link to Lavender Orpington Chicken Breed Profile, Parts of Cantaloupes That Can Be Eaten by Chickens, Dangers of Feeding Cantaloupes to Chickens, Can I Overfeed My Chicken With Cantaloupes, A post shared by Little By Little We Go (@littlebylittlewego), A post shared by Bella, Daisy, Luna, & Ginger (@our.spoiled.chicks), http://www.life-slice.com/foods-chickens-can-eat.html, https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-cantaloupe#how-to-choose-cantaloupe, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jpn.13375, https://thepoultrysite.com/articles/importance-of-vitamins-in-poultry-production, https://www.dsm.com/markets/anh/en_US/Compendium/poultry/folic_acid.html, https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/feed-health/calcium-supplements-for-chickens/, https://the-chicken-chick.com/chicken-treats-guide-dont-love-your/, https://animalhype.com/chickens/can-chickens-eat-cantaloupe/#How_much_cantaloupe_is_too_much_for_chickens, https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/chicken-treats/. The health benefits of fiber go beyond preventing constipation. In fact, cantaloupe is one of the most nutritionally dense fruits in the world. Nevertheless, its vital that chickens get enough of it as it plays a key role in blood formation, along with healthy growth of the body and of their feathers. Deficiency of vitamin A predisposes your chickens to diseases like roup and conjunctivitis. A post shared by Bella, Daisy, Luna, & Ginger (@our.spoiled.chicks) on Jun 30, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT. Cantaloupe for a goat would not be the best feed, but it doesn't hurt to feed them it either. Your chickens can safely eat most parts of a cantaloupe: the flesh, the seeds, and the rind. Can chickens eat cantaloupe? At the same time, it is not too high in fiber that it can lead to constipation, blockages or any other issues associated with an abnormally high intake. Of course, water is essential to the hydration of your birds and foods high in water can ensure that they meet their requirements (especially in warmer temperatures and hotter climates). Always feed your chickens only fresh cantaloupes. Chickens generally enjoy a range of different fruits, and many like cantaloupe, can provide a range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to support their health. For all chickens, calcium supports strong bone health along with bone formation. It is easy to assume that most of such birds end up on the dinner table. A second option is to dry the seeds or the rind and feed it to the chickens. It’s a lot of fun to give them the melon on the rind and watch them eat so much they leave only a thin layer behind. Equally, mixing up the fruits, vegetables and other treats is a good way to keep the diet interesting for your birds and to ensure they obtain as much nutrition as they can get. But when they become rotten or stale, feeding cantaloupes to your chickens can cause problems. Cantaloupes may not be the main dietary source of folate, but it is useful. Chickens are particularly … Apart from the already stated functions, beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in chickens. But when your chickens are facing extreme stress, an external source of vitamin C will come good. Cantaloupes, like many other treats, are best served in moderation and fed in a variety of different ways. One way is to divide the whole cantaloupe into halves, quarters, or eighths. One thing with chickens is that they can eat various types of foods. It is an antioxidant, so it can help reduce oxidative stress in chickens. They are the perfect hybrid of a Rhode Island Red rooster and White Leghorn hen. You can then either refrigerate and serve later, or offer them straight away. It comes as no surprise to learn that folate deficiency is common in these birds. Chickens usually attempt to eat it but will only eat a small amount as it is generally filling. The flesh is generally the most wholesome and tastiest part; it contains the highest amount of water and is easiest for your birds to eat. I spent some time researching the suitability of this food in the diet of chickens and will be sharing my findings here with you today. Vitamin A ensures the healthiness of the eyes, skin, respiratory, and digestive tract of chickens. Mar 10, 2020 - Can Chickens Eat Cantaloupe? Cantaloupe can be fed whole but eating is easier when you cut the cantaloupe into small chunks for your chickens. Your birds may peck at it and eat as much as they desire. Cantaloupe is a good source of … Cantaloupe can be fed whole but eating is easier when you cut the cantaloupe into small chunks for your chickens. To some, Lavender Orpington Chickens might appear grey, but they are actually lavender. Parts of the avocado should not be eaten by chickens. You may or may not want to do this and your chickens may not even have a taste for it, but you can offer the rind. They improve the digestive health of the chickens. Of course they can! Key among them is that this treat contains plenty of vitamins A, B, and C. Most importantly, you can feed your bird the rind and seeds, unlike other types of fruits. Avocadoes (mainly the pit and peel) As with most of the things on this list, I was … In fact, they love it. Yes, they can. If you want to offer the seeds, perhaps the best way to do so is to dry them first. The only part that they cannot eat is the skin of the the cantaloupe. ], Can Chickens Eat Kiwi? Again, you cut this up into smaller pieces, or offer it whole. However, like with many other treats, you should feed … When offering the chunks, you can either do so as a standalone treat or mix them into other foods, like their pelleted feed. Can chickens eat cantaloupe? Can chickens eat cantaloupe? There are many benefits in feeding cantaloupes; they offer a range of nutrients including Vitamins C and A and minerals such as Potassium and Calcium, and provide good amounts of fiber and antioxidants. So, it can help these birds regulate their body