{"id":2657,"date":"2023-12-25T23:06:11","date_gmt":"2023-12-25T23:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/?p=2657"},"modified":"2023-12-25T23:06:11","modified_gmt":"2023-12-25T23:06:11","slug":"can-chickens-eat-gourds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/","title":{"rendered":"Can My Chickens Chow Down on Gourds?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Well howdy folks, Tanner here. Let me tell you about the time my chickens got into the pumpkin patch and went hog wild on those big ol&#8217; gourds.<\/p>\n<p>I didn&#8217;t even know chickens liked pumpkins!<\/p>\n<p>Those crazy cluckers pecked and scratched till they busted open a dozen pumpkins, hollowed &#8217;em out, and had themselves a grand ole feast.<\/p>\n<p>You bet your boots chickens can eat gourds!<\/p>\n<p>Turns out they go nuts for most any winter squash like pumpkins, acorn squash, <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-butternut-squash-skin\/\">butternut squash<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Them gals sure loved the sweet flesh, seeds and all.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66600c77b889b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66600c77b889b\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#Why_Can_Chickens_Eat_Pumpkins_and_Gourds\" title=\"Why Can Chickens Eat Pumpkins and Gourds?\">Why Can Chickens Eat Pumpkins and Gourds?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#Health_Benefits_of_Feeding_Gourds_to_Chickens\" title=\"Health Benefits of Feeding Gourds to Chickens\">Health Benefits of Feeding Gourds to Chickens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#How_Much_Pumpkin_or_Gourd_to_Feed_Chickens\" title=\"How Much Pumpkin or Gourd to Feed Chickens\">How Much Pumpkin or Gourd to Feed Chickens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#Top_Ways_to_Serve_Gourds_to_Your_Flock\" title=\"Top Ways to Serve Gourds to Your Flock\">Top Ways to Serve Gourds to Your Flock<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#Different_Types_of_Gourds_Chickens_Can_Eat\" title=\"Different Types of Gourds Chickens Can Eat\">Different Types of Gourds Chickens Can Eat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#Growing_Your_Own_Gourds_for_Chickens\" title=\"Growing Your Own Gourds for Chickens\">Growing Your Own Gourds for Chickens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#Storing_and_Preserving_Gourds_for_Chickens\" title=\"Storing and Preserving Gourds for Chickens\">Storing and Preserving Gourds for Chickens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#Potential_Concerns_of_Feeding_Gourds\" title=\"Potential Concerns of Feeding Gourds\">Potential Concerns of Feeding Gourds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gourds\/#Partnering_Gourds_with_Other_Treats\" title=\"Partnering Gourds with Other Treats\">Partnering Gourds with Other Treats<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Can_Chickens_Eat_Pumpkins_and_Gourds\"><\/span>Why Can Chickens Eat Pumpkins and Gourds?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2661 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-56wrrltbcmcsziuy2ohx4wkr6y.png\" alt=\"can-chickens-eat-gourds\" width=\"1288\" height=\"888\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-56wrrltbcmcsziuy2ohx4wkr6y.png 1288w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-56wrrltbcmcsziuy2ohx4wkr6y-300x207.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-56wrrltbcmcsziuy2ohx4wkr6y-768x529.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1288px) 100vw, 1288px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Chickens can safely eat pumpkins and other gourds because the flesh is a healthy source of vitamins A, C, E, and B, plus minerals like potassium and phosphorus.<\/p>\n<p>The seeds provide extra protein, healthy fats, fiber, zinc, iron, magnesium, and antioxidant carotenoids.<\/p>\n<p>Gourds aren&#8217;t toxic to chickens like some fruits and veggies are.<\/p>\n<p>They can eat all parts raw or cooked!<\/p>\n<p>Specifically, the beta-carotene in pumpkin converts to vitamin A to support eye health and immune function.<\/p>\n<p>The vitamin C content gives an antioxidant boost to combat stress and disease.<\/p>\n<p>Niacin, riboflavin, and other B vitamins aid energy production and enzyme functions.<\/p>\n<p>The omega-3s in the seeds encourage healthier eggs higher in these &#8220;good fats.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>And the insoluble fiber scrubs the digestive tract to prevent common issues like pasty butt.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike fruits like avocados that are toxic, every part of gourds are a-ok for chicken consumption.<\/p>\n<p>Some gourds do contain mild cucurbitacins that can cause temporary bitterness, but aren&#8217;t harmful.<\/p>\n<p>So let your flock munch those big ole squashes to their heart&#8217;s content!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Health_Benefits_of_Feeding_Gourds_to_Chickens\"><\/span>Health Benefits of Feeding Gourds to Chickens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2660 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-lrvyzw3bujh7qtyhcwy3r4xzzm.png\" alt=\"can-chickens-eat-gourds\" width=\"1256\" height=\"856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-lrvyzw3bujh7qtyhcwy3r4xzzm.png 1256w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-lrvyzw3bujh7qtyhcwy3r4xzzm-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-lrvyzw3bujh7qtyhcwy3r4xzzm-768x523.