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.
Can Chickens Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Definitely. Your chickens can eat the seeds of pumpkins. Pumpkin seeds are very beneficial for chickens and do not have any adverse health effects on chickens.
What You Should Know About Pumpkins.
Pumpkin is of the same family as squash. It has great health benefits for chickens. Feeding your chickens Pumpkins is very good for them because of the high-value nutrient this fruit contains.
Benefits Of Pumpkins To Chickens.
- Contains protein for their body development.
- The carbohydrate content in it helps your chickens to stay strong.
- Pumpkins contain natural vitamins which are very essential for the balanced growth and healthiness of chickens.
- Prevents your chickens from becoming sickly.
In Summary
Chickens can eat Pumpkins. They have amazing health benefits that help in the growth and development of chickens. Pumpkins can be served both raw and cooked and every part of it is edible for chickens including the seeds.
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