Tried giving my chickens a frozen watermelon on a hot day turned into a full yard battle

Last week it hit 95 degrees here in Ohio so I thought my girls would love a frozen watermelon to peck at. I tossed it in the run and within 2 minutes all 8 of them were fighting over it like it was the last snack on earth. Feathers flew everywhere and one hen stole the whole thing and ran behind the coop with it. Lesson learned next time I'm cutting it up first or at least hiding from the pecking order drama. Anybody else have a treat go totally sideways like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

adams.vera23d ago

Read somewhere that chickens actually have a REALLY strong sense of food competition, like they're hardwired to fight over anything shiny or fun. @sean_walker45 yeah, one of my Barred Rocks, she's the BOSS of the flock, grabbed that whole watermelon by the stem and booked it like she was in a chicken heist. I couldn't even be mad, I was just impressed at her dedication. Next time I'm cutting it into chunks or freezing it in a big bowl so everyone gets a piece without a full on yard battle.

sean_walker4524d ago

Wait, one of them actually took the WHOLE watermelon and ran off with it? That's hilarious and terrifying at the same time, can't imagine a chicken hauling a whole melon like a getaway driver.