Thursday, May 10, 2012

Pumpkin Seeds as a Dewormer for Chickens

Have you seen this lavender yet? It is called Baby Blue and it is so petite and sweet but the best part is that is has the best smell of any lavender I have ever owned. I usually plant it in the garden but this will go in a pot by the back door so we can smell it as we brush by it. It is so small in scale that it is perfect for a pot and lavender does not require as much water as other potted plants in our summer heat.


Transplanted some flowers from my pots last year in November. They were too woody for the pots so in fall I cut them way back and stuck in empty spots in the garden. The pink one below is taking off and blooming nicely. Don't throw all those plants away when you are done. Some may thrive in the garden with more space.


Remember the ONE coleus I bought last year? Well here it is. I took a cutting last fall and stuck in a pot and it is taking off now. I have already put cuttings in other pots. So these would be the children of the original right or the grandchildren. Talk about getting your money's worth.


Pumpkin seeds are a natural de-wormer for chickens and I had one small pumpkin still rolling around the yard from last fall. I cut it open and ground up the guts and seeds in the food processor and fed to the chickens.

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They loved it and ate every bit and lots of the pumpkin too. I want to have my eggs be as healthy as can be for us so I don't want to have to use commercial wormer which is harsh and you cannot eat the eggs for a while afterwards. Yuck! So I read to give them pumpkins a few times a year as a preventative. Can't hurt anyways.

feed pumpkin seeds to chickens


26 comments:

  1. I just love your garden AND you wonderful chickens. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I'm always amazed what chickens will eat! They are growing so fast!

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  3. I just can not believe how big the girls are getting. I love the black and white ones!

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  4. Your garden is so beautiful! I love the lavender - I will keep it in mind for our homestead. Have a blessed weekend ~

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  5. Your garden looks beautiful Elaine and I can't believe how big your girls have gotten. They seem right at home now. I heard canned pumpkin is good for dogs once in a while, too.

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  6. You do a wonderful job at recycling!
    First the plants, and then the pumpkins :)
    Nice job!

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  7. My hens have always gone crazy for pumpkin, squash, or cantaloupe seeds. In fact, and seed is a treat they can't seem to get enough of. I have never chopped them up and the hens have never had a problem with them, although I also put roughage in their feed to help them digest.
    Your garden is so gorgeous! We had a really early spring but much to my chagrin we had subsequent hard freezes that did some real damage. The lilacs budded too early and were all killed by the freeze! I plan to start planting by the end of May, but it just isn't safe to try any sooner:>(

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  8. Well I certainly learned something new today, I had no idea that chickens got worms, I guess I should have realized they might, but still.

    And to use pumpkins...hmm, great idea.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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  9. beautiful garden pictures. a friend of ours has chickens and we love to go and visit them. they are fun to watch.

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  10. I have some of that lavender...it smells great, but I have never had much luck with lavender in a pot. I love moving my plants around and seeing how I can make several out of one too! Impatiens can be rooted easily too...I have them all over form just one original pony pack!! Love your garden and the chicks...so sweet!

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  11. I've never had luck with lavendar but if I see some of that maybe I'll try it. I love it I just can never keep it alive for some reason.
    That's neat info about the pumpkins for the chickens. They're good for us too! LOL!
    You are the best and most knowledgable gardener I know! Thanks!

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  12. I have not seen (nor heard of) Baby Blue. I hope I can find it around here. I need to plant some lavender this year.

    Love all your photos and it makes me long to have a few chickens....never gonna happen where I live. xo Diana

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  13. You are certainly covering all of your bases with the chickens! They are sure to be perfectly healthy!!!

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  14. Your plants are doing so wonderful and looking beautiful. The girls are getting so big, the pumpkin is a great source for them!! I love it my self... Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day sweetie. Hugs, :D

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  15. I imagine your yard being a cozy little spot I would love to visit with a Latte' someday! Too bad you are so far away! Neat post!

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  16. You're taking such good care of your chickens! Love seeing your your garden photos.

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  17. Beautiful photos. I desperately need to get some lavender as soon as I can find it in the nurseries. I've tried raising it from seed and it just doesn't work for me. I clip it and dry it to use in my 'Field of Dreams' lavender soap! :-)

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  18. Love seeing the chickens eat the pumpkin seeds!

    xo
    Claudia

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  19. I NEVER knew this! I am so glad to have a use for them, since I never get around to roasting them. come link up at my new DIYLinky at www.littlehouseinthesuburbs.com

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  20. This is a great idea. I am going to try this. I always learn so much from blogging friends like you. Thanks Warmest regards, Heather

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  21. Thanks for sharing the link to my pumpkin seed wormer article! I'm a believer in natural preventatives for the reason you mention, and either way, they love them and it doesn't hurt.

    I also love lavender- great post!
    Lisa
    Fresh Eggs Daily
    www.fresh-eggs-daily.com

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  22. What a great idea! I'm going to give some to my girls and tell them to thank you, Elaine.

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  23. Hi. What are the breed of the black and grey striped birds in this photo?

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    Replies
    1. Hi. The striped ones are.barred rocks.

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    2. I have a grey striped one with feathered feet and she is a dark Brahma.

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  24. Thanks for your reply. I have one who looks the same but has feathers on her feet.

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