How to Feed Chickens Oats
- 1). Determine the type of chickens to feed. Newly hatched and young chickens receive a starter ration. Meat-type chickens eat broiler rations while laying hens consume layer feed.
- 2). Estimate the chickens' protein requirements. Broiler chicks receive a diet with 22 percent or more protein while standard breed chicks require about 20 percent protein. Laying hens consume a diet with at least 15 percent protein. A diet consisting solely of oats is deficient in protein for all classes of chickens.
- 3). Find the type of available oats. Usually, oats contain about 20 percent hulls. This results in a high-fiber and low-energy grain. However, hulless or naked varieties of oats are available in some areas. Naked oats have an energy level similar to corn but a higher protein content. The protein content ranges from 16 to 19 percent.
- 4). Feed oats as a scratch feed. Scratch feeds such as wheat, barley and oats are fed in addition to a complete poultry ration. Because of the lower energy level and palatability, do not feed more than 50 percent oats in a scratch mixture.
- 5). Consider feeding a higher level of oats during the summer and a lower level in the winter. Chickens require a higher level of energy during the cold winter weather, and higher-energy feed grains are preferred. Feed more oats during warm summers.
- 6). Use naked oats in up to 40 percent of a broiler diet. Above that level, the meat produced by the chickens may be less tender and juicy.
- 7). Formulate a laying hen diet with up to 66 percent naked oats. At this level, egg production is similar to hens receiving a corn-based diet. Because of the lower-energy level of oats, starter rations usually do not contain oats.
- 8). Avoid feeding large amounts of oat grain to chickens. Oats contain beta-glucans that can cause digestive problems in chickens.
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