Can Chickens Eat Watermelon? (Also Rind and Seeds)

When it comes to satisfying the taste buds of our chickens, the choices are vast. But not every treat is a healthy option for them. In this article, we dive deep into a summer favorite – the watermelon – and explore whether it’s a safe treat for your backyard flock.

Can Chickens Eat Watermelon?

do chickens eat watermelon

As always, let us answer this question first. Yes, they can.

Let us look at the nutritional value of the watermelon.

Nutritional Value of 100g Watermelon
Calories 30
Total Fat 0.2g
Saturated Fat 0.021g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 1mg
Total Carbohydrates 7.6g
Dietary Fiber 0.4g
Sugars 6.2g
Protein 0.6g
Vitamin A 569 IU
Vitamin C 8.1mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.045mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 0.033mg
Calcium 7mg
Iron 0.2mg
Magnesium 10mg
Potassium 112mg
Lycopene 4532 µg

You will see that it lacks elements such as persin and other harmful components.

As a side note, you must avoid anything with persin in it. It will not only hurt your chicken. With the right amount, it could kill your little guys.

Are Watermelons Good for Chickens?

watermelon chicken

Watermelon is rich in water, which is beneficial not only for humans but also for chickens. Furthermore, the watermelon also has many other things that could be beneficial for your chickens. The watermelon has copper, potassium, and various vitamins.

However, while watermelon has many beneficial nutrients, it is low in protein and doesn’t provide everything chickens need.

Watermelons are healthy in moderation. It could be one of the best treats you could give your chickens, but it should stay as a treat and not part of their staple diet.

Can Chickens Eat Watermelon Rind?

Can Chickens Eat Watermelon Rind

As the avocado has taught us, it does not mean that if one part of the fruit is safe for consumption, the whole fruit is already safe to eat. It is always good to research all the different parts of a fruit or vegetable.

The watermelon rind is the closest part to the flesh. Your chickens could peck at it as well if you toss them a slice. Well, you do not need to worry! The rind is not as juicy or tasty as the flesh, but your chickens could consume it too.

They might not seek it, especially if the insides are present. However, you might see them attacking it once the red is all gone.

Can Chickens Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Can Chickens Eat Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits. But I have to be honest. The seeds put me off, as it is too troublesome at times.

It seems the seeds do not put off the chickens. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about giving them the seeds. It is safe for them too.

Can Chickens Eat the Watermelon Skin?

Can Chickens Eat the Watermelon Skin

We have discussed the flesh, the rind, and the seeds. Now, let us talk about the skin.

Chickens can also consume the skin, but there are considerations to note. The skin could be hard to peck. You might want to skip this one or chop it into smaller portions.

Are the watermelons you are giving to the chickens from the market? You might want to clean the skin a little more. There are many chemicals used in commercial products (e.g., pesticides). While the skin is not harmful to them, those chemicals might be.

Can Chickens Eat the Watermelon Stalks and Leaves?

Can Chickens Eat the Watermelon Stalks and Leaves

Now, let us talk about the stalks and leaves. Well, you might be happy to know that it is safe for the chickens!

Are you growing watermelons? Are you using pesticides? If so, you might not want to give the stalks and leaves to the chickens. The same goes if it’s store-bought. Unlike the skin, there is a possibility the leaves have gotten some of the chemicals. These chemicals are not healthy for your chickens.

Can Chickens Eat Unripe Watermelons?

can baby chicks eat watermelon

We usually do not eat unripe watermelons. However, it might be good to consider if chickens can consume unripe watermelons.

As with some other fruits, like tomatoes, some fresh produce is only safe for chickens when it becomes ripe. We do not have that problem with the watermelon. You can let your chickens eat this fruit, whether it is mature or not.

They would most likely prefer the ripe watermelons, but you will not have to worry about any health problems if you toss them some unripe pieces.

However, if you give them watermelons, you should give them ripe ones. Are you wondering why? Read on to the following portions!

Watermelons as a Summer Treat

eat watermelon

Watermelons are one of our favorite treats during the summer. It is lovely for every season, but its juicy goodness reels us in best when the sun is up and scorching.

Well, it is probably the same for our chickens. You can make the best out of this treat during the summer season.

First, watermelon is rich in water, which could be helpful against heat.

 Furthermore, this fruit contains lycopene and beta-carotene, both of which help protect against the harmful effects of the sun on chickens.

Earlier, we said that if you want to give your chickens watermelons, you should hand them ripe ones at that. That is because ripe watermelons contain higher levels of lycopene and beta-carotene.

This fruit also contains Vitamin C. Chickens do not usually need this vitamin. That is because they could produce it on their own. They could make it themselves under normal conditions, that is. They have trouble making it when they are under heat stress.

As you can see, you can give your chickens some extra watermelon during the summer season.

To make it an even better treat, you can freeze the watermelon before giving it to them. This method will maximize the cooling effect.

Can Chicks Eat Watermelon?

can chickens eat cantaloupe rinds

Yes! You could let the chicks have some watermelon, as well. But you should only give them the flesh. Chickens have robust digestive capabilities. However, chicks are not yet fully developed to handle a variety of foods.

Furthermore, make sure you only give them a few bites. As much as possible, the chick should remain on starter feed until the 6th week to grow strong and healthy.

Things to Keep in Mind When Giving Your Chickens Watermelon

chicken watermelon

Treat

As we have said earlier, the watermelon should remain a treat. It cannot be part of the staple diet of your chickens or replace their water supply.

Watery Stool

The watermelon is rich in water. Because of that, you can expect the stool of your chickens to become watery. It is nothing to worry about if it came on after some watermelon treats. It should go back to normal once you withdraw the fruit.

If your chickens have a constipation problem, you can give them a good amount of rind along with the flesh. This part contains fibers that should help.

Moldy Watermelon

We do not see a moldy watermelon often. But it could happen. In that case, you should avoid giving it to your chickens. As a general rule, you cannot hand anything that has mold to the chickens. Mold could be dangerous and harmful to the little guys.

Summary

While they may not eat an entire watermelon at once, it’s a fruit they certainly enjoy. Also, it is one of the few fruits that render all parts edible to the chicks. There are many treats that you could offer to your chickens. However, watermelon is one of the best fruits.

Do you want to know more about chicken treats? You can head over to our chicken feeding tips to learn more about treats and other things that might help you in your chicken-raising journey.

You can directly interact with other chicken handlers here to get tips and tricks. (Bonus! You can also check this extensive list out.)

 

can chickens have watermelon

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