If you don’t give your chickens regular treats, you should. Treats help your birds stay happy, healthy, and energetic, and believe it or not, they also lower stress and help to prevent fights.
Chickens are omnivores, and that means they can eat all kinds of things, but you’re always best to give them wholesome and nutritious food. One of the best chicken treat recipes I have found is a simple combination of oatmeal and raisins. Yep, pretty much the same thing most of us eat for breakfast occasionally!
This is a great option for busy keepers because it’s so fast and easy to make, and it’s so good for your birds. Plus, you can mix in other ingredients tailored to nutritional goals or their preferences. Keep reading, and I’ll tell you what you need to know.
What You’ll Need
Oats, appx. 1 Cup: Use rolled, quick or steel cut oats for best results. They’re easy to digest and provide a great source of fiber and energy for your flock. Note that steel cut oats will need to be cooked longer than the other two kinds. Never, ever use instant oatmeal that has lots of sugar, preservatives and other weird stuff.
Raisins, ½ Cup (or less): These sweet treats are a chicken favorite and great source of energy, but packed with natural sugars. Good for a quick energy boost but you don’t want your birds to get too many. Don’t overdo it!
oatmeal and raisins.jpg
Water, 1 ¾ Cup: To cook the oats and soften the raisins. You may need a little more or less.
Add-Ins (optional): For extra nutrition and interest. Add things like wheatgrass (used in this recipe), dried herbs like oregano or rosemary, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, berries and other chicken-safe fare.
Measuring Cup: For precise portion control.
Mixing Bowl: To combine ingredients evenly prior to cooking. You might not need this if you are cooking on the stovetop in a pot.
Pot or Microwave-Safe Container: For heating the mixture according to your preparation preferences.
Spoon: Self explanatory.
That’s it. You should have all of this stuff in your kitchen right now.
Instructions
Step 1: Wash mix-ins, if needed. If you’re using fresh berries or herbs, give them a quick rinse to remove any dirt or debris. Pat dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the finished oatmeal and set aside.
Step 2: Combine oatmeal, raisins and water. In your mixing bowl, toss together the oats and raisins then pour the water over the top. Stir thoroughly to combine.
Step 3: Heat. Pour the mix into your pot or other microwave-safe container if needed. On the stovetop, bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, then back off the heat to a simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until the oats are soft and the water is mostly absorbed. In a microwave, cover and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
With either method, look for the raisins to plump up and the oats to become soft.
Step 4: Allow to cool. Hot oatmeal, served piping, can easily burn your chickens. Be patient and let it cool down to a comfortable but still warm temperature. If desired, you can allow it to cool down to room temp but note that it will thicken some. Spread out the oatmeal on a bowl or tray to speed up cooling if you’re in a rush.
Step 5: Top with or mix in extra ingredients. Once cooled somewhat, sprinkle or stir in your optional add-ins. A handful of chopped wheatgrass, shown here, adds a nutrient-rich touch of interest. Seeds or dried herbs and more can boost flavor and health benefits. Experiment and see what your flock enjoys most.
Step 6: Serve to flock. Scoop the mixture onto a clean, flat tray or shallow bowl and serve. If you have more than a few birds I strongly recommend you place two or more bowls to prevent squabbles and messes.
Step 7: Done! That’s it, you’ve made your flock a wholesome, healthy snack in no time.
Tips and Tricks
Don’t Overfeed! Even healthy treats like oatmeal and raisins should make up no more than 10% of your chickens’ diet. This is a special snack or supplement, not a dietary staple. A serving or two once a week is plenty.
Try Different Treats from Time to Time: Variety keeps your flock active and interested, and ensures a wider range of needed nutrients. Rotate this recipe with other chicken-safe treats like frozen or steamed veggies, mealworms, corn treats, or scrambled eggs – yes, chickens can eat cooked eggs!
Clean Up Leftover Mess: Chickens are often messy eaters, and uneaten oatmeal will readily attract pests. After your flock has had their fill, clean up and scoop up any leftover bits. A quick sweep of the area keeps your coop clean and your birds healthy.
Tim is a farm boy with vast experience on homesteads, and with survival and prepping. He lives a self-reliant lifestyle along with his aging mother in a quiet and very conservative little town in Ohio. He teaches folks about security, prepping and self-sufficiency not just through his witty writing, but also in person.
Find out more about Tim and the rest of the crew here.