Feeding pumpkins to hens
Carving a pumpkin this Halloween?
Let your chooks enjoy the pumpkin seeds. If they aren't used to them, offer a small amount each day so they don't gobble them up all at once.
Are pumpkin flesh and pumpkin seeds safe for hens to eat?
Pumpkins sold for human consumption which taste bland or sweet are safe for your hens to eat. You can get pumpkin or squash crosses which taste bitter and are not safe to eat. These are unlikely to be sold in shops to humans and should not be fed to hens either.
Top tips for feeding pumpkins
If your hens are not used to eating pumpkins, give them parts of your pumpkin each day rather than all at once so they don’t gorge and give themselves an upset tummy (dysbiosis).
Remove mouldy, rotten parts before giving pumpkin shells to your birds as these can contain toxins.
Ensure you are feeding insoluble, mechanical grit to help them digest the seeds.
Remove leftovers overnight to prevent attracting rodents.
What nutrients are in pumpkins and their seeds?
Pumpkins are rich in fatty acids, providing warmth for the hen at this time of year and helping if they are going through a moult. They are also rich in antioxidants. Some websites will claim they work against worms, but there are no studies which provide enough evidence to support an actual clinical effect in hens.
Can pumpkins change the colour of my hens eggs?
Yes, pumpkins are rich in carotenoids. You may notice the egg yolks turn a brighter orange colour than usual.
Preparing food for hens at home
Be aware that food destined for your birds should never have entered your kitchen, unless your household is 100% vegan and that includes your pets. Prepare you pumpkin in the garden instead this year. Ensure you use utensils that have never been in contact with products from animal origin in order to protect your birds.
Where can I read more about the science of pumpkins?
If you enjoy a good research paper, check this paper out...
Cucurbits Plants: A Key Emphasis to Its Pharmacological Potential - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Most-pronounced-and-investigated-biological-effects-of-Cucurbita-spp_fig1_333092030 [accessed 20 Oct, 2022]