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1256px) 100vw, 1256px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Giving your flock gourds like pumpkins provides some stellar health benefits including:<\/p>\n<p>Boosting their immune systems.<\/p>\n<p>Aiding digestion and gut health.<\/p>\n<p>Brightening yolk color from the carotenoids.<\/p>\n<p>Increasing omega-3 fatty acids in eggs.<\/p>\n<p>Encouraging natural foraging behavior.<\/p>\n<p>The antioxidants strengthen immunity to prevent common poultry diseases.<\/p>\n<p>Extra vitamin A wards off respiratory infections and vitamin C boosts antibody counts.<\/p>\n<p>The niacin, fiber, and fluids optimize digestion to reduce impacted crops.<\/p>\n<p>Carotenoids like lutein yellow up those egg yolks noticeably.<\/p>\n<p>Plus the omega-3s boost the nutritional value of your eggs.<\/p>\n<p>The seeds specifically pack more omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid than the flesh.<\/p>\n<p>Allowing chickens to scratch and peck for gourds encourages natural foraging behaviors.<\/p>\n<p>This prevents boredom and aggression from confined chickens with no enrichment.<\/p>\n<p>So grab some gourds for physical and mental stimulation!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Pumpkin_or_Gourd_to_Feed_Chickens\"><\/span>How Much Pumpkin or Gourd to Feed Chickens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2658 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-k677bnlb6hofvietfuthevrsau.png\" alt=\"can-chickens-eat-gourds\" width=\"1248\" height=\"848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-k677bnlb6hofvietfuthevrsau.png 1248w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-k677bnlb6hofvietfuthevrsau-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-k677bnlb6hofvietfuthevrsau-768x522.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1248px) 100vw, 1248px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Moderation is key when treating your chickens to pumpkins and gourds.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some tips:<\/p>\n<p>Feed gourds as an occasional treat, not a daily diet staple.<\/p>\n<p>Aim for 1-2 cups of chopped gourd per chicken 2-3 times a week max.<\/p>\n<p>Provide fresh clean water to prevent dehydration.<\/p>\n<p>Adjust amounts based on your <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/how-to-raise-egg-laying-chickens-for-beginners\/\">chickens&#8217; weight and egg-laying<\/a> status.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid gourds sprayed with pesticides &#8211; go organic when you can.<\/p>\n<p>Too much pumpkin can lead to loose stools, so stick to occasionally.<\/p>\n<p>I give my girls a couple cups 1-2 times per week.<\/p>\n<p>Smaller bantams only need 1\/2 to 1 cup portions.<\/p>\n<p>Heavy layers convert more feed to eggs, so can handle more.<\/p>\n<p>Always have unlimited fresh water available when feeding treats.<\/p>\n<p>Dehydration causes kidney issues and droopy combs.<\/p>\n<p>Check labels for pesticides and waxes, opting for organic when possible.<\/p>\n<p>Toxic chemicals end up in eggs and meat if chickens eat tainted gourds.<\/p>\n<p>Better skip those questionable ornamental pumpkins from the store.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_Ways_to_Serve_Gourds_to_Your_Flock\"><\/span>Top Ways to Serve Gourds to Your Flock<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You&#8217;ve got options when it comes to feeding chickens pumpkins, squash, and other gourds.<\/p>\n<p>Try these fun ideas:<\/p>\n<p>Chop or mash raw pumpkin and spread in garden for chickens to peck at.<\/p>\n<p>Toss whole mini pumpkins, delicata squash, etc. into run and let them break open naturally.<\/p>\n<p>Mix cooked mashed pumpkin into scratch grains or layer feed.<\/p>\n<p>Hang large gourds from coop ceiling and let chickens work to break open and eat.<\/p>\n<p>Roast then mash winter squash like butternut for easily digestible treat.<\/p>\n<p>I like to chunk up big sugar pumpkins into bite-sized pieces and scatter in the pen.<\/p>\n<p>Watching the chickens run over and gobble them up is good entertainment.<\/p>\n<p>Small pie pumpkins can be tossed whole if chickens are big enough to break open.<\/p>\n<p>Pre-roasting tough gourds softens the flesh for easier eating.<\/p>\n<p>Butternut squash gets nice and tender after roasting.<\/p>\n<p>Then I mash it into their feed for added moisture and nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Get creative with gourds and let your flock work for their treats!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Different_Types_of_Gourds_Chickens_Can_Eat\"><\/span>Different Types of Gourds Chickens Can Eat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There&#8217;s a wide variety of gourds besides just pumpkins that chickens relish.<\/p>\n<p>Hard-shelled winter squashes like butternut, acorn, and <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-spaghetti-squash-seeds\/\">spaghetti squash<\/a> are big hits.<\/p>\n<p>The dense, sweet orange flesh is packed with nutrients chickens thrive on.