Oatmeal for chickens during winter?

[Annalyse]

I read that chickens can have Quaker oats and hot water on cold days and they love it well woll these Quaker oats be fine to use.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Yeah, although those are the expensive kind. XD
Remember to keep treats around 10% of their total diet.

 

[Annalyse]

Yeah, although those are the expensive kind. XD
Remember to keep treats around 10% of their total diet.

Lol true and yes I made a mistake with treats before but I know the drill now.

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

In the past, I made a batch of oatmeal, kept it in the fridge, and then warmed up small scoops for my girls. (I typically diluted it with water since it can get rather thick.) They loved it. I imagine you could do the same with the packaged instant oatmeal as long as there's no added sugar or flavorings. Cheaper tho, IMHO, if you buy it in larger quantities.

 

[Annalyse]

Yes mine loved watermelon in the summer so I'm guessing they'd love oatmeal to keep them warm. I might keep an eye on the weather and find the coldest day a give some to them. Do u think it would be okay to give them a small bowl every week or so?

 

[NatJ]

I read that chickens can have Quaker oats and hot water on cold days and they love it well woll these Quaker oats be fine to use.

I would use chicken food + water.

The chickens really like it.
It's properly balanced nutritionally, so you don't have to worry about limiting the amount.
Also very quick to prepare--chicken food soaks up water fast, with no cooking required.
It's often cheaper, too. (Cheaper + healthier is a great combination.)

 

[Annalyse]

I would use chicken food + water.

The chickens really like it.
It's properly balanced nutritionally, so you don't have to worry about limiting the amount.
Also very quick to prepare--chicken food soaks up water fast, with no cooking required.
It's often cheaper, too. (Cheaper + healthier is a great combination.)

I never thought of that I'll try that lol. So would it just be chicken food and hot water for them

 

[ChocolateMouse]

A small bowl every week or two is probably great. Tbh, treats are tricky and fine to feed as long as you balance them out. Oatmeal one day, meal worms the next, some peas the next, mixed fruit the next, etc. until you come close to a normal chicken diet over a week or two. Oatmeal is relatively high in protein for a grain and should be fine to feed out.

 

[NatJ]

I never thought of that I'll try that lol. So would it just be chicken food and hot water for them

Yes, exactly. You don't want to burn their mouths, so stick a finger in to check the temperature. So use hot or warm water, whichever gives the right temperature.

(And when summer comes, you can do it with cold water for a cool treat!)

 

[Annalyse]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I will be trying some stuff out and seeing how they like it I may give one a bowl of oatmeal tomrrow to see how they like it.