Can pumpkin be fed as a treat?

[cluckmecoop7]

Hi everyone

I was wondering if pumpkin can be fed as a treat to chickens? I don't want to hurt them, and it's just for a treat, not for de-worming, etc. Also, are the seeds ok?

Thanks!

- Clucky

 

[CarpCharacin]

I've read that it's okay to feed as a treat, and that the seeds are okay.

 

[N F C]

Hi everyone

I was wondering if pumpkin can be fed as a treat to chickens? I don't want to hurt them, and it's just for a treat, not for de-worming, etc. Also, are the seeds ok?

Thanks!

- Clucky

Hey @cluckmecoop7 have you ever seen this article in the Learning Center? It might help you out with other treat questions:
chicken-treat-chart—the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens.47738

Just don't over do the snacks...chickens are like kids, they'll fill up on "junk food" and pass up their healthy feed.

 

[Sequel]

Some people cook them a little first, but yes most chickens love them. Like any other treat don't overdo it and make sure it doesn't have mold or rot of any kind.

 

[jvls1942]

pumpkins and squash are just fine for chickens.
you don't have to cook it. just smash/crack it a little so they can get at the inside easier.

 

[TwentyOneChickens]

Yes, it can be fed as treats! My flock isn't into it though.
They can eat the seeds also. I wouldn't give them the stem, because it can be moldy sometimes and it's also prickly. I wouldn't want to eat that.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Last year I put a small pumpkin in the coop with my birds. They loved it and it kept them busy. I also took some pumpkin scraps from carving pumpkins and put it in the deep freeze. It's a great treat on a hot day.

 

[jvls1942]

chickens aren't so dumb that they would eat a woody stem if there is nice pumpkin available.
If they did eat the stem it wouldn't hurt them.
chickens are one step above scavengers. they will eat just about anything.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

my chickens love pumpkins.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thank you everyone! I'm carving my fall pumpkin right now and will give them the 'guts'.