<\/p>\n<p>Ornamental gourds like turban, speckled swan, and bottle gourds also make fun treats.<\/p>\n<p>The hard shells encourage natural pecking and foraging behaviors.<\/p>\n<p>Summer squashes are enjoyed too, like zucchini, yellow squash, and patty pan.<\/p>\n<p>The softer skins and moist flesh provide hydration and gentle fiber.<\/p>\n<p>Unusual gourds like kohlrabi, opo, and bitter melon offer unique textures and flavors.<\/p>\n<p>Mix up the types of gourds you offer for variety and enrichment.<\/p>\n<p>Gourds of all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures delight chickens.<\/p>\n<p>Just steer clear of toxic ornamentals that may contain higher cucurbitacins.<\/p>\n<p>Stick to gourds labeled as edible to humans to be safe.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Growing_Your_Own_Gourds_for_Chickens\"><\/span>Growing Your Own Gourds for Chickens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Consider planting gourds in your garden just for your flock to enjoy.<\/p>\n<p>Many gourd varieties grow rampantly on vertical trellises or along the ground.<\/p>\n<p>They take up little space while producing heavily.<\/p>\n<p>Direct sow seeds in spring once soils warm up.<\/p>\n<p>Give gourd plants plenty of space to sprawl and provide sturdy trellising.<\/p>\n<p>Situate gourd patches right outside your chicken run for easy access.<\/p>\n<p>Or plant mini gourd varieties within the run for chickens to peck at.<\/p>\n<p>Mix gourd types with different maturation times for staggered harvests.<\/p>\n<p>Let some gourds mature to dried decorations chickens can demolish.<\/p>\n<p>Pick others young for fresh eating.<\/p>\n<p>With homegrown gourds, you control growing methods to avoid chemicals.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Storing_and_Preserving_Gourds_for_Chickens\"><\/span>Storing and Preserving Gourds for Chickens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Stock up on gourds in autumn to feed chickens all winter long.<\/p>\n<p>Store whole hard-shelled gourds like pumpkins and squash in a cool, dry place.<\/p>\n<p>They last 2-3 months if kept between 45-60 degrees F.<\/p>\n<p>Clean and peel outer skin before storing for longer shelf life.<\/p>\n<p>Cook and mash flesh, then freeze in portions for several months.<\/p>\n<p>The seeds can be roasted and stored in bags in the freezer too.<\/p>\n<p>Dried gourds will keep at room temperature for many months.<\/p>\n<p>String up whole gourds as fun chicken toys.<\/p>\n<p>Gourds preserved many ways provide enriching cold weather boredom busters.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Potential_Concerns_of_Feeding_Gourds\"><\/span>Potential Concerns of Feeding Gourds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While gourds are safe for chickens, a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n<p>Sudden large amounts may cause loose droppings or diarrhea.<\/p>\n<p>Intact skins and seeds could potentially cause crop impactions.<\/p>\n<p>Bitter ornamental gourds may deter feeding.<\/p>\n<p>Pesticide residue risks toxicity if not organic.<\/p>\n<p>Overfed gourds may lower feed intake and <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/rhode-island-red-egg-production\/\">egg production<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Rots quickly once chickens open, increasing moldy feed risks.<\/p>\n<p>Feed gourds in moderation and properly store remainders.<\/p>\n<p>Mash or chop well, provide ample grit, and monitor health.<\/p>\n<p>Clean up uneaten gourds within 24 hours.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Partnering_Gourds_with_Other_Treats\"><\/span>Partnering Gourds with Other Treats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Combine gourds with other goodies chickens love.<\/p>\n<p>Mix mashed gourds into whole grains like cracked corn or wheat for extra nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Scatter favorite greens like kale or Swiss chard atop gourd pieces.<\/p>\n<p>Offer mealworms and gourds together in a fun foraging game.<\/p>\n<p>Follow gourd treat time with oyster shell and grit to aid digestion.<\/p>\n<p>Hang head lettuce or cabbage alongside hanging gourds.<\/p>\n<p>The treats will sway and bob for added enrichment.<\/p>\n<p>Watermelon, <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-gooseberries\/\">berries<\/a>, or tomato combine well with gourds too.<\/p>\n<p>Pair different treats to balance nutrients and excite chickens\u2019 appetites.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Well howdy folks, Tanner here. Let me tell you about the time my chickens got into the pumpkin patch and went hog wild on those big ol&#8217; gourds. I didn&#8217;t even know chickens liked pumpkins! Those crazy cluckers pecked and scratched till they busted open a dozen pumpkins, hollowed &#8217;em out, and had themselves a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2658,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2657"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2657"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2657\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2663,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2657\/revisions\/2663"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}