Pumpkin Seeds Have Health Benefits
An added bonus to feeding hulled pumpkin seeds to chickens is that it naturally assists livestock in ridding themselves of intestinal parasites. In fact, pumpkin seeds can be used for a variety of livestock including dogs, horses, and even for humans. The seeds contain an amino acid known as cucurbitin which paralyzes the intestinal parasites (i.e., tapeworms, roundworms, etc.) making it easier for the chickens to digest the parasite. Bear in mind that the seeds need to be hulled so that the chickens can get to the healthy parts of the seed. Follow these directions for making this tasty treat for your chickens.
[2] Step 1: Simply, break the pumpkin into chunks or cut in half and remove the seeds. Using a food processor or blender, chop the pumpkin seeds into smaller bits. You may want to add some water to help the mixture grinder faster. Grinding the seeds up well will also help to make it easier for your younger chickens in the flock to digest.
[3] Step 2: I added some of the chicken’s organic feed to the mixture for some added nutrition, but feel free to add additional chicken scratch, vegetable or fruit scraps, or some people even add whey, yogurt or buttermilk to the mixture to make a “pumpkin smoothie”. Stir your mixture up well. You can even add some sprouted seeds too.
Step 3: Bon Appetit! Simply pour the contents back into the halved pumpkin or just throw it into the chicken coop. Your chickens will instantly become curious and begin pecking at their delicious treat.
Happy Chickens!