09/18/2026
🎃🐔 DO PUMPKIN SEEDS REALLY DEWORM CHICKENS?!
It's almost fall, which means you're probably going to see this advice ALL OVER chicken groups:
🎃 “Give your chickens pumpkin seeds! They're a natural dewormer!”
But is that actually true?! 👀
Not quite.
Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds can absolutely be a nutritious seasonal treat for your flock, but I would NOT rely on them to treat a chicken that actually has a significant worm burden.
🌿 SO WHERE DID THIS IDEA COME FROM?
Pumpkin-family seeds contain compounds called cucurbitacins, which have been studied for possible effects against certain parasites.
That's where the idea of pumpkin seeds being a “natural dewormer” comes from.
BUT… here's the important part:
Research into these compounds does not mean that tossing a handful of pumpkin seeds to your chickens provides a predictable, clinically effective dose capable of eliminating an established worm infection.
There's a BIG difference between:
🔬 A compound showing antiparasitic activity under certain experimental conditions
and
🐔 Feeding your flock pumpkin seeds and assuming they're now worm-free.
Those aren't the same thing!
🎃 SHOULD I STILL GIVE MY CHICKENS PUMPKIN?
Absolutely!
Mine LOVE it. 😂
You can cut a pumpkin open and let them peck at the flesh and seeds. Pumpkin provides nutrients and enrichment, and the seeds contain protein and healthy fats.
Just think of pumpkin as a healthy treat — not medication.
🪱 HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHICKENS ACTUALLY HAVE WORMS?
This is another misconception:
You DON'T necessarily have to see worms in their p**p for them to have an internal parasite problem.
Possible signs can include:
🐔 Weight loss or poor body condition
🐔 Reduced appetite
🐔 Drop in egg production
🐔 Pale comb/wattles
🐔 Diarrhea or abnormal droppings
🐔 Poor growth in younger birds
🐔 Weakness or decreased activity
🐔 A bird that just isn't thriving like the rest of the flock
But here's the tricky part…
🚨 Those symptoms can have MANY causes besides worms.
That's why guessing based on symptoms alone isn't ideal.
🔬 ONE OF THE BEST TOOLS? A F***L TEST!
A veterinarian can examine a f***l sample for parasite eggs and help determine what you're dealing with.
Because “worms” aren't just one thing!
Chickens can be affected by different internal parasites, and the appropriate treatment can depend on which parasite is actually present.
🌿 WHAT ABOUT PREVENTION?
Instead of depending on a food to “deworm” the flock, focus on reducing parasite exposure:
✅ Keep bedding reasonably dry
✅ Don't allow droppings to build up
✅ Keep feeders and waterers clean
✅ Avoid overcrowding
✅ Rotate or rest ground when practical
✅ Watch your flock's weight and body condition
✅ Consider f***l testing when parasites are suspected
And remember…
🌿 Natural doesn't automatically mean ineffective.
💊 Medication doesn't automatically mean bad.
The goal is simply to use the right tool for the problem you're actually dealing with.
So YES…
🎃 Give them the pumpkin.
🎃 Let them destroy it.
🎃 Watch them fling pumpkin guts EVERYWHERE. 😂
But if you suspect your chicken actually has worms…
Don't count on the pumpkin to treat them. 🪱🐔
👇 Have you always heard that pumpkin seeds naturally deworm chickens?
Save this for fall & share it with another chicken keeper! 🎃🐔🫶🏼
— The Hatching Nurse 🩺🐣
