Yes, cockatiels can eat oats, but only as an occasional treat.
The benefits of eating oats for cockatiels include:
- Providing a healthy treat
- Feeding it to your bird with some form of water (water or sugar syrup), will help their feathers stay in good condition
- The seeds may be fed to them directly. If they eat whole oat seeds, these can pass through the gut undigested
If you are planning to feed oats to your cockatiel, ensure that they have access to clean water and a cuttlebone or mineral block at all times while they munch on some morning oats.
Can cockatiels eat oatmeal oats?
No, cockatiels cannot eat oatmeal oats. They can only eat raw oats. Oatmeal is a cereal that has been coarsely ground and may not be safe for them to consume.
Can cockatiels eat porridge?
Yes, cockatiels can eat porridge but make sure it does not contain any salt or sugar.
To prepare the porridge, add hot water to the oats and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Using this method will help your bird get used to consuming their medicine.
Cockatiels shouldn’t eat instant oatmeal because the processing destroys many nutrients and there is too much salt in these products.
Can cockatiels eat uncooked oatmeal?
Yes, cockatiels can eat uncooked oatmeal. However, there are risks associated with eating raw oats that include:
Ingesting molds or fungus spores that may have grown on the uncooked oats.
Before you feed your bird raw oats, rinse them thoroughly in cold water to rid it of any dirt or debris.
Also, carefully inspect the oats for mold, fungus, or other contaminants. When water is applied to the oats, any contaminants should float off easily.
Can baby cockatiels eat oatmeal?
No, baby cockatiels should not eat oatmeal. They should eat bird pellets, sprouts, and small bits of soft fruits and vegetables.
If you are worried that your baby cannot get enough nutrients while refusing to eat seeds or pellets, consult a veterinarian for advice on the right diet for your avian species.
How to prepare oats for cockatiels?
- Put the oats in a bowl and cover with plenty of water. Use enough water to allow the oats to swell up and absorb some of the liquid.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes then empty it into a sieve, strainer or colander so you can remove any remaining un-swelled kernels.
- Allow the strained oats to sit for another five minutes then empty them into a bowl. The water should go cloudy when it’s poured off, which means you’ve removed many of the impurities.
- Put the strained oats back in your bowl and rinse them with cold or cool water until the liquid runs clear.
- Add some water to the oats and pour them into a blender. Blend on high speed for five minutes to break down the hulls on the oat kernels, which will prevent your bird from being harmed if they eat whole seeds.
- Pour the mixture through a sieve, strainer or colander again so you can remove any remaining impurities.
- Use a coffee grinder to turn the oat mixture into a fine powdery form. This will help it pass through your bird’s digestive tract smoothly and prevent any blockages or discomfort.
- Pour the ground oats into an airtight container, label it properly with contents and date, then store in a cool dry place.
- To use the oats as a treat for your cockatiel, simply remove what you need and put it in a bowl, then add some water (or syrup if desired).
- Use a spoon to stir the mixture well and make sure the ground oats are all wet enough before feeding them to your bird.
