Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
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Any advice in this section should not be taken to overrule advice by a certified licensed veterinarian. You should always consult a veterinarian for treatment or diagnoses of animal disease or injury. The information in this thread is simply the experience of board members and is not to be taken as a substitution for veterinary advice or treatment.
Any advice in this section should not be taken to overrule advice by a certified licensed veterinarian. You should always consult a veterinarian for treatment or diagnoses of animal disease or injury. The information in this thread is simply the experience of board members and is not to be taken as a substitution for veterinary advice or treatment.
Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
Is it ok to feed my chickens and ducks fresh raw pumpkin and squash seeds? Should they be dried first and shelled?
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- Poultryprincess
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
I usually cut a pumpkin or squash into quarters & leave it for the chickens.
They pick the meat off it & leave nothing but the skin....& the seeds behind.
I haven't noticed them eating the seeds.
I think if I crushed them with a hammer, perhaps they would be interested.
They pick the meat off it & leave nothing but the skin....& the seeds behind.
I haven't noticed them eating the seeds.
I think if I crushed them with a hammer, perhaps they would be interested.
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- Killerbunny
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
Mine are the reverse! They eat the seeds and only touch the flesh in desperation. Roasted is preferred LOL!
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- thegawd
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
raw pumpkin seeds are a natural dewormer or so im told but more importantly they are high in Protein! I cut them up with a shovel and the birds devour everything except the skin.
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Al
Home Grown Poultry
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
I feed mine a halved squash each week for them to pick on. They don't like anything slimy so they don't touch the gooey seedy part. I wanted them to eat pumpkin seeds too but so far they haven't been interested. I may try the raw de hulled from the bulk barn when it's on sale.
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- Ontario Chick
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
Funny, here they start with the seeds and then the flesh until there is nothing but paper thin shell left.
The seeds are definitely favored.
The seeds are definitely favored.
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- thegawd
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
Well birds do take time to acknowledge and accept new foods. If they were starving Im sure they would gobble it down as soon as it hits the ground. Hard to convince a well fed bird with a full feeder to try this new food... but they should over time accept it. once 1 bird eats a piece and doesn't die the whole flock should follow along.
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Al
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
Right you are Al, feeders are always full here, but when the pumpkins arrive in the fall, it's the old hens who remember, that lead the charge and the young ones just follow, don't have to invite them twice.
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
Thanks for the replies everyone. I was concerned if they would choke on them.
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Re: Raw pumpkin/squash seeds?
Are there any seeds that shouldn't be feed to them? Apple, pear, peppers etc?
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