Pumpkin Seeds, are they a sometimes food?

[camo]

Hey all,

My in-laws are currently overrun with pumpkins (farm grown, no pesticides). Last night we were mashing some, and of cause Gizmo and Pebbles got some (it's not my favorite veg, but we are currently having it every second night) . I started wondering about the seeds we are currently giving back to the chickens, firstly everywhere I have read, says "dried" pumpkin seeds (for eclectus parrots), and secondly I don't know if this is more of a treat (too high in something), or something we could give to them while they are available.

Does anyone have any thoughts on if they need to be dried, and if they need to be given in moderation (I am thinking of using them in foraging, probably 5 or so a day).

Cheers,

Cameron

 

[Anansi]

Hey, Cameron.

Pumpkin seeds do need to be dried. Some will lightly bake them to speed up the process. I personally just rinse them off after scooping them out of the pumpkin and lay them out on a dish until they dry out.

Pumpkin itself is high in vitamin A and calcium, both of which are very important to our birds. From what I've read, pumpkin seeds share some of those benefits. I do, however, use them as a treat rather than a diet staple. I do this because seeds are generally considered to be somewhat on the fatty side when taken in excess. Whether or not this is the case with pumpkin seeds in particular I don't actually know for certain, so I err on the side of caution. So pumpkin regularly, seeds on a training treat basis.

 

[camo]

Thank you for your reply. Gave them a go, and they both loved them, so we should have some new tricks learned in no time.

Cheers,

Cameron