Backyard chicken owners often ask: can chickens eat oats? The answer is yes — chickens can safely eat oats, and in fact, they’re one of the most popular supplemental grains for poultry. Oats are nutritious, affordable, and versatile, making them a great addition to your flock’s diet when used in moderation.
Oats provide fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. They’re also easy to digest when rolled, crushed, or cooked. Whether you feed them raw, sprouted, or cooked into a warm mash, oats make an excellent treat. However, like all grains, they should be fed alongside a balanced poultry ration to ensure your hens get enough protein, calcium, and minerals. In this guide, we’ll cover how to safely feed oats, their benefits, and the best oat-based products for your chickens.
Quick Picks: Best Oat Products for Chickens
- Best Overall: Whole Oats for Poultry – Natural, affordable scratch grain.
- Best Budget: Manna Pro Harvest Delight – A grain and veggie mix with oats included.
- Best Premium: Purina Layena Crumbles – Complete feed with protein, calcium, and fortified vitamins.
Buyer’s Guide: Oats and Chickens
Here’s what you need to know before feeding oats to your flock:
- Safe Grain: Oats are perfectly safe for chickens in moderation.
- Forms of Oats: Rolled oats, whole oats, sprouted oats, and oatmeal are all safe.
- Good for Winter: Warm oatmeal mash can help keep chickens warm in cold months.
- Balanced Diet: Oats should only be a supplement — no more than 10% of their diet.
- Pair with Protein: Since oats are low in protein, always balance with complete feed or insect treats.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Whole Oats for Poultry
Who it’s for: Owners looking for a simple, affordable oat option for scratch feeding.
Key Benefits:
- Natural grain supplement
- Encourages natural scratching behavior
- Affordable bulk option
Pros:
- Cheap and safe
- Chickens enjoy scratching for them
- Readily available
Cons:
- Not a complete feed
- Lower in protein than insects
Final Verdict: A safe and affordable oat option. Check price on Amazon.
2. Manna Pro Harvest Delight Poultry Treat
Who it’s for: Owners wanting a balanced grain mix that includes oats.
Key Benefits:
- Blend of grains, oats, peas, and dried veggies
- Encourages pecking and foraging
- Boosts yolk color naturally
Pros:
- Nutritious mix
- Chickens love the variety
- Better than feeding plain oats alone
Cons:
- Not a full diet
- Costs more than bulk oats
Final Verdict: A fun enrichment snack. Check price on Amazon.
3. Grubblies Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Who it’s for: Owners who want to balance oat snacks with extra protein.
Key Benefits:
- High protein for feathers and molting
- Extra calcium for egg production
- Eco-friendly insect treat
Pros:
- Balances carb-heavy snacks like oats
- Chickens devour them
- Boosts egg quality
Cons:
- Premium price
- Treat only, not a full ration
Final Verdict: The best protein partner for oats. Check price on Amazon.
4. Purina Layena Crumbles
Who it’s for: Owners who want a complete daily feed to pair with oat treats.
Key Benefits:
- 16% protein complete ration
- Calcium for strong eggshells
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Pros:
- Trusted poultry feed
- Balances oat snacks
- Supports consistent egg laying
Cons:
- Not organic
- Contains soy
Final Verdict: A complete feed to balance oat treats. Check price on Amazon.
5. Kalmbach Feeds All Natural Layer Crumbles
Who it’s for: Owners preferring an all-natural daily feed.
Key Benefits:
- All-natural ingredients
- Balanced protein and calcium
- Supports egg health and productivity
Pros:
- Safe and reliable
- More balanced than oats alone
- Convenient crumble feed
Cons:
- More expensive than oats
- Needs storage space
Final Verdict: A wholesome feed option. Check price on Amazon.
6. Small Pet Select Organic Scratch Grains
Who it’s for: Owners wanting organic scratch grains that include oats.
Key Benefits:
- Certified organic grains
- Encourages scratching and pecking
- Pairs well with other treats
Pros:
- Wholesome and natural
- Safe enrichment
- Better than processed snacks
Cons:
- Not a full diet
- Costs more than bulk oats
Final Verdict: A safe organic scratch blend. Check price on Amazon.
Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Oats for Poultry | Budget scratch grain | 50 lb bag | Check Price |
| Manna Pro Harvest Delight | Grain & veggie treat mix | 2.5 lb bag | Check Price |
| Grubblies Soldier Fly Larvae | High protein + calcium | 5 lb bag | Check Price |
| Purina Layena Crumbles | 16% protein complete feed | 40 lb bag | Check Price |
| Kalmbach Layer Crumbles | All-natural complete feed | 50 lb bag | Check Price |
| Organic Scratch Grains | Organic corn, wheat, oats | 25 lb bag | Check Price |
FAQ: Chickens and Oats
1. Can chickens eat oats?
Yes, oats are safe and nutritious when fed in moderation.
2. Can chickens eat oatmeal?
Yes. Warm oatmeal is especially good in winter but avoid adding sugar or milk.
3. Can baby chicks eat oats?
Yes, but only in small amounts and crushed, not whole, to prevent choking.
4. Are raw oats safe?
Yes. Rolled or whole oats can be fed raw, though sprouted or cooked are easier to digest.
5. How much oats can chickens eat?
Only about 5–10% of their diet. Too much can dilute protein intake.
Conclusion
So, can chickens eat oats? Yes, oats are a safe, affordable, and nutritious treat for your flock. They offer fiber, energy, and some protein, but should never replace a complete poultry feed. Whether fed raw, sprouted, or as oatmeal in winter, oats are a healthy supplemental grain when given in moderation and paired with protein-rich feed.
By balancing oats with complete rations and safe protein treats, you’ll keep your chickens healthy, productive, and happy.
Special Guide for Coop Owners
Feeding is just one part of raising backyard chickens. For a complete flock care system, we recommend:
Backyard Eggs: The #1 Guide in the US
- Step-by-step coop building instructions
- Noise and smell control strategies
- Beginner-friendly care routines
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