Can chickens eat oatmeal?

Why

Oatmeal provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber that chickens can digest well. However, it should never replace their primary layer feed which contains the essential nutrients they need for health and egg production.

If you do feed it

• Serve only plain, cooked oatmeal without added sugar, salt, or flavorings
• Limit treats to no more than 10% of their total daily food intake
• Ensure the oatmeal is cooled to room temperature before offering it to the flock

Watch out for

• instant oatmeal packets with added sugar or artificial sweeteners
• oatmeal mixed with milk or butter
• raw oats which are harder to digest

Better choices