Not the side-eye from Happy haha! She's just proud of her carved pumpkin.
Treating my chickens to fun, healthy snacks is one of my favorite things about having a flock. They get so excited, and treats are probably the reason they love me so much! While watermelon and mealworms are some of their favorites, as fall rolls around, pumpkins become a top contender. And here's the best part—your chickens can get in on the fun by helping carve their very own pumpkin!
Are Pumpkins a Safe Chicken Treat?
Yes! Pumpkins are a safe, healthy treat for chickens. Just remember my golden rule: if you wouldn’t eat it, neither should they. Always avoid giving your flock pumpkins that are moldy or rotten.
Why Pumpkins are a Nutritious Treat for Chickens
Pumpkins aren’t just fun and safe—they’re packed with essential nutrients for your feathered friends. High in fiber, pumpkins promote excellent digestive health for chickens. The seeds are also rich in good fats.
Here’s a quick breakdown pumpkin benefits for chickens:
Calcium:Â Helps with egg production and overall bone health.
Niacin:Â Supports growth and healthy legs.
Iron, Magnesium, Potassium:Â Essential minerals that boost overall health and function.
Beta-Carotene:Â Helps give yolks that beautiful rich orange color.
Vitamins A, B, C and E:Â These provide a wide range of health benefits, from immune support to egg quality.
So, while you’re sipping on your pumpkin spice latte (my favorite fall treat!), you can feel good about sharing pumpkins with your flock. But the real question is: how do you get your chickens to carve pumpkins? It’s simpler than you might think!
How to Get Chickens to Carve Pumpkins
Chickens love to peck and explore, and pumpkins offer the perfect opportunity for them to do just that. Here's how to prepare a pumpkin carving session for your flock:
Choose a fresh pumpkin. Pick a pumpkin that’s in good condition—no mold or rot.
Make some starter holes. To get your chickens interested, poke a few holes or make shallow cuts in the pumpkin. This gives them something to peck at and helps them realize there's something tasty inside.
Scrape away some flesh. Chickens enjoy the flesh of the pumpkin, so you can scrape away some flesh to encourage them to peck at it.
Let them do the rest! Once they catch on, they’ll peck away at the pumpkin, creating their own unique "carved" design. Not only is this a fun activity for your flock, but it also keeps them entertained and helps prevent boredom.
Get Creative with Your Pumpkin Carving
If you want to take your pumpkin carving game to the next level, try carving a fun design, like a chicken or some hearts like I did! Not only will it look adorable in your yard or run, but your chickens will enjoy pecking away at it. Here's a photo of a chicken outline on a pumpkin to inspire your next carving session:
Preparing Pumpkin for Chickens
If your chickens need a little extra encouragement, you can also cut the pumpkin in half to expose the soft, tasty insides. Whether raw or cooked, your chickens will happily devour it. Some people puree the pumpkin guts, but there’s no need to go that far—just let your flock enjoy it as is. And don’t forget the seeds!
Pumpkin seeds are packed with beneficial fats and fiber, making them a great addition to your chickens’ diet. While there’s some debate about whether pumpkin seeds can act as a natural dewormer, they’re still a healthy, fiber-rich treat for your chickens’ digestive health.
Don’t Forget the Basics: Balanced Nutrition
As fun as pumpkin treats are, remember to balance your chickens’ diet with high-quality chicken feed. Treats should only make up a small portion of their diet. Keeping your flock healthy with proper nutrition ensures they live long, happy lives and continue producing nutritious eggs for you.
So, if you’re looking for a fun fall activity that both you and your chickens can enjoy, give pumpkin carving a try. It’s a great way to enrich your chickens’ environment while also providing them with a nutritious snack.
Happy fall and happy pumpkin carving, from your flock and mine!
-The Wing Lady