Yes, chickens can eat watermelons - the flesh, rind, seeds and the plant. They tend to really love it with how juicy and sweet it is. And, it is a healthy and hydrating snack to offer them.
But, let's talk a little bit about it how much they can have, how often, and is it just a sweet treat, or can it be nutritious as well as delicious?
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What Parts of the Watermelon Are Safe?
Pretty much all parts of the watermelon are safe for them to consume. Some they like more than others.
For example, if you toss out leaves and vines, they will eat them but it may take a while. Whereas, if you toss out chunks of the pink flesh they will quickly gobble all of it up.
Can chickens eat watermelon rind?
Yes, the rind is perfectly healthy for chickens to eat. In fact, it is chock of many of the same nutrients found in the flesh. You may be able to tell by it's density, that this piece of the watermelon has the most plant fiber.
Now, chickens will not eat the rind with the same fervor they will the sweet pink fruit. It is less flavorful and more difficult for them to peck apart with their beaks. So, don't be surprised if you find the rinds still intact after giving it to your chickens.
Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.
Can chickens eat watermelon seeds?
Watermelon seeds are one of our chickens' favorite snacks. In fact, while watermelon seeds are not typically something that other animals on your farm may be able to eat, chickens have no problem digesting the seeds.
Can chickens eat watermelon greens, leaves, and vines?
By now, you may be able to guess that just like when chickens eat zucchini, they can also eat the entire watermelon plant. The greens of the watermelon are, again, something chickens love and will dig right in when given the chance. Just make sure to keep them away from the vine while it is growing. They won't wait until the watermelon grows and then everyone will be without their favorite pink fruit.
How to Feed Chickens Watermelon
Feeding your chickens watermelon is pretty much as simple as wash, cut, and serve. We do have a some recommendations, though, on how you should go through this process.
- Wash the outside of the watermelon and any greens that you want to give to your chickens.
- This will remove any excess pesticide residue that may still be present. You can always grow your own or purchase from a pesticide free source, too.
- Cut the watermelon into small pieces.
- Smaller pieces are easier for your chickens to eat and are less likely to become choking hazards.
- Top their feed with it or spread it out for your whole flock.
- Watermelon is a high value treat and chickens will fight over it if there is not enough. Make sure to provide enough and spread it far enough out that everyone will get some and they won't be right on top of each other.
If you want to give your chickens something really special, you can always make their snack with a little bit of extra care. Chop up all of the watermelon; that includes the pink fruit, rind, leaves, and vines. Mix those with some other chopped veggies from the garden. For example, chickens can eat grapes, chickens eat cherries, chickens can eat blueberries, chickens eat blackberries, or chickens can eat radishes.
If it's hot outside, and chickens can eat cantaloupe too, consider freezing watermelon and cantaloupe cubes. The cold fruit will cool them down and last a while longer since it will be frozen.
Take this to another level and toss the whole, chopped up, of course, watermelon into a blender or food processor, add in some ice, and fresh mint (or freeze mint cubes). Puree everything together and pour it into a feed bowl for your chickens outside. They will love their Mint Watermelon Smoothie!
Benefits of Watermelon
Watermelon is actually packed full of healthy, and necessary, vitamins and minerals. Obviously, it is full of water and, therefore super hydrating, especially during the hotter parts of the year.
Here are a few of the vitamins and nutrients and how they impact your chickens' health.
- Vitamin A: assists with eyes, skin, immune system and stress.
- Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage and so much more. To provide even more, chickens can eat blueberries also.
- Vitamin B6: among other benefits, it supports overall reproduction. Chickens can eat bananas and chickens can eat lemons if they need more.
- Vitamin C: has benefits for heat stress, inflammation and supports the immune system. If they need even more vitamin C, chickens can eat oranges and chickens can eat papaya also.
- Water content: helps to keep them hydrated.
The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, is the nutritional value of 1 wedge or about ⅙ of the watermelon.
| Name | Amount | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 261 | g |
| Energy | 85.8 | kcal |
| Protein | 1.74 | g |
| Fat | .429 | g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 21.6 | g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.14 | g |
| Sugars, total including NLEA | 17.7 | g |
| Calcium, Ca | 20 | mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 28.6 | mg |
| Potassium, K | 320 | mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2.86 | mg |
| Copper, Cu | .12 | mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.109 | mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.14 | µg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 23.2 | mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | .129 | mg |
| Folate, total | 8.58 | µg |
| Carotene, beta | 867 | µg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1630 | IU |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | .286 | µg |
Final Word
Watermelon is a treat loved by both humans and animals alike. It makes a great snack for your chickens and can help keep them hydrated.
If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.