temperatures. A variety of melon (Cucumis melo var. Can chickens eat cantaloupe? Eating water-rich fruits like cantaloupe can also help. Cantaloupe is a great, versatile food for chickens. The Cantaloupe is absolutely safe for consumption by the chickens. Budgies can eat most fruits we eat, for example, cantaloupe, peaches, apples, apricots, pears, bananas, grapes, watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, mango, pomegranate, and oranges (only feed oranges once or twice a week to your parakeet because too much citrus fruits can cause diarrhea and other health … Folate is a B-vitamin that is relatively hard to come by in the diet. In fact, when you look at the nutritional breakdown of this melon, you notice that it is mostly water. Well, in cantaloupes, you will find the following nutrients: Beta carotene can help your chicken in many ways. This is great news for us chicken keepers, especially when it comes to cantaloupes as all of the fruit can be safely consumed by your flock! Chicks who are only eating feed do not necessarily need additional grit. You will be shocked to see how your chickens eat melons. in Agriculture from Cal Poly Pomona where I studied topics like farm animal reproduction, genetics, nutrition and more. Vitamin C also plays a very important role in healthy immune function and resistance to bacteria and infections. Best Answers. You can effortlessly sex chicks from the day they … This is true for all fruits and vegetables for your chickens – especially if you are looking to offer the rind (which will naturally carry most of these harmful substances). Its essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance. The flesh is the tastiest part of the cantaloupe, so it is not surprising that chickens love it. They could also serve as a source of energy, and help with the chickens’ growth. No, you should not overfeed your chickens with cantaloupes. this will not only cause bacteria to start collecting but can also attract unwanted visitors, like rodents to your birds. But of course, each part does not taste the same or offer the same things. Below, we will take a closer look at the main ones and why they should be provided in your flocks diet. Nevertheless, with some washing in advance, you can reduce or minimize their exposure. As a general rule of thumb, fruit (including cantaloupe) should make up a total of 5% of your birds total food intake. Let us know take a closer look at the suitability of this fruit in your flocks diet. Eggshells should be … for many reasons. Beta carotene may also keep your chicken healthy. A lot of small agriculturalists save money by using table scraps. read more. What is a 'cantaloupe'? Due to the presence of gizzards in their stomach, they are suited for the digestion of whole seeds. However, like with many other treats, you should feed cantaloupe to your chickens in moderation. If preferable, organic options should always be sought out. They can eat the flesh, skin, seeds and plant. Well, your chickens will usually make their own vitamin C, and under normal circumstances, it should be enough. Although these omnivorous birds can eat the vast majority of the foods that we eat, there are some definite foods that chickens shouldn’t eat. In short, chickens can definitely eat cantaloupe. Chickens are more likely to suffer folate deficiency than most farm livestock. Can chickens eat cantaloupe seeds? And, we feed the extras to the chickens on a regular basis – there always seem to be more than we can consume. I have a B.S. Chickens will eat just about anything, but goats really need forage in their diet or they'll get sick because they're a ruminant. For those of you who scrolled down to the emboldened title for the answer to this question, Yes, chickens can eat cantaloupe. Consider that some of the rind will be likely left and will need removing. The rind, seeds and flesh are all edible and all can be provided. This could make them more eager to eat the feeds. Place the divide parts before the chickens and let them have a go at it. In doing so, you make them much easier for your birds to consume. Folate is useful for appropriate blood formation. Antioxidants are ant-inflammatory and serve the body in a number of ways (both in chickens and humans). It is revered for its beauty,... Poultry birds have several different functions. Golden Comet chickens are a beautiful bird with stunning colors. In particular, potassium works closely and enables the effective use of water. So, now let’s see how vitamin A helps chickens. Never offer too much in any one serving, as this can lead to digestive upset and even diarrhea. Beyond this, potassium is known to support heart health and helps lower the risk of heart disease. Nevertheless, cantaloupes are generally safe for your chickens, and many keepers report that their birds love to consume these melons when they are provided. There are a few ways to feed cantaloupes to your chickens. There are many benefits in feeding cantaloupes; they offer a range of nutrients including Vitamins C and A and minerals such as Potassium and Calcium, and provide good amounts of fiber and antioxidants. Chickens can eat cantaloupes, in a variety of different ways, and they typically enjoy eating this type of melon. And they relish it immensely, even when they don’t have a sweet tooth! Great treat—provides protein and it’s fun to watch the chickens catch them. While I've currently downsized, I know how important it is to get information when you need it. One final consideration is ensuring as they are fresh. Chickens are not particularly fussy eaters, and tend to attempt to eat food whenever they come across it, find it, or when it is provided for them. You may also grind the dried seeds and mix them with other treats like yogurt. It’s one of my favorite foods to eat fresh. If you get the quantity right, and you do not feed them rotten or stale cantaloupes, there should be no issues. A post shared by Little By Little We Go (@littlebylittlewego) on Jul 20, 2020 at 7:38pm