Begin by removing the rind with a knife, before cutting the fruit into small cubes. And they relish it immensely, even when they don’t have a sweet tooth! With all this being said, you will want to prepare cantaloupes in advance, to ensure that they are not carrying any harmful pesticides, herbicides, chemicals or debris that you do not want your birds ingesting. Of course they can! Nevertheless, cantaloupes are generally safe for your chickens, and many keepers report that their birds love to consume these melons when they are provided. Chickens are more likely to suffer folate deficiency than most farm livestock. Again, you cut this up into smaller pieces, or offer it whole. They can chew on it to toughen up their teeth, but it causes diarrhea if swallowed. are all Cucurbita (a genus in the gourd family of Cucurbitaceae), and that the seeds of … They have no side effects. If preferable, organic options should always be sought out. 1 year ago. 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. this will not only cause bacteria to start collecting but can also attract unwanted visitors, like rodents to your birds. Vitamin C also plays a very important role in healthy immune function and resistance to bacteria and infections. We will be running through the nutrients on offer, how to feed them and other great fruits you should consider. 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. 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. Potassium is important for maintaining electrolyte balance inside your chickens. It is completely safe for them to eat, and it is extremely nutritious. I’m a huge fan of avocado. They can eat the flesh, skin, seeds and plant. You must, however, pay attention to the freshness and quantity of the cantaloupes you feed them. Otherwise, cutting it up into small and more manageable chunks is another approach to getting this healthy treat into your birds die. Steer clear from anything that is bad for you, as a human (like alcohol, sweets, and heavily processed foods) along with toxic foods like rhubarb and avocado. In general, you can feed your chickens just about anything in moderation. Potassium also improves water intake, and this helps when the environment is too hot for the chickens. Deficiency of vitamin A predisposes your chickens to diseases like roup and conjunctivitis. 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. Feed cooked eggs only because you don’t want your chickens to start eating … Candy, Caffeine, Chocolate, Anything Salty, Sugary or Moldy- These are bad for their digestive systems and can … So, for these reasons, make them an excellent treat for your birds. Can chickens eat cantaloupe seeds? In chickens, fibers will do what fibers normally do. Apples Raw and … Beets. Chickens can eat most parts of a cantaloupe. 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. Cantaloupe is a good source of … It also has good nutritional value too. Its essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance. Also, instead of letting them peck at these larger portions, you may cut the cantaloupe into tiny dices. 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. Would you eat this tomato? The Lavender Orpington Chicken breed belongs to the Orpington family. The flesh is the tastiest part of the cantaloupe, so it is not surprising that chickens love it. Fiber. But, I'm not sure why you'd want to feed them cantaloupe. With the high water content of the flesh, it makes for a very good chicken treat during hot periods. Best Answers. 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. Cantaloupe seeds. [Is This Fruit Healthy Or Even Safe? 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). Can Turkeys Eat Chicken Feed? Although they will most likely reject it, do not feed rotten cantaloupe to your chickens. Cantaloupe for a goat would not be the best feed, but it doesn't hurt to feed them it either. Well, in cantaloupes, you will find the following nutrients: Beta carotene can help your chicken in many ways. Grit. Can chickens eat cantaloupe? April has owned and worked with domestic fowl including chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and guineas since 1998. 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. In this article, we will be discussing cantaloupe as a treat for chickens. in Agriculture from Cal Poly in Pomona, CA where she studied genetics, nutrition and reproduction. In fact, they love it. But what about cantaloupe? So, now let’s see how vitamin A helps chickens. Eggs and eggshells: Your cracked or old eggs can be cooked, chopped, and returned to your chickens. You can effortlessly sex chicks from the day they … Pet Educate is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The rind (outer shell and layer) is of course the least appetizing, and is mostly fibrous. Eating water-rich fruits like cantaloupe can also help. The Cantaloupe is absolutely safe for consumption by the chickens. When given in the right quantity, cantaloupes are generally safe for your chickens. yes, chickens can eat melons of all sorts of kinds they love it. Nevertheless, with some washing in advance, you can reduce or minimize their exposure. Apart from the already stated functions, beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in chickens. Chickens usually attempt to eat it but will only eat a small amount as it is generally filling. The outer rind can be tough for them to peck at, so it is not surprising that they avoid it. Folate is useful for appropriate blood formation. Cantaloupe is high in a number of minerals, with perhaps the most important one being calcium. My one Light Brahma (Laverne) jumps up for the bag as soon as I walk into the coop. They could also serve as a source of energy, and help with the chickens’ growth. Can be bought at bait or pet-supply stores. Cantaloupe (also known as Muskmelon) is a safe addition to your chicken’s diet. Chicks who are only eating feed do not necessarily need additional grit. However, like with many other treats, you should feed cantaloupe to your chickens in moderation. It is essential to be sure that the cantaloupe is not super rotted. Melons – Cantaloupe is a particular favorite, but other types of melon are safe for chickens, too. A lot of small agriculturalists feed their chickens cantaloupe rinds to eat and excess melon seeds that their family is not eating. The rind, seeds and flesh are all edible and all can be provided. We will help answer any questions that you may have and provide as much information and research that we can to help you take the best care of your pet. But this does not mean you should feed them without limits. Ultimately, it depends on where your cantaloupes have been sourced and your attitude towards exposing your birds to potentially harmful substances. These compounds help fight and repair damage caused by free radicals. Cantaloupe can be fed whole but eating is easier when you cut the cantaloupe into small chunks for your chickens. Can chickens eat cantaloupe? Antioxidants are ant-inflammatory and serve the body in a number of ways (both in chickens and humans). 