Pumpkin Carving with Chickens: The Fall Activity You Didn’t Know You Needed

Pumpkin Carving with Chickens: The Fall Activity You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you think pumpkin carving is just for kids, think again—your chickens want in on the fun too. That’s right. Pumpkin carving with chickens is one of those fall traditions that’s equal parts chaos, comedy, and creativity. And while your hens might not have the best artistic vision (think more “abstract expressionism” than “Michelangelo”), they’ll have a blast helping you “carve” their own jack-o-lantern—one peck at a time.

This seasonal activity isn’t just entertaining for you. It’s enriching, healthy, and the perfect way to put those extra porch pumpkins to good use once Halloween is over.

So grab a knife, call in your flock, and let’s turn pumpkin carving into a coop-side event.

Why Your Chickens Deserve a Pumpkin (or Two)

Before you even touch a carving knife, let’s talk about why chickens love pumpkins so much.

Pumpkins are like nature’s version of a chicken treat ball: full of nutrients, fun to eat, and hard to destroy. They’re also hydrating, rich in fiber, and packed with vitamins like A and C, which support immune health and feather quality.

But here’s what really makes them special—the seeds.

Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which is believed to help reduce internal parasites naturally. It’s not a replacement for regular worming, but it’s a wholesome boost for your flock’s overall gut health.

If you want all the nutritional details, head over to our full post  for the science and serving sizes.

For now, let’s stick to the fun stuff.

What You’ll Need for a Chicken-Friendly Pumpkin Carving Session

No fancy supplies required—this activity is about keeping things simple (and flock-approved).

• 1 fresh pumpkin (medium or large, depending on flock size)

• Sharp knife 

• Spoon for scooping out the insides

• Peeler or vegetable scraper 

• Zip-top bag or container to save extra pumpkin insides

Optional but encouraged: a camera, because you’re going to want photos of what happens next.

Step 1: Pick the Right Pumpkin

Any variety will do, classic orange, white, or even those oddly shaped warty pumpkins. The key is to make sure it’s fresh, firm, and free from mold or soft spots.

If you’re buying post-Halloween leftovers, wash them well and skip any that were painted or sprayed with sealants. (Your chickens don’t need glitter in their diet.)

If you have a smaller flock, start with a medium pumpkin so they can finish it in a few days before it spoils. Larger flocks? Go big or go home.

Step 2: Scoop, Save, and Share

Slice off the top and scoop out all that stringy goodness inside. Don’t toss it, this is where your chickens will get that nutritional boost!

The flesh, pulp, and seeds are all safe to feed. You can scatter them right into the run or spread them in a shallow tray to make sharing easier. If you have a small flock, refrigerate half of it in a ziplock bag for another day.

The pulp keeps for about 3–4 days, so you can always separate the pulp into some smaller portions and freeze, or give them a little each day.

Step 3: “Start” the Jack-O-Lantern

Instead of fully carving your design, trace the design you want with a sharpie or pen, and then use your peeler or knife remove the first outer layer of the pumpkin. Think of it as "starting the process". This will be a combo of two things: the first is that the chickens will peck at the pumpkin, getting that nutritional benefit, and the second is that they have a starting point to go off of, so they will continue to peck at the places that are peeled for them! The goal isn’t to make it perfect, just to expose some of the orange flesh beneath the skin.

That color contrast will grab your chickens’ attention and give them something soft to start pecking at.  If you’ve got kids, this is a great way to combine family fun with flock enrichment. Everyone gets to participate, and the cleanup is basically… edible.

Step 4: Let the Flock Take Over

Once you’ve got your “starter” design ready, it’s time to let the true artists do their work.

Place the pumpkin in the run or yard and take a step back. Your chickens will approach cautiously at first—circling, clucking, maybe suspiciously side-eyeing your masterpiece. But give them a few minutes, and someone will take the first brave peck.

That’s when the show begins.

Some flocks get right into it, tearing through the flesh in minutes. Others treat it like a long-term project, coming back for a few pecks each day. Either way, the entertainment value is high. Watching them take turns working on a jack-o-lantern is oddly satisfying—like watching tiny feathered sculptors at work.

No two chicken-carved pumpkins look alike. You might get a spooky grin, a crooked face, or something that looks like modern art. Whatever happens, it’ll be hilarious.

Remember! Don’t Overdo It

As fun as it is to watch your chickens demolish a pumpkin, remember—moderation matters.

Pumpkin should be treated as a snack, not a full meal. Overfeeding can lead to loose droppings or crowd out their balanced feed. A good rule of thumb: one medium pumpkin can be shared by 6–10 hens over a few days.

If you notice they’ve had enough, remove what’s left, rinse it off, and refrigerate it for later. This keeps it fresh and prevents mold growth.

Even if you don’t do a full carving session, don’t let your porch pumpkins go to waste. After the fall season ends, unpainted, untreated pumpkins make fantastic enrichment snacks for chickens.

Just break them open and let your flock enjoy the feast. It’s a sustainable, zero-waste way to transition from fall décor to coop enrichment.

Why Pumpkin Carving with Chickens Is Worth Trying

This isn’t just about feeding your chickens—it’s about connection.

Carving pumpkins with your flock brings together the best parts of chicken keeping: creativity, laughter, and the simple joy of doing something seasonal and silly. It’s a reminder that raising chickens isn’t just about the eggs—it’s about the moments in between.

And honestly, who doesn’t love watching a group of hens proudly “carve” a pumpkin with nothing but determination and beaks of steel?

A Few Funny Flock Moments to Expect

• One bold hen will immediately claim the pumpkin as hers.

• Another will pretend she’s not interested...then sneak a peck when no one’s looking.

• You’ll realize halfway through that your “jack-o-lantern” now looks more like Swiss cheese.

• If you any other farm animals (like goats), they will also want to partake, and this will inevitably dismantle the jack-o-lantern. But hey - at least pumpkin is good for them, too!

Every flock is different, but the laughter? Guaranteed.

Want More Pumpkin Tips?

If you want to go deeper into the why behind feeding pumpkin to your chickens, like nutritional value, safe portions, and the science behind those “natural dewormer” claims, check out our companion post: Can Chickens Eat Pumpkin? Benefits, Risks, and Feeding Tips

It’s packed with practical advice (and maybe a few fun fall ideas, too).

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin carving with your flock is one of those little joys that make backyard chicken keeping so rewarding. It’s easy, inexpensive, and gives your birds the perfect seasonal enrichment—plus a few laughs for you.

So this fall, skip the boring decorations and carve your pumpkin chicken style. Whether they turn it into a spooky masterpiece or just a hollow mess, one thing’s for sure: you’ll both enjoy every peck of the process.

And when you’re cleaning up those porch pumpkins after Halloween? Don’t toss them—toss them to the flock.

Because nothing says fall like feathers, pumpkins, and a little bit of controlled chaos in the run.

P.S. If your hens end up carving their own jack-o-lantern masterpiece, we want to see it! Tag us on social @ChickenCoopCompany so we can share your flock’s fall fun.