Feeding pumpkin to your goats and chickens isn’t just a seasonal treat — it’s a wholesome way to support their nutrition, digestion, and overall wellbeing. Plus, it’s a fun and sustainable way to make use of leftover pumpkins after fall festivities!
The Power of Pumpkin: Why Your Goats and Chickens Love This Fall Treat
As the leaves turn golden and pumpkins start appearing everywhere, many of us think of cozy soups, pies, and festive decorations. But did you know that pumpkins are more than just a fall favorite for humans? They’re also a nutritious, natural treat that your goats and chickens will love — and benefit from!
For the Goats: A Tasty Boost of Nutrition
Goats are natural browsers who enjoy a wide variety of plant-based foods, and pumpkin fits perfectly into their diet when offered in moderation.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Pumpkins are packed with vitamin A (for healthy eyes and skin), vitamin E, potassium, and iron — all essential for maintaining strong immune systems and healthy coats.
High in Fiber: The fibrous flesh supports good digestion and helps keep their rumens working smoothly.
Natural Deworming Properties: pumpkin seeds can help reduce internal parasites thanks to a compound called cucurbitacin, which may paralyze certain worms and help the animal pass them naturally.
Hydration Support: With pumpkins being about 90% water, they make a hydrating snack during dry fall months when fresh pasture is limited.
How to Feed It:
Simply cut the pumpkin into chunks or halves and let your goats munch. You can also scoop out the seeds and mix them into their grain or sprinkle them as a treat. Always remove any moldy or rotten parts before feeding.
For the Chickens: A Peck-Worthy Power Food
Chickens go wild for pumpkin — they’ll peck at the flesh, eat the seeds, and even hollow out the shell.
Egg Quality Boost: The vitamins and antioxidants in pumpkin (especially beta-carotene) help produce yolks with rich, vibrant color and improved nutritional value.
Supports Molting and Immune Health: During fall, when many chickens are molting, pumpkin’s nutrients can help them regrow feathers and stay healthy.
Natural Parasite Control: Just like goats, chickens can benefit from the deworming potential of pumpkin seeds.
Winter Readiness: Pumpkins are a great fall food to store and feed through the colder months — you can freeze cooked pumpkin or keep whole pumpkins in a cool, dry place for months.
How to Feed It:
Cut a pumpkin in half and place it in the run — your hens will peck at it throughout the day. You can also roast and mash pumpkin to mix with other feeds or ferment it for an extra probiotic boost.
Tips and Cautions
Moderation is Key: While pumpkin is healthy, it shouldn’t replace a balanced diet. Offer it as a supplement or treat.
Avoid Moldy Pumpkins: Mold can cause digestive and health problems for both goats and chickens.
Skip the Spices: Never feed pumpkin that’s been cooked with sugar, salt, or spices. Plain, fresh pumpkin is best!
So next time you carve a jack-o’-lantern or visit the pumpkin patch, save a few for your barnyard friends — they’ll thank you with happy bleats and clucks.
Feeding pumpkin to your goats and chickens isn’t just a seasonal treat — it’s a wholesome way to support their nutrition, digestion, and overall wellbeing. Plus, it’s a fun and sustainable way to make use of leftover pumpkins after fall festivities!
We live in a very cold climate which can take a very harsh toll on livestock. Here is what we do to make sure our chickens stay happy and healthy all winter long.