Pumpkin for chickens. Cooked or raw?

[Hummingbird Hollow]

I have several pumpkins in my root cellar that I've been holding onto since Halloween to feed to my chickens. I found a discussion thread from a year back that talked about how much folk's chickens loved pumpkin, but it didn't mention whether they fed the pumpkin raw or cooked. Anyone willing to chime in? I know they love squash seeds and pumpkin seeds, but would love your advice on feeding the flesh itself.

We've had a few cold, snowy days here where my girls haven't had much opportunity to free-range (I only let them out now when I'm out to supervise because of our resident bobcat) and I think they'd enjoy some novelty.

 

[krcote]

Lop 'em in half and set them out for them to enjoy, no cooking necessary

Sometimes it takes a few days for the chickens to get used to these "very scary new objects" in their run, but they will eventually eat everything but the very outer shell.

 

[ChickiKat]

I throw my punkies in raw. Warning though. If they don't break open well enough, be careful kicking them. They make a horrible mess on your shoes....

 

[kefiren]

they are multi-use. i caught my little EE cockerel "practicing his love" with a half a pumpkin.

 

[krcote]

Quote:

 

[zazouse]

Raw is always better when possible as cooking deplete some of the nutritional value.
I have lots of birds so i put the entire pumpkin unbroken out for them,takes them a while to get to the inside but keeps them entertained.

 

[duckinnut]

Just be careful though if you have any white chickens because pumkins will turn their feathers reddish-orange. Just kidding.

Raw or cooked, not sure if chickens actually have a preference. I give them the trimmings from butternuts,seeds,skins and cuttings and turns into a landshark frenzy.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Wow, that was quick! Thanks for all the great responses. I only have 7 pullets, so I think I'm going to quarter one of my big pumpkins and let them start with that. I think I should be able to refrigerate one of the quarters to offer in a few days and then perhaps freeze the other two for later in the winter, since we have a large chest-style freezer with extra space. The other, whole pumpkins should be OK in the root/wine cellar for another month or so...right?

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Quote:
That is too funny. I knew dogs "practice their love" on inanimate objects so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that a cockerel might value a practice partner as well.

 

[TN_BIRD]

Quote:
1. Use a machete or axe. It's more fun that way.

2. Yes. Your pumpkins ought to be OK in the cellar for a month. Give em the sniff test. We're talking chickens, so and don't sweat it too much.