.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

 

[bigt447]

No need to cook....just mix with a little water, or milk or yogurt... At least 12% protein....and my layers love it as a treat.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have "old fashioned" oats (oatmeal) and mine eat it "raw" or cooked. I sprinkle a little on the ground as scratch. If I cook it (make a bigger batch) once it is cooled I add more water and some of their crumbles and make this their "treat". Pan is always empty a while later. Also another good thing with oatmeal, we have cold windy days and they spend time in the coop hanging out. Sprinkle a little oatmeal in the shavings, since the oatmeal is light colored like the shavings, the girls stay busy scratching and hunting for their treat.