Cucumber is one of the most refreshing treats you can give a flock, and one of the least fattening. Here is why it works so well, especially in summer, and a couple of fun ways to serve it.
Can chickens eat cucumbers?
Yes. Cucumber is a safe, hydrating treat, and both the flesh and the seeds are perfectly fine for chickens to eat. Because it is mostly water and very low in calories, it is one of the more guilt-free treats out there — you can be a little more generous than you would with sugary fruit. It is a particular winner in warm weather, when the moisture helps keep your birds cool and hydrated. Even so, it is still an extra rather than a meal, and should sit within the usual guideline of treats making up around a tenth of the diet, with a complete layer feed doing the rest. Our guide to what chickens eat covers that balance in more detail.
Health benefits of cucumbers for chickens
Cucumber's main virtue is hydration. On a hot day, a few cool slices help top up your birds' water intake alongside their drinker, and the low calorie count means there is little risk of it contributing to weight gain. There are some vitamins and minerals in there too, and the seeds add a little variety of texture. It is the kind of treat you can feel relaxed about offering fairly regularly in summer, which is not something you can say about most fruit. It sits nicely alongside other watery treats such as watermelon when the temperature climbs.
One thing to steer clear of is pickled cucumber, or gherkins. Anything preserved in salt and vinegar is not suitable for chickens, whose systems cope poorly with salty food, so keep to plain, fresh cucumber straight from the fridge or the veg drawer. Both the smooth-skinned and ridged garden varieties are fine, skin and all.
Fun ways to serve cucumber
Cucumber lends itself to a bit of enrichment, which is great for keeping an active flock entertained.
- Cut a cucumber in half lengthways and lay it in the run for the birds to peck out.
- Hang a whole cucumber on a string so they have to jump and peck for it.
- Slice it into rounds and scatter them for a foraging game.
- Serve it chilled from the fridge on very hot days.
- Feed the flesh and seeds together — no need to deseed.
What about the cucumber plant?
If you grow cucumbers in the garden, you may wonder about the rest of the plant. The leaves of the cucumber plant are not toxic and chickens can nibble them without harm, but honestly the fruit is the part worth offering — it is what they enjoy and what does them good. There is no need to go out of your way to feed leaves or vines. Stick to the cucumber itself, keep grit available so they can digest it, and remove any leftovers before they go slimy. If you find your flock is a little indifferent to cucumber at first, try hanging it up or serving it chilled — a bit of novelty often turns a shrug into a scramble.