Want to know how to prepare crimped oats for chickens?
Crimped oats are a type of oat that has been processed in such a way that the groats (the inner part of the oat kernel) are flattened and then curled into small coils.
Some people believe that crimped oats are healthier for chickens than regular oats, while others claim that there is no difference between the two.
I'm on the side that loves them - so are my chickens!
In this article, I'm going to explain the difference between crimped and other types of oats, and why they're awesome for chickens!
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Are Rolled Oats and Crimped Oats the Same?
I'm sure most people reading this are more familiar with rolled oats than they are crimped oats, I know I was when I first came across them.
The short answer is no - rolled oats are not the same as crimped oats.
Rolled oats have been steamed and then rolled into flakes, while crimped oats have been processed in a way that flattens and curls the groats.
Crimped oats are also smaller than regular oats, which makes them a good choice for chickens that like to peck at their food.
Related - Benefits of steel cut oats for chickens.
Are Crimped Oats Healthier for Chickens?
There is some debate over whether or not crimped oats are healthier for chickens than other types of oats.
Some people believe that the processing involved in making crimped oats causes them to be more digestible for chickens, while others claim that there is no difference between the two.
I read up various posts (like this one) that compare the nutritional value of several types of oats, and there just isn't much to split them on.
The conclusion is always that all types of oats are healthy, not just for us but for chickens, so you should feed your chickens the type of oats you prefer.
What Type of Oats Are Best for Chickens?
All of the common types of oats are great for chickens - that means that crimped oats are a great option!
It's important to remember that chickens should have a diet that is balanced and includes different types of grains, vegetables, and proteins along with their main feed.
Oats are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so they make an excellent addition to a chicken's diet.
The reason why crimped oats are commonly fed to other animals, like horses and livestock, is simply due to the availability and cost.
Crimped oats are very affordable (in some parts of the country), so not only are they packed with good nutrition but they won't break the bank either.
What Should Chickens Eat for a Balanced Diet?
A balanced diet for chickens is a high-quality commercial feed that can deliver the right amount of protein and a balance of the other key nutrients chickens need.
In addition to this, a variety of different grains, vegetables, and fruits will further enhance their diets.
Some of the fruits and vegetables you should consider sharing with your chickens includes:
Be sure to check that any foods you're giving your chickens are not going off or moldy, and don't leave them outside long enough to spoil.
Chickens aren't dustbins or recycling machines, even though they might act like it sometimes!
They have some specific dietary requirements to ensure they maintain optimal health and keep producing strong, tasty eggs.
Related - Here's how to feed oatmeal to baby chicks!
What Should Chickens Not Eat?
It's just as - if not more - important that you're aware of the foods chickens should not eat as you are the foods they can eat.
This isn't a complete list, so do check new food individually before giving them to your chickens.
But a few things that chickens should not eat include:
- Raw or undercooked meat - can contain harmful bacteria that can make your chickens sick.
- Dairy products - can cause digestive problems in chickens.
- Processed foods - like junk food or candy. These are not good for chickens and can actually make them sick.
- Onion or garlic - can be toxic to chickens.
- Bits of nightshade plants - some parts of nightshade plants contain a harmful toxin called solanine.
- Chocolate - is toxic to chickens and can make them very sick.
- Raw beans - raw beans contain a harmful toxin that can make chickens sick (properly cooked beans are fine!).
In Summary
If you're looking for a healthy and affordable way to add some extra nutrition to your chickens' diet, crimped oats are a great option!
They're packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and best of all they're affordable and easy to find.
In addition to supplementing your chickens' diet with crimped oats, make sure to also give them a variety of other grains, vegetables, and fruits to keep their diet balanced and healthy.