PDT. April has owned and worked with domestic fowl including chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and guineas since 1998. The seeds can also be fed, and chickens are able to safely digest them. So, let’s see what each part they eat has to offer. yes, chickens can eat melons of all sorts of kinds they love it. Yes, they can. The Lavender Orpington Chicken breed belongs to the Orpington family. So, for these reasons, make them an excellent treat for your birds. One of our favorite things to do in the summer is give our chickens half a … Candy, Caffeine, Chocolate, Anything Salty, Sugary or Moldy- These are bad for their digestive systems and can … read more. You can give them raw or cooked. For your flock, antioxidants can support the development and maintencence of body tissues; including both their skin and feathers. Yes, they can. Can chickens eat cantaloupe? Feed cooked eggs only because you don’t want your chickens to start eating … But apart from feeding whole cantaloupe seeds to your chickens, you may also dry the seeds and grind them before you feed the chickens. Usually, chickens will eat the rind in small quantities, and they will avoid the outer rind. Cantaloupe (also known as Muskmelon) is a safe addition to your chicken’s diet. You may also mix tiny pieces of cantaloupes with the chickens’ usual feeds. This chicken is a red sex link created in the 1950s for incredible egg production. Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen synthesis; which is essential for these birds to support healthy joints, and the repair and maintencence of cells. yes, chickens can eat melons of all sorts of kinds they love it. 1 year ago. For one, it plays a role in determining the color of the eggs, feathers, skin, beak, and comb. Earthworms- Chickens may find and eat them themselves, however eating earthworms may cause Gapeworm, so do not feed them to your chickens. So, what nutrients are present in cantaloupes, and how are they useful to your chickens? Do not let the cut cantaloupes stay too long before you feed them to the chickens. In the absence of folate, your chickens will appear anemic, stunted, and have unappealing plumage. AKA: Muskmelon. There’s no exact amount of cantaloupes to feed your chicken. Chickens can easily eat cantaloupe seeds. are all Cucurbita (a genus in the gourd family of Cucurbitaceae), and that the seeds of … They can chew on it to toughen up their teeth, but it causes diarrhea if swallowed. Yes they can. They can eat the seeds but not the rinds. Peteducate.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Eggs and eggshells: Your cracked or old eggs can be cooked, chopped, and returned to your chickens. Is this specific type of melon safe to offer, healthy or even something in which you can look to provide? So much so that they tend to eat even the seeds and rind too. ]. Can be bought at bait or pet-supply stores. Whether you offer this in small quantities each day, or a once per week treat is ultimately up to you. So, can chickens eat cantaloupe? Why Fall Decorations Are Natural Chicken Dewormers It turns out that squash, melons, pumpkins, gourds , etc. Calcium is what is used to make strong eggshells; and broken or weak shells are often an indicator that a chicken has insufficient calcium intake in the diet. It also plays a part in the growth of healthy feathers and the size of the chickens. Equally, fruits can be used to provide variety and enjoyment in the diet – especially in birds that are sick or those that are going off their regular pelleted feed. Providing treats in this way is an effective strategy and approach for keeping your birds interested in their food. Yes, you can give plums to your … It also plays a crucial role in a number of associated with cellular functions. You must, however, pay attention to the freshness and quantity of the cantaloupes you feed them. It is completely safe for them to eat, and it is extremely nutritious. In this article, we will be discussing cantaloupe as a treat for chickens. Pumpkin seeds are said to aid in prevention of worms. You can offer it to your birds whole, which can turn the feeding into an enjoyable experience for your birds as they peck away. Cantaloupe is mostly made up of water so it is a great fruit for hot summer days. My name is April and I've owned chickens in some form or another since I was 17 years old. Another option is to dice and cut the cantaloupe into chunks ahead of time. Yes, chicken likes to eat both green stalks and beets itself. With the high water content of the flesh, it makes for a very good chicken treat during hot periods. This may leave them at risk of different infections. My girls thoroughly enjoy blueberries, watermelon 🍉 & cantaloupe 🍈 as regular snacks. Avocado. This should make up the bulk of their diet, as it provides all the nutrition they ever need. Potassium is another integral mineral, playing a key role in a number of metabolic and cell functions. They have no side effects. Potassium is important for maintaining electrolyte balance inside your chickens. It will change their poop color to red or purple, but nothing to worry about. Fiber. Cantaloupes should only be given as treats. Pecking at a pumpkin will keep them busy for hours, they can also eat the flesh too as it contains vitamins and minerals. She has a B.S. Chickens Sharing your kitchen scraps and leftovers with your flock is a great way to vary their diet, especially when winter has killed the grasses and bugs they usually forage upon. It is a treat for them to eat the left-over parts of the melon off of the rind. [Is This Fruit Healthy Or Even Safe? Cantaloupe is rich in a number of antioxidants including beta carotene, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Oxidative damage results in many health problems, and it accelerates the aging process. They will eat different types of greens, fruits, and grains. I've fed all of the above to our chickens at some point in time. 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