Can Chickens Eat Pumpkins

By Nathan the Farmer

Can Chickens Eat Pumpkins? Yes. Chickens can eat pumpkins. I’ve always been a fan of chickens and their upkeep. Those little beautiful creatures with ground-scratching claws, scavenging for what to eat, what’s there not to like? Chickens are adorable creatures, and if you’ve had the opportunity to rear one, you would have realized that they are fragile too.

One of the basic concerns we have for these creatures is their food. What should they eat? what shouldn’t they eat? What is good for them? What should be given to them in moderation?

Here is a list of what you can feed your chickens with as much as you want, in moderation, and foods you should not try giving to them at all – as long as you care.

One of the foods that are very advisable for you to feed your chickens so that you can increase their well-being and overall health is Pumpkins. Pumpkin is a type of vegetable known for its amazing benefits to the body. It contains nutrients that are good for wellness and sound health. And it’s not just beneficial for human beings alone, chickens can as well partake of its benefits. If your interested in raising backyard chickens you can check out that article as well.

Below is a nutritional table that talks about the nutritional benefits of pumpkins.

Nutritional Table For Pumpkins

Measurement: 1 cup of cooked pumpkin

Calories: 49

RDI – Recommended Dietary Intake

NUTRIENTS	AMOUNT
Carbohydrates	11 grams
Fiber	5 grams
Protein	2.5 grams
Vitamin K	48% of the RDI
Vitamin C	21% of the RDI
Potassium	15.6% of the RDI
Copper	11% of the RDI
Manganese	10.8% of the RDI
Riboflavin	10.9% of the RDI
Vitamin E	11% of the RDI
Iron	9% of the RDI
Folate	6% of the RDI
Niacin	4.8% of the RDI
Pantothenic acid	5% of the RDI
Vitamin B6	4.9% of the RDI
Thiamin	5% of the RDI

Interesting Facts About Pumpkins

The word ‘pumpkin’ is derived from a Greek word, “pepon”, which is interpreted to be “ large melon.” It is called a vegetable, but it is biologically a fruit. This fruit was first grown in Central America. A pumpkin is not just a fruit, it is also a squash; a part of the Cucurbita family.
Pumpkins have very edible seeds that taste great when roasted. These seeds are also known to have great natural medicinal benefits. This fruit was grown and eaten in Native America long before the pilgrims stepped foot on American soil and found out pumpkins existed.
Pumpkins are grown almost everywhere, they are adapted to every continent except Antarctica. In the United States Of America, over one billion pounds of this fruit are grown yearly. Each Pumpkin you see has over five hundred seeds – that’s a lot.
Over 90 % of the Pumpkins grown in America are grown in Illinois soil, with over 80% available in October. The world’s heaviest pumpkin was grown in Germany in the year 2016. It weighed about two thousand, six hundred pounds.
Pumpkins are 90 % water and we’re used as medicines back in the day. Over 40 species of this fruit are grown around the world. Carving of Pumpkins Originated In Ireland, not America. There is a well-known sport from Delaware that began in the year 1986 that involves only catapulting pumpkins.
Before this fruit was widely known, Native Americans used to carve the skin into mats for themselves. Contrary to what we’ve been made to believe, pumpkin spies do not contain pumpkins. This spice called pumpkin spice is made of cinnamon, garlic, cloves, and ginger instead. American colonists were said to make a dish out of pumpkins. They referred to it as pumpkin soup.
In the Olympic games that were held in the year 1986, floating pumpkins were used for markers to indicate winners in swimming games. The United States Of America holds festivals solely in honor of pumpkins. There’s an event called ‘the naked pumpkin run.’ It is held yearly in some parts of the United States Of America such as Washington and California. Here, people must run through a circuit wearing only a helmet made out of pumpkins that have been hollowed out, and shoes.
Pumpkins are used to make beer. Pumpkin beer is famous in the United States of America. It takes about eighty to a hundred and fifty days for pumpkins to grow, depending on their variety.

Can My Chickens Eat Pumpkins?

Yes. Your chickens can eat pumpkins. Pumpkins are very popular and common fruits. Anytime I have an opportunity to speak to chicken owners, one of the questions I get to hear the most is if their chickens can eat pumpkins. Yes, your chickens can eat pumpkins.

Can Chickens Eat Raw Pumpkins?

Yes. Your chickens can eat raw pumpkins. The best method of feeding your chickens pumpkins is giving them raw. Raw pumpkins have great health benefits and wonderful nutrients. It also contains the best nutritional value for chickens. Raw pumpkins are good for chickens, especially your pullets.

Can Chickens Eat Cooked Pumpkins?

Yes. Your chickens can feed on cooked pumpkins too. Cooked pumpkins contain lots of healthy nutrients that are beneficial for chickens. You should feed your chickens cooled pumpkins often for enhancement of their overall well-being. Chicken feeders can help you to distribute all of the chicken feed properly.