Decorative Gourds & Pumpkins - ok for hens?

[imjen71]

Hi! Can someone help me identify if these gourds/pumpkins are ok for my hens to eat? I didn’t think about it when I bought them, and didn’t look at their names/types. I don’t think they were referred to as “decorative” either; they were in the produce section of my grocery store. I’d rather be safe, than sorry though!

 

[Chookchicken]

I don’t see why they would be a problem. Most of our home grown pumpkins look like that one on the top and bottom.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

If they can get in, its fine, so long as they aren't fed left over gourds to exclusion. Its a treat, and an enrichment (as in behavioral/interest/boredom buster) not a nutritional suppliment.

 

[Coops Dad]

Bust 'em open and let the chickens at it!

 

[SilverBirds]

Pumpkins are fine for chickens to eat (as a treat) and provide good enrichment. You can enter this contest here if you want: Open Contest BYC's 2022 Spooktacular Halloween Hatch-Along—Poultry Pecking Pumpkins Photo Contest.

 

[imjen71]

Thanks, all! I will bust open one of the small ones and see if they like it!