Rolled Naked Oats

Rolled naked oats are a nutritious food for a number of garden bird species, and in particular those that typically feed on the ground such as Blackbird, Robin and Starling. These oats are similar to porridge oats and use the same original grain, with the difference being how they’re processed. 

For rolled naked oats, these are simply steamed and flattened and therefore are classified as wholegrain – with the steaming process meaning that the oats don’t crack when they’re rolled and flattened. The process is then completed by drying the oats. For porridge oats, the process starts the same but the oats are also crushed into small pieces, and are therefore no longer classified as wholegrain.

Rolled naked oats are not suitable for hanging tube feeders, as the food will not flow easily down the tube. In addition, some species which eat naked oats can’t use hanging tube feeders – the Blackbird being the best example. Therefore use a bird table or ground tray to feed the rolled naked oats from, plus always supply fresh drinking water close by. Rolled naked oats should never be cooked before putting them out for birds, as this could result in the food congealing and drying out around the bird’s beak.