Feeding pumpkins to chickens is an easy way to offer your flock a seasonal treat. Chickens can eat pumpkin flesh, pulp and seeds, and this simple pumpkin mash recipe combines them with oats for added nutrients. The recipe makes enough for four or five hens and can be doubled or tripled for larger flocks. Serve pumpkin in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Mash
- pulp and seeds from one small pumpkin or winter squash
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 tablespoons raw pumpkin or squash seeds
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Lesa Wilke
How to Make Pumpkin Mash for Chickens
Split the squash or pumpkin in half, and scoop the pulp and seeds out of the internal cavity; save the two halves for serving. Mix the pulp and seeds with the oats, additional seeds and molasses. Spoon half of the pulp mixture back into each of the two saved halves. Serve it to your chickens by placing the halves in the coop or run; they will eat the mixture from the cavities and will also eat the flesh.
Tips for Serving Pumpkin Safely
When feeding pumpkin to chickens, it’s important to serve it safely to keep your flock healthy and give the biggest benefit of offering pumpkins to your flock. Always use fresh pumpkin that is free from mold or soft spots, and avoid adding sugar, salt, or other additives. Offer pumpkin in moderation, as it should be a treat rather than a primary part of their diet. For larger pumpkins, cutting them into halves or smaller pieces makes it easier for your chickens to peck and enjoy the flesh and seeds without frustration. Remove uneaten pumpkin mash before it spoils, particularly in warm weather.
Following these simple precautions ensures your birds get the full nutritional benefits of this seasonal favorite.
This story about feeding pumpkin to chickens was written for Hobby Farms and Chickens magazines. Click here to subscribe.
