Feeding Oatmeal - Would you consider it "healthy" or "okay" to feed?

[Venevee]

I enjoy spoiling my chickens. So during the fall season and winter season, I like making them warm, cooked oatmeal with cranberries, raisins, sunflower seeds (unsalted and no shells), drizzled with a little bit of organic honey. But I would like to know if this treat is considered healthy to feed them every so often. Thanks in advanced!

 

[minihorse927]

As long as it is not being fed constantly and in large amounts then it would be fine. Sunflower seeds in the shell are fine as long as they are not salted. I know many people who feed cranberries on a regular basis to their Phoenix chickens to help further growth and circulation for the tail. They sure do sound spoiled

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is OK to feed but I'd lose the honey. They don't need the extra sugar. They're getting enough from the fruit.

You could just feed oat groats and the fruit without going through the hassle of cooking oatmeal.
In nature, they eat seeds and fruit. They don't have a means of cooking.

For feeding scratch grains. I feed oats primarily in summer as it doesn't generate as much energy as other grains.
In winter I switch to wheat and barley.

Dehulled sunflower seed is good with lots of vitamins and protein. Those with the hulls are just fine but fiber is higher and protein lower.

 

[Pendragonz]

I enjoy spoiling my chickens. So during the fall season and winter season, I like making them warm, cooked oatmeal with cranberries, raisins, sunflower seeds (unsalted and no shells), drizzled with a little bit of organic honey. But I would like to know if this treat is considered healthy to feed them every so often. Thanks in advanced!

I would say that it would be "healthy" minus the honey. Cooking it for them and giving it to them in the mornings is nice after a cold night in the coop. No they don't have a means of cooking it on their own. But the fact that you are doing it for them just shows that you love and spoil your chickens.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

.... But the fact that you are doing it for them just shows that you love and spoil your chickens.

And I guess if it makes her feel good, that's all that matters.

 

[tjparker60]

I also give my girls cooked oatmeal with raisins in the mornings... they LOVE it. The raisins are the first thing gone and then the oatmeal! Stupid question probably, but I buy the Old Fashion Oats at the store... can I buy the large bag of oats at the feed store and cook it up like oatmeal???