Chicken Oatmeal

December 30, 2011

We have had an unusually balmy Fall and Winter this year.  I counted my blessings too soon as yesterday our weather went from mid 40s to mid 20s overnight.  The wind picked up and the dampness set in, typical Cape Cod Winter weather.  I was sure the girls would have a frozen waterer as I peered out into the yard at the rhododendrons with their curled leaves.  It was time to start making them one of their favorite Winter morning treats, chicken oatmeal.  When the girls saw me walking toward the run yesterday with two bowls, they were giddy!

chicken oatmeal

It is very easy to make and I feel better when I can warm up their tummies first thing in the morning.  It takes about 5 minutes.  The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to whatever you have in your kitchen.  I make it as you would an ice cream sundae.  The base flavor, in this case oats, is the same.  The toppings vary and your own creations are endless.

This recipe serves 8 chickens.

Base Ingredients:
1 cup of oats
1 3/4 cups of water

Topping Ideas:
raisins
scratch
meal worms
assorted berries
sunflower seeds
dried and fresh herbs
wheat grass

Preparation:

Combine the oats, raisins and water in a microwave proof bowl.  Cover and microwave on high for 2-4 minutes.  Remove from microwave let cool a bit, so you do not burn your chicken’s unsuspecting mouths.  Stir and add additional toppings.  Varying the toppings is fun and I love surprising the girls with one of their favorite Wintertime treats.

I always separate their chicken oatmeal into two bowls and deliberately place them on opposite sides of the run.  This ensures that all of the hens get to fill their empty bellies with warm goodness.

Photo Credit:  Tilly’s Nest

 

Melissa

Author/Blogger/Freelancer-Sharing adventures with backyard chickens, beekeeping, gardening, crafting, cooking and more.

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18 thoughts on “Chicken Oatmeal”

  1. I like the part about separating the oatmeal into 2 bowls. I have to do that with my little flock or the less aggressive ones never get anything special. Its a good reminder that, as a caretaker, we are responsible for all of the wards under our care… its kind of like children.

    Reply
  2. My Chickens love this!
    I give it to them nearly every morning.
    I live up north and the weather regularly dips into the negatives. We have two feet of snow out now! The chickens go crazy when they see me coming after a cold night. My white chickens are more aggressive than my brown ones and usually end up eating most of it.

    Reply
    • Try sprinkling some dried mealworms on top and scatter them around the bowl. It takes a while for them to be unafraid of new things and to try new things. It will only take one chicken to try it and then they will all go crazy for it!

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Sharing an inspired life from the New England seaside. Chickens, Bees, Gardens, Art and Yummy Goodness.