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 … yes, chickens can eat melons of all sorts of kinds they love it. Best Answers. This means, alongside other treats, it should not exceed 5% of your chickens’ diet. One final consideration is ensuring as they are fresh. People love to produce their food. It is a treat for them to eat the left-over parts of the melon off of the rind. If you notice them beginning to rot, or changing color, then it is best to discard of them. But when your chickens are facing extreme stress, an external source of vitamin C will come good. Cantaloupe is very safe for chickens 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. Do not let the cut cantaloupes stay too long before you feed them to the chickens. For one, it plays a role in determining the color of the eggs, feathers, skin, beak, and comb. Golden Comet chickens are a beautiful bird with stunning colors. Always feed your chickens only fresh cantaloupes. They should never displace your flocks regular feed, but are ideal to offer in moderation. She has a B.S. Chickens are relatively picky about the health of the cantaloupe. read more. So, let’s see what each part they eat has to offer. in Agriculture from Cal Poly Pomona where I studied topics like farm animal reproduction, genetics, nutrition and more. This is of course, the first step in offering this fruit: Before serving any cantaloupe to your birds, begin by washing and scrubbing the melon thoroughly. My name is April and I've owned chickens in some form or another since I was 17 years old. A variety of melon (Cucumis melo var. If you want to offer the seeds, perhaps the best way to do so is to dry them first. Earthworms- Chickens may find and eat them themselves, however eating earthworms may cause Gapeworm, so do not feed them to your chickens. 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. It also plays a crucial role in a number of associated with cellular functions. This may leave them at risk of different infections. Can Chickens Eat Cantaloupe? Yes, chickens love eating cantaloupe. Your birds may peck at it and eat as much as they desire. They improve the digestive health of the chickens. Cantaloupes that are rotten or have mold should be thrown away. Cantaloupe is a great, versatile food for chickens. But there is some information about laying hens that may surprise... Hey there! They are very versatile, nutritious and widely available. Beyond this, potassium is known to support heart health and helps lower the risk of heart disease. What makes these chickens so great? When offering the chunks, you can either do so as a standalone treat or mix them into other foods, like their pelleted feed. Yes they can. Meat – Don’t give chickens meat daily, but they can eat it every now and then. It will change their poop color to red or purple, but nothing to worry about. I have a B.S. We are pet enthusiasts and love sharing everything that we learn about them! It comes as no surprise to learn that folate deficiency is common in these birds. Let us know take a closer look at the suitability of this fruit in your flocks diet. It’s one of my favorite foods to eat fresh. Yes, chicken likes to eat both green stalks and beets itself. Can chickens eat cantaloupe? 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. In doing so, you make them much easier for your birds to consume. It is revered for its beauty,... Poultry birds have several different functions. And they love them all – watermelon, cantaloupe, any type really. Let us know take a closer look at the specific vitamins and minerals found in Cantaloupes, before we turn to how these support the health of your flock. Bacteria and pathogens can develop and these can cause issues with your birds at the expense of any benefits. The most simple and one of the most effective ways to offer this fruit is to simply cut it in half, thirds or quarters. One thing with chickens is that they can eat various types of foods. Chickens will eat just about anything, but goats really need forage in their diet or they'll get sick because they're a ruminant. In short, chickens can definitely eat cantaloupe. However, like with many other treats, you should feed … for many reasons. AKA: Muskmelon. 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. So, be sure to read to the end to get all the information you need! Cantaloupe is very safe for chickens to eat. Yes, they can. Why Fall Decorations Are Natural Chicken Dewormers It turns out that squash, melons, pumpkins, gourds , etc. They can eat the seeds but not the rinds. Calcium plays a crucial role in the health of all chickens; irregardless of their age, although it is extra beneficial to egg-laying hens. Pet Educate strives to be the definitive online resource to help you learn everything that you need to know. Cantaloupes should only be given as treats. Eggs: Hard-cooked and scrambled are a good source of protein, and a favorite treat. 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. 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. Cantaloupes may not be the main dietary source of folate, but it is useful. You may also grind the dried seeds and mix them with other treats like yogurt. Vitamin A ensures the healthiness of the eyes, skin, respiratory, and digestive tract of chickens. Most chickens are not picky eaters and will be thrilled if you offer them anything on this list. Place the divide parts before the chickens and let them have a go at it. Cantaloupe Seeds: Yes. If you want to share it with your backyard feathered friends, you might wonder: can chickens eat watermelon? It also plays a part in the growth of healthy feathers and the size of the chickens. They absolutely love them!!! This should be expected. You can offer the flesh, the seeds or even the rind! Chickens will eat the rind, the seeds, and the flesh of the cantaloupe. 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/. You can offer it to your birds whole, which can turn the feeding into an enjoyable experience for your birds as they peck away. You can then place the melon in your chickens coop and let them peck at and eat it as and when required/desired. 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. But when they become rotten or stale, feeding cantaloupes to your chickens can cause problems. Or give it … Chickens should not eat anything mouldy. Fiber is important, but only in appropriate amounts. As a general rule of thumb, fruit (including cantaloupe) should make up a total of 5% of your birds total food intake. 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. 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