Can chickens eat watermelon? Yes. Chickens love to eat and watermelon is a great snack to give to your chickens.
You can cut open the watermelon and give it to them directly, or you can make recipes with it.
In this post, we will discuss what parts of the watermelon chickens can eat, if feeding watermelon to your chickens is safe and healthy, and things to keep in mind when giving chickens watermelon.
What Age Can Chickens Eat Watermelon?
Chickens can start eating watermelon as early as a few weeks old.
However, it’s important that the chicks only eat the flesh of the fruit while they are still young. Their digestive systems are not yet prepared to digest other parts of the watermelon at this age.
As chicks, they should also be limited to just a small portion (a few bites), as they are not meant to have many treats until they are older.
Can Chickens Eat Watermelon Rind?
Yes, chickens can eat watermelon rind.
Although they may not find it very appetizing and some chickens refuse to eat it even when offered.
Can Chickens Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Yes, chickens can eat watermelon seeds.
Some chickens might eat the seeds and some might not. Just know that if one of your chickens eats a watermelon seed, it is perfectly safe.
It is also important not to offer the seeds to baby chicks. This can cause major health concerns for your chicks as their digestive systems are not yet ready to handle watermelon seeds.
Can Chickens Eat Watermelon Skin?
Yes, chickens can eat watermelon skin.
However, just like with other parts of the watermelon, some chickens might find the skin too tough to peck at and may not eat it.
It’s also important to keep in mind that while watermelon skin is safe for chickens to eat, you want to be careful serving them the skin from a store-bought watermelon. This is because most commercial products are heavily sprayed with pesticides and herbicides that can be harmful to your chickens.
If you want to offer your chickens watermelon skin, make sure to thoroughly clean it or soak it in a fruit and vegetable rinse.
Can Chickens Eat Watermelon Leaves and Stalks?
Technically, yes, chickens can eat watermelon leaves and stalks too.
But, just like the skin, you should be mindful of commercial crops that you buy from the store because they are also heavily sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals.
If you are going to offer watermelon stalks and leaves to your chickens, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise, the chemicals could harm your chickens.
On the other hand, watermelon leaves and stalks are perfectly safe if you grow watermelons in your own garden and if you don’t use pesticides or herbicides. Most chickens love greens!
Can Chickens Eat Unripe Watermelon?
Yes, it is safe for chickens to eat unripe watermelon.
They may not find it as appetizing as ripe watermelon, just like most humans. However, there are no health concerns when it comes to feeding them unripe watermelon.
Additionally, the nutritional value is different with unripe watermelon compared to the time it ripens. So if you are feeding watermelon to your chickens for added nutrients, consider waiting until the fruit is fully ripened.
Can Chickens Eat Spoiled Watermelon?
No, spoiled, moldy, or rotten watermelons should never be offered to your chickens.
Although chickens have hardy digestive systems, a spoiled watermelon can be dangerous for chickens to consume. This is because mold contains mycotoxins which can result in several health issues with your birds.
Is Watermelon Healthy for Chickens?
Yes, watermelon is healthy for chickens and is a great way to give them a boost of hydration.
Watermelons are made up of mostly water and contain vitamins such as potassium and vitamins C and A. These are vital nutrients that help keep your chickens healthy.
However, it is important to feed watermelon to your chickens in moderation. Watermelon should not make up the bulk of your chicken’s diet, but rather be a fun treat in addition to their regular feed.
Watermelon Mint Smoothie Recipe for Chickens
As stated previously, it is perfectly safe to cut a watermelon in half and feed it to your chickens. But if you are looking to give them something a bit fancier, try making them a watermelon mint smoothie!
Ingredients:
- One watermelon (any size) cut in half with all of the insides scooped out
- A handful or two ice cubes
- A handful of fresh mint
- 1 medium cucumber (optional)
Blend all the ingredients together in a blender or a food processor. Pour the mixture into the two watermelon halves.
Serve to your chickens and watch them enjoy! Chickens will enjoy eating the smoothie and some will even eat their way down to the rind once the smoothie is gone.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon is a fun, healthy, and affordable treat to offer to your chickens.
It will give them a boost of hydration while providing several different nutrients that chickens need in their diet.
They can also eat the entire fruit, including the stalks, leaves, skin, rind, and seeds! This makes watermelon a great option if you are looking to provide a snack for your chickens.
Still have more questions? Keep reading below to find more frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What fruits are toxic to chickens?
The good news is that most fruits are safe to give to your chickens. However, it’s important not to offer them fruits that have seeds or pits without removing them first.
Some of these fruits include apples, pears, cherries, peaches, apricots, or plums. These fruits are perfectly fine on their own, just make sure to take out the seeds and pits first.
What happens if chickens eat watermelon?
Watermelon is great for chickens because they can eat the entire fruit and it provides them with hydration, which is great for hot summer days.
Can watermelon give chickens diarrhea?
Yes, feeding watermelon to your chickens can give them diarrhea. This is because the fruit has such a high water content.
There is nothing to worry about if this happens after offering your chickens watermelon, but if you are concerned about the runny poop, try a different snack for a while and their poop should go back to normal.