Carving pumpkins is the sure sign that Halloween is here! And this year, we’re letting our hens in on the fun – and a total bonus, did you know, pumpkin is an enriching snack for chickens!?
Get ready to shake up your Halloween game; our feathered ladies from Bakersfield are here to guide you. It's pumpkin carving time, but not just for you - your chickens are invited to the party too! Did you know that pumpkins are as healthy and tasty for your hens as they are for you? Check out these pumpkin perks:
Start off by carving the eyes and mouth with a screwdriver or drill bit to give your chickens a head start. Chickens might have to work a little harder to get to the good stuff, so go ahead and make a few pecking holes in the pumpkin's skin. Chickens are curious creatures who love a good adventure, so pumpkin carving will have them scratching and pecking with delight.
Our feathered ladies couldn't get enough of their jack-o-lanterns! Talk about a clucking good time, and they even got a tasty treat out of it!
If you have leftover pumpkins after Halloween, consider sharing the bounty with your feathered friends for some clucking good fun!
You can roast them as a delicious and nutritious snack for yourself or your chickens. Simply rinse them in water, spread them out on a baking sheet, sprinkle with your desired seasonings, and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes {toss the seeds every 5 minutes to encourage even browning}. Once the seeds are a golden brown color and give a nutty aroma, they are ready! Your chickens will love them as a special treat, and you'll love the added health benefits.
Once Halloween is over, don't throw away your carved pumpkin. Your chickens will still enjoy pecking at it and nibbling on the flesh. And when they're done, you can compost the remaining pumpkin for your garden. It's a win-win situation for you, your chickens, and the environment.
Grab a pumpkin and get carving. Your chickens will thank you for the delicious and healthy treat, and you'll have a fun and unforgettable Halloween activity to enjoy with your feathered friends!
Cook up some crowd-pleasers with these delicious recipes from Rosemary Farm.