Soaking the oats for a longer period of time produces a waterlogged or soggy oats and may leach out some of the natural ingredients such as minerals, vitamins etc. I use a regular size aluminum bread pan for soaking and storing the oats. Three bread pans of soaked oats takes care of seventy birds for about eight days. The amount of oats will increase during the breeding season. Breeding birds consume more oats and mixture than in flight birds.
Some breeders complain about soaked oats causing diarrhea.
I believe diarrhea is caused by bacteria or mould fungus. To kill the mould or bacteria I heat the serving seed over a high heat for about a minute stirring constantly while heating. I add and mix a teaspoon of powdered alfalfa leaf. The powdered alfalfa adds better taste and nourishment to the oats. At this stage the seed may be fed to the birds with satisfactory results.