Every chicken owner probably knows by now that these birds have wide-ranging appetites, particularly concerning fruits and vegetables. It is much easier to list the kinds that they won’t eat compared to the kinds that they will. Nonetheless, it is worth finding out whether or not chickens can safely eat some less common produce. How about zucchini? Can chickens eat zucchini?
Yes, chickens can safely eat zucchini fruits, including the skin and seeds. They are hydrating and healthy, with some amounts of B vitamins, manganese and potassium. But, zucchinis may occasionally contain toxic cucurbitacins, so discretion is advised when feeding chickens homegrown zucchini.
These cucumber lookalikes are technically fruits, and not vegetables, but are so often lumped in the category with other summer squash that their culinary use is indistinguishable from their relatives. Aside from a few concerns about toxins, zucchini are a healthy and hydrating treat for your chickens. Keep reading and we will tell you everything you need to know.
Nutritional Profile of Zucchini
Cool, firm and juicy, zucchini are another iconic summer veggie. They’re also one that has a surprisingly varied nutritional profile, with lots of different nutrients, though the amounts of each are not that significant.
Zucchinis have a good assortment of vitamins, everything from vitamin A equivalent and beta-carotene to most of the B complex vitamins, including B5 and B6, not to mention folate, and vitamins C and K to round things out.
Zucchinis also have quite a few minerals to offer, including manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. They also have a little bit of calcium, iron and zinc. As mentioned, they are quite juicy and this makes them a hydrating snack particularly in hot weather, being 95% water by weight.
| 100g Zucchini | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 94.8g |
| Calories | 17 kcal |
| Protein | 1.21g |
| Total Fat | 0.32g |
| Ash | 0.58g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3.11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 2.5g |
| Calcium, Ca | 16mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.37mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 38mg |
| Potassium, K | 261mg |
| Sodium, Na | 8mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.32mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.053mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.177mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.2µg |
| Vitamin C | 17.9mg |
| Thiamin | 0.045mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.094mg |
| Niacin | 0.451mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.204mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.163mg |
| Folate, total | 24µg |
| Choline, total | 9.5mg |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 10µg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 200 IU |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 2120µg |
| Vitamin E | 0.12mg |
| Vitamin K | 4.3µg |
Health Benefits of Zucchini for Chickens
Chickens generally seem to enjoy zucchini quite a lot, and they will enjoy it even more on hot, dry days when this pretend-vegetable will help hydrate them. The B complex vitamins in them are vital for metabolic processes, cellular health and for the utilization of other vitamins and minerals in the body.
Vitamin A is essential for the eyes, for reproduction, and for immune function. Vitamin C, zucchinis’ best attribute, is somewhat wasted on chickens because they make their own internally. Even so, a little bit extra never hurts, particularly in hot weather!
The minerals, too, are valuable for chickens. Potassium is essential for the balancing of electrolytes, calcium is critical for strong bones and healthy egg shells, and iron is vital for the production of red blood cells and the oxygenation of blood in the body. But again, keep in mind this veggie may not have meaningful amounts to make a difference…
Can Chickens Eat Zucchini Raw?
Yes, chickens may eat zucchini raw and you’ll find it is the best way to serve it to them. Raw zucchini is generally easy for chickens to eat, and also maintains the best nutritional profile.
Can Chickens Eat Zucchini Skins?
Yes, chickens may eat zucchini skins, though most chickens seem not to prefer them. Zucchinis are usually harvested when they are technically still quite young, as their skins harden and firm up considerably as they age. This is why older fruits might have skins that are entirely too tough for your chickens to eat.
Can Chickens Eat Zucchini Seeds?
Yes, chickens may safely eat zucchini seeds as they don’t seem to be harmful. In other words, no toxicology has been established, and since folks have been feeding them for decades, there is no reason to be worried they might cause issues in your birds.
Can Chickens Eat Zucchini Cooked?
They sure can. Cooked zucchini is just as safe for your birds, though you might find the flesh turns a little too soft depending on how you cook it.
It’s worth noting, though, that cooking changes the taste, so that might get picky birds to start eating it. Cooking also depletes some of the vitamins present in the plant, but on the other hand, other nutrients can actually become more bioavailable.
Never Feed Zucchini to Chickens that Has Been Cooked with Harmful Ingredients
Since we are talking about cooking, now is a good time to point out that you should never, ever feed zucchini to your flock that has been prepared with other, harmful ingredients they shouldn’t eat.
Things like sugar, butter, oils, and so forth might all be a part of making a zucchini taste wonderful for you or incorporating it into a more complex dish, but none of these things are good for the health of your chickens.
At best, they’ll be facing significant weight gain and digestive problems. But at worst, they could be facing life-threatening ailments like fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome. If you’re going to give your flock cooked zucchini it should ideally be plain!
Beware of Pesticide on Grocery-bought Zucchini
Like most store-bought produce, zucchinis that are intended for consumers are treated with a variety of pesticides from germination all the way through harvesting. This is supposed to keep the plants free of damage and other harmful infestation, but despite being washed prior to sale, these residues may persist.
So if you are going to buy grocery store zucchini for your flock, you need to thoroughly wash them yourself to remove at least some of these chemicals. And if you have any doubts, simply peel it or buy organic if you can afford it and find it (though for chickens, I wouldn’t spend the extra cash, hah).
A Word on Possible Toxins in Zucchini
One thing to keep in mind when feeding zucchini to chickens, or eating it yourself for that matter, is that they can possibly contain toxins that can cause an upset stomach. These toxins are known as cucurbitacins, if you have never heard of them before now that is because they are quite rarely found in zucchinis at all.
They usually only occur when the zucchini grows in highly stressed conditions, or when they are cross-pollinated with certain other ornamental squashes. This rarely, if ever, happens with most store-bought zucchini, but is more likely to happen if you grow your own and the plants are struggling.
Luckily, it is easy to know when: an extremely bitter taste is all the indication you will need that you should spit out that bite and discard it. If you grow your own zucchini, be sure to give them a taste test in this way prior to serving them to your birds.
How Often Can Chickens Have Zucchini?
Zucchini is wholesome and healthy, but should still only be served to your chickens once or twice a week as part of a well-rounded diet. 90% of a chicken’s diet should come from their nutritionally complete chicken feed, with the remaining 10% coming from a variety of supplemental foods and treats, including zucchini.
Preparing Zucchini for Your Flock
It is a snap to prepare zucchini for your flock. Simply cut off the woody stalk end, then split the fruit in half lengthwise. You can chop these halves again in order to spread them out more if you need. Set them out for your birds to peck on, and they should eat up all the soft flesh in no time.
Can Baby Chicks Have Zucchini, Too?
Yes, baby chicks can have zucchini but as a rule of thumb, you’ll want to wait until they are around 18 weeks old before serving it to them – just to be safe. This is because young chicks have extremely delicate systems and nutritional requirements, and even something as plain as zucchini could cause them upset.
Plus, chicks are particularly vulnerable to diarrhea when eating moist food, and zucchini definitely fits into that category. You’ll want to sharply limit their intake and keep an eye on them after you serve it to them.
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Tom has lived and worked on farms and homesteads from the Carolinas to Kentucky and beyond. He is passionate about helping people prepare for tough times by embracing lifestyles of self-sufficiency.