Quaker oats have always been one of the favorite oatmeal of many people.
They are nutritious, delicious, and easy to serve.
It is also not a secret idea that chickens can eat oats as well and other grain food.
But can they really consume it safely?
Is it safe to feed quaker oats to your chickens?
The truth is… feeding your chickens oatmeals is safe as long as it is in moderation.
Your chickens may get several benefits from eating oatmeals, such as vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants.
But if you feed your chickens oats almost everyday and in large quantities, you might start experiencing some problems.
After all, oats contain beta glucan, a substance that is considered antinutritional which is indigestible for hens, causing problems in the intestines in the long run.
Are There Any Benefits Of Quaker Oats For Chickens?
Quaker oats, in general, make chickens healthy and full of energy.
They are densely-packed with nutrients that are really essential and vital for your chicken’s health.
Some nutrients in oatmeal are vitamin B, such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin; it also contains other minerals like calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron.
It is not surprising if you have already come across several articles saying that feeding oats to chickens will do more harm.
This is partially true; oats give several benefits and are generally beneficial for chickens unless it has become something they eat in large quantities.
So if you want to give oats to your chicken, it should be done in moderation
This leads me to my next point
How Often Should I Feed Quaker Oats To My Chickens?
The only time your chickens will suffer from eating quaker oats is when it has become something they eat on a regular basis.
This is the reason behind the many controversial forums, articles, and talks about feeding oats to chickens.
Oats are nothing, but a mere treat to your flock.
Meaning, you should only feed oats to your chickens every once in a while – not everyday, and not even weekly.
Because oats can also be detrimental to your chickens’ health.
Even though it is rich in nutrients, it also contains some anti-nutrional factor like beta glucan, that will only do more bad than good.
Can Chickens Eat Raw Quaker Oats?
Absolutely!
Chickens can eat oats, no matter how it is served to them.
They can eat it raw, cooked, and even slightly soaked in water.
Feeding chickens raw oats (or even cooked or soaked) will not pose any problems and effects on their health.
As long as you are feeding them in moderation, nothing serious will happen.
Remember that it is not about how you serve Quaker oats to chickens, but all about the frequency and quantity of it whenever you serve this meal to them.
Can You Feed Rolled Oats To Chickens?
Rolled oats are extremely rich in fiber on top of other several nutritional benefits it has.
This is especially helpful for baby chicks that need additional boost in terms of growth.
To answer the question, yes, you can feed rolled oats to chickens.
But as mentioned before, only in moderation.
Feeding your chickens too much oats can instead cause many problems to your chickens, concerning their health.
What Kind Of Oats Do You Feed Chickens?
Whole, raw, cooked, and any other kind of oats will be okay for your chickens to consume.
No matter what kind of oats it is, it will provide nutritional value to your chickens that will help them to stay strong and healthy.
However, just keep in mind that it should always be given in moderation.
Although oats contain several nutrients, it also has some anti-nutrional factor that your fowls cannot digest, causing health problems.
Wrapping Up
Feeding oats to chickens have always been a controversial topic for many owners.
After all, there are several articles counterclaiming each other.
In truth, feeding oats to your chickens is okay, as long as it is in moderation.
Oatmeals are not alternative feeds to replace the original feed of your flock – these are considered treats that may be fed once in a while.
Oats are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help chickens grow and remain healthy.
However, if it is consumed in large quantities, chickens may suffer from intestinal problems due to beta glucan, a substance present in oats that chickens cannot digest.
