Chickens love pumpkins

[Chickeeaholic]

I thought it would be a good idea to grow pumpkins this year to feed the chickens. I planted eight fairytale pumpkins that were supposed to be Seminoles. They overtook a good portion of the 1/4 acre backyard. They are wonderful for reasons I never expected! Not only are they great food, the chickens love hiding in them and taking cover if they see something spooky. They love the shade too and I love not mowing!

 

[Percheron chick]

Squirrel some away in a cool spot in the house. Nice to have some fresh treats in the dead of winter.

 

[Chickeeaholic]

Squirrel some away in a cool spot in the house. Nice to have some fresh treats in the dead of winter.

Thanks, I will do that.

 

[Callender Girl]

One of my neighbors grows pumpkins every year for the 4-H kids, and I always get the "leftovers." They were originally supposed to be for my goats, but my chickens insist their goat friends share the bounty!

LOVE that your chickens take refuge in the vines!

 

[Percheron chick]

Thanks, I will do that.

Keep your eyes on them. Any nick or soft spot will spoil the pumpkins. I store them in an unheated tack room and they easily keep through the new year.

 

[Chickeeaholic]

Keep your eyes on them. Any nick or soft spot will spoil the pumpkins. I store them in an unheated tack room and they easily keep through the new year.

Thank you for the info. It’s good to know.

 

[Chickeeaholic]

One of my neighbors grows pumpkins every year for the 4-H kids, and I always get the "leftovers." They were originally supposed to be for my goats, but my chickens insist their goat friends share the bounty!

LOVE that your chickens take refuge in the vines!

That is great your neighbors do that. What happy goats and chickens they must be at harvest time.

 

[WMolinaroli]

I thought it would be a good idea to grow pumpkins this year to feed the chickens. I planted eight fairytale pumpkins that were supposed to be Seminoles. They overtook a good portion of the 1/4 acre backyard. They are wonderful for reasons I never expected! Not only are they great food, the chickens love hiding in them and taking cover if they see something spooky. They love the shade too and I love not mowing!

Do they eat the leaves or the pumpkins themselves?

 

[Callender Girl]

Mine LOVE the pumpkins. Mine eat the innards with great relish and peck intently at the pumpkin shells. What they don't eat, the ducks, geese, sheep and goats devour.

 

[WMolinaroli]

Mine LOVE the pumpkins. Mine eat the innards with great relish and peck intently at the pumpkin shells. What they don't eat, the ducks, geese, sheep and goats devour.

I bought one today, cut it up not quarters and put it in the run. They are loving it!