Feeding hens watermelon

[HenKeeper101]

It most likley wan't the melon, my 6 hens love the stuff and have never whown being ill. We've fed them this for a while now, it might have been you hens eating something thtey shouldn't, like mine like to eat styrofoam, and it was poisonus. Like styrofoam.

 

[mymilliefleur]

I agree with the other members, watermelon won't harm your flock. I've fed lots of melon to my birds and never had a problem.
Random thought: Was it an organic watermelon? Could it have been sprayed with something that is not safe for poultry?

 

[jjredpower]

I have fed mine watermelon several times but today Had a freak accident w birds today. Came home to 2 dead babies trapped (apperitley) under a half watermelon rine... watermelon half was upside down red baby head sticking out...picked up watermelon to find black baby under it dead also...what the heck. Must of just happened they were both blue......

 

[ksgirl]

I had given my chickens watermelon before no problem but yesterday I gave them three quarters of one and one died within a few hours and there was a watery chicken feed feces right next to her body like it went straight through her. I think it's what killed her. Maybe it can be a problem if they eat too much?

 

[Linda Lou 2]

HI - I have kept hens for nearly 10 years - almost 8 weeks ago my little boys gave the hens a watermelon half - within 4 hours 3 hens were dead! We didnt give them anything fruit based since. This am my husband mistakenly gave the hens a half a melon, including the skin - within 2 hours I have found a dead beautiful French Copper Black hen - I have noticed that you list watermelon as a suitable treat for the hens - WHY IS THIS KILLING MY HENS and should we all stop feeding them watermelon - panicing!

I'm only had chickens for a few months. I lost four hens this week and read your post with interest. There wasn't a mark on the dead chickens though there was a hole dug under the fence. The only thing I had done differently was to give them watermelon the day before. Most posts say it is safe to feed them melon but I don't know. Wouldn't a predator leave a mark, feathers, or blood? For now, I'll stop feeding them watermelon though they seem to love it. Any body have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Ljc01]

I give my birds melon all the time and have never had a problem.

 

[Tavia Rose]

That's pretty sad. We've been feeding ours small bits along with the Ducks for a few weeks now but they are usually full of real food before they eat. Could it be certain breeds that can't handle it? Or too much?

 

[AnnieSantiago]

I feed mine watermelon all the time. They love it. They're still alive.

 

[BonDEEroo]

Thanks for letting us know! I don't think mine have ever had a problem with watermelon (over 7 years of keeping chooks), but usually they just get the shells after we eat most of the red flesh. They seem to prefer the white rind part and keep eating the shells for days till just paper-thin green skin is left. If they eat too much red flesh they get diarrhea. And we only give it to them occasionally as a treat.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I doubt that watermelon killed your hens but a watermelon rind left laying on the ground and being trampled on by a coop full of dirty chickens' feet is a good way to spread diseases like Blackhead.