Calcium plays a crucial role in the health of all chickens; irregardless of their age, although it is extra beneficial to egg-laying hens. ; Citrus Fruit- Chickens may not be given any type of citrus. The flesh is the tastiest part of the cantaloupe, so it is not surprising that chickens love it. Cantaloupe is rich in a number of antioxidants including beta carotene, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Yes, chicken likes to eat both green stalks and beets itself. So, what nutrients are present in cantaloupes, and how are they useful to your chickens? She has a B.S. It is essential to be sure that the cantaloupe is not super rotted. Vitamin C also plays a very important role in healthy immune function and resistance to bacteria and infections. Do not let the cut cantaloupes stay too long before you feed them to the chickens. Chickens will eat just about anything, but goats really need forage in their diet or they'll get sick because they're a ruminant. Cantaloupes, like many other treats, are best served in moderation and fed in a variety of different ways. Yes, they can. Chickens are relatively picky about the health of the cantaloupe. A lot of small agriculturalists feed their chickens cantaloupe rinds to eat and excess melon seeds that their family is not eating. It is a treat for them to eat the left-over parts of the melon off of the rind. Cantaloupe can be fed whole but eating is easier when you cut the cantaloupe into small chunks for your chickens. They have no side effects. You may also grind the dried seeds and mix them with other treats like yogurt. 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. Pet Educate is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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! It is also necessary for the formation of strong and uniformly colored eggshells. Melons – Cantaloupe is a particular favorite, but other types of melon are safe for chickens, too. Chickens will eat the rind, the seeds, and the flesh of the cantaloupe. But when your chickens are facing extreme stress, an external source of vitamin C will come good. Begin by removing the rind with a knife, before cutting the fruit into small cubes. Eating water-rich fruits like cantaloupe can also help. 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 seeds? My girls thoroughly enjoy blueberries, watermelon 🍉 & cantaloupe 🍈 as regular snacks. Although they can eat cooked chicken, you may feel strange giving it to them! Chickens CAN EAT THESE FOODS. What makes these chickens so great? Vitamin A ensures the healthiness of the eyes, skin, respiratory, and digestive tract of chickens. 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. Antioxidants are ant-inflammatory and serve the body in a number of ways (both in chickens and humans). Providing treats in this way is an effective strategy and approach for keeping your birds interested in their food. Apples Raw and … Ultimately, it depends on where your cantaloupes have been sourced and your attitude towards exposing your birds to potentially harmful substances. Oxidative damage results in many health problems, and it accelerates the aging process. 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. For several years I hatched and sold chicks of a variety of different breeds (and species) from my farm in Southern California. My name is April and I've owned chickens in some form or another since I was 17 years old. Earthworms- Chickens may find and eat them themselves, however eating earthworms may cause Gapeworm, so do not feed them to your chickens. [Or Should They Eat Differently? In the absence of folate, your chickens will appear anemic, stunted, and have unappealing plumage. But what about cantaloupe? Grit. You can give them raw or cooked. If you get the quantity right, and you do not feed them rotten or stale cantaloupes, there should be no issues. Cantaloupe (also known as Muskmelon) is a safe addition to your chicken’s diet. Chickens will eat the rind, the seeds, and the flesh of the cantaloupe. They can eat the seeds but not the rinds. Cantaloupe for a goat would not be the best feed, but it doesn't hurt to feed them it either. This means, alongside other treats, it should not exceed 5% of your chickens’ diet. Pumpkin seeds are said to aid in prevention of worms. 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