Can Parrots Eat Oats?

Parrots eats all sorts of things

From fruits to vegetables

But what about Oats?

Can parrots eat oats?

The answer to this is yes!

Oats are quite healthy for parrots.

And so, these may comprise up to one-quarter of their regular meal.

However, moderation in the diet is always appreciated.

Therefore, no avian expert will suggest feeding your bird only oats as its staple diet. 

In this article you’re going to learn the following

• Why you should feed oats to your parrot?
• Do oats need to be cooked for your parrot?
• How do you give oats to your parrot?
• What you should avoid when giving oats as a meal to your parrot?
• Can you give your parrots oats every day?

So if you are interested to know everything there is about oats and parrots – you’re going to love this article

Sound good?

Let’s get started!

Why Should I Feed Oats to My Parrots?

Well, mostly because oats are one of the healthiest grains.

Oats will provide your parrot with

1. Vitamins, like thiamine, that maintain the proper functioning of your parrot’s nervous system.
2. Minerals including iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, and zinc. These are crucial for your parrot’s homeostasis and metabolism.
3. Fiber to aid in gut health and for steady blood glucose levels.
4. Proteins for your parrot’s growth and development.

The thing is 

Can you give your parrots oats just like that?

Or should you cook them?

Let’s find out..

Do Oats Need To Be Cooked For Parrots?

Not necessarily. 

Unlike rice, oats don’t swell up much within the bird’s gut by absorbing water.

Therefore, oats can be given in raw form while you can only serve cooked rice to your bird.

You can feed raw, cooked, or even just soaked oats to your parrot. 

Though if your parrot has started weaning only recently, you should feed your parrot softened oats and not, the raw hard ones.

However, your parrot may prefer having raw seeds or crushed oats to cooked ones. 

But, if your parrot is eating raw oats, he may become excessively thirsty.

In this case, just make sure he has plenty of water available.

Wondering how you can give your parrot oats?

Carry on reading..

How Do You Give Oats to Parrots?

You can add oats to your bird’s diet in the following ways:

1. Raw Oats

Simply add few grams of oats to your parrot’s regular meal.

I recommend you give crushed oats if you have small parrots.

Most breeders prefer to buy gluten-free oats, but there is not much difference.

Besides, all oats are almost gluten-free.

So, you can feed all kinds of oats to your bird.

2. Soaked Oats

Soak a spoonful of oats in water or coconut milk overnight and give them to your bird in the morning.

However, I suggest you soak oats with other food items to make it a whole breakfast. 

You may do so by following these steps:

1. Take a glass jar and add 10 grams of oat seeds.
2. Add 1 cup of coconut or almond milk. Do not use dairy milk i.e. cow or goat milk, as your bird won’t be able to digest that.
3. Put in crushed almonds, say 8-12 within the jar. 
4. Sprinkle half a spoon of coconut powder.
5. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon powder. But, avoid adding any honey as it is too sweet and may even contain harmful bacteria.
6. You may include few raisins, blue or blackberries within the mix.
7. Tightly close the jar and shake it to blend the ingredients.
8. Refrigerate the jar overnight and serve in the morning.

This breakfast contains all essential nutrients for your bird.

You may use this mix for up to 3 days if you keep the jar in the refrigerator.

Please note – Before giving your parrot any new food always talk to your avian vet to make sure it’s okay and safe to do so 

3. Cooked Oats

For young parrots, cooked oats are far better than any other form of oats. You may do so by following these steps:

1. Boil 12 grams of oats in 1 cup of water, for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add crushed nuts and peanuts to the boiled oats.
3. Put in freshly cut, thin slices of fruits like apples, bananas, or guavas.
4. Add a spoon of boiled corn kernels.
5. Add a chopped boiled egg and mix all the ingredients.
6. Serve this to your parrot at room temperature. 

4. Oat-Made Treats

If your bird loves eating oats then you may use oats as treats while training.

However, it is usually difficult to get cooked oat mix on the spot.

So, some bird breeders cook oats to make some kind of oat snacks.

All you have to do is:

1. Boil the oats with nuts, peanuts, and your bird’s favorite berries.
2. Cook until the mix thickens.
3. Spread this batter on a pan and allow it to dry.
4. After that, cut 2-inch cubes out of it and use them as treats for say, 2 weeks.

Of course, all this suggests a variety of ways for feeding oats to your bird.

But there are some limits to it. 

Now you may wonder:

What Should I Avoid In My Parrot’s Oat-meals? 

Here are a few of the things you must avoid for your bird’s sake:

1. Seasonings

You may want your bird to have the time of his life by seasoning that oatmeal.

But don’t.

It’s because certain seasoning may be toxic to your bird. 

2. Sugar and Chocolates

A bird is sensitive to its glucose levels and you adding sugar to oatmeal may impact its heart.

Also, chocolate is one of the worst things to feed to your parrot.

A toxic dose of chocolate may become fatal for parrots.

3. Certain Fruits and Seeds

Add as much avocado to your oatmeal.

However, 

Never give a bird avocado as it contains persin, which is poison for birds. 

Now, some fruits are good for your parrot but not their seeds.

For instance, apple seeds contain traces of cyanide which may be lethal for your bird.

3. Cheese

I understand our obsession with cheese but don’t try to add that to your bird’s regular diet.

While consuming small amounts of cheese may not disrupt your bird’s health. 

But making those oats extra cheesy may affect your parrot’s kidneys and blood vessels, every few months. 

4. Roasted Oat Seeds 

Some breeders suggest you roast or make oat balls using fat. 

The general idea is to melt a piece of lard or suet and add raw oats, making them into greasy and slightly cooked oats.

However, I reject this kind of oat feeding.

I wonder where the idea even originated.

It’s because even if you add more oats and fewer fats, you are still adding unnecessary fat to your bird’s diet. 

So, unless your bird’s vet suggests you give some greasy dripping oils to your parrot, don’t add animal fat to your bird’s daily meal.

But, how often can you give oats to your bird?  

Can Parrots Eat Oatmeal Every Day?

Based on their nutritional value, oats should not exceed 25% of your parrot’s meal.

So, should I feed oats to my parrots on regular basis?

Well, currently there is no specific research showing disadvantages of feeding oats daily to your parrot.

So, you can feed oats to your parrots every day.

But here’s the thing..

Too much of anything is bad.

Therefore, I suggest you be moderate and try feeding oats to your birds on alternate days.

And so, never more than 4 days a week.

Besides, oats are not your bird’s staple diet.

Always seek advice from your avian vet regarding making any changes to your parrots diet

Wrapping Up 

You can give your bird oatmeal every week, preferably on alternate days.

The oats may be given as raw, soaked, or in cooked form.

Though, you should avoid giving roasted oats to your parrot.

If you want, you can always add nuts, peanuts, boiled eggs, and fresh fruits to the oatmeal.

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