Can I feed a Pumpkin to my 5 week old flock?

[LadyGuinevere]

I have 3 pumpkins ... 'tis the season, LOL. Can I cut one of them up and just set it in their enclosure? Are they still too young for that treat? We've never had birds this young before.

Thank you for your help.

Lady Guinevere

 

[TOMTE]

It should be fine! Do you have chick grit for them? To help them digest the seeds and fiber.

 

[LadyGuinevere]

That's the seeds and misc stuff in bulk usually? I have a 50lb bag coming today? Should I wait till it's here before setting the pumpkin in the enclosure?

 

[TOMTE]

That's the seeds and misc stuff in bulk usually? I have a 50lb bag coming today? Should I wait till it's here before setting the pumpkin in the enclosure?

I think you're thinking of scratch which is seeds and other things to feed as a treat. Grit is usually crushed granite. It sits in the gizzard and helps grind up food, and usually probiotics are added to it

 

[rural mouse]

They're going to have to work on the pumpkin a while. As long as they get some of the grit before bedtime, should be fine. And if they've got access to sandy ground, they'll get their own grit.

 

[LadyGuinevere]

I'll get some before giving them the pumpkins.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Yes you can, and be sure they have chick grit (or equivalent) available. Will help avoid potential crop issues from the long fibers in pumpkins and other squash.

 

[LadyGuinevere]

I have an extra cantelope ... If I cut it in half and put it in the chicken's home ... is that alright for 6 week old chicks?

 

[rural mouse]

I have an extra cantelope ... If I cut it in half and put it in the chicken's home ... is that alright for 6 week old chicks?

It's probably more than they can eat at one time, but....they'll enjoy it...once they get past the strange new thing.

 

[LadyGuinevere]

Yea ... right now they're eyeing it like a hostile intruder LOL