The Great Chicken Pumpkin Carving Contest

Red House vs. White House at Cedar Paddock Hobby Farm

Red House vs. White House

Every autumn, the Cedar Paddock flock takes part in one of our favorite seasonal traditions — the Chicken Pumpkin Carving Contest. It’s the ultimate showdown between the Red House and the White House, and as always, the results were equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.

This year’s competition began with two bright orange pumpkins placed in each coop yard — one for the Red House hens, home to Travis, the ever-watchful rooster, and one for the White House crew, led by Todd, our confident and curious Brahma rooster.

The White House wasted no time. The moment their pumpkin hit the ground, Todd gave an approving cluck, and his hens rushed in like a team of professional sculptors. Peck by peck, they hollowed out the sides with the precision of artists on a deadline. There was pumpkin everywhere — orange bits in beaks, feathers, and scattered proudly across the run. They knew what to do, and they owned it.

Over in the Red House, however, things looked a little different. The pumpkin had barely landed before Travis puffed up to full rooster size and declared it a possible threat. With chest out and feathers flared, he strutted around the mysterious orange intruder, keeping the hens back with short warning clucks. The girls watched him with a mix of curiosity and caution — after all, if Travis said it was dangerous, it must be.

For a while, the Red House hens simply circled and stared while Travis stood guard. The pumpkin sat untouched, as if under quarantine. But curiosity eventually won out. Once Travis decided the orange orb wasn’t a danger to flock or feather, he gave a soft approving call — the all-clear signal.

And just like that, the carving began. Peck by peck, they caught up to the White House crew, tearing into the pumpkin with gusto and making up for lost time. The hens chirped excitedly, seeds flew, and Travis even joined in with a few strong pecks of his own — mostly, of course, to show he’d meant to allow it all along.

By the end of the day, both houses had created their masterpieces: two very chicken-carved pumpkins, unevenly sculpted but full of charm. The White House might have taken the win for speed and enthusiasm, but the Red House earned top marks for dramatic flair and leadership approval.

Red House Pumpkin

White House Pumpkin

When the sun set over the paddock, the carved pumpkins glowed faintly in the dusk — a perfect symbol of autumn mischief and flock teamwork.

Who do you think won?

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🧡 Educational Peck: Why Pumpkin is Great for Chickens

Pumpkins aren’t just a fun seasonal treat — they’re incredibly healthy for your flock, too.

Physical Health Benefits:

• 🐣 Rich in vitamins A and C, pumpkin helps boost immune health and supports bright combs and shiny feathers.

• 🌰 Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of protein and beneficial fats — great for feather growth during molting season.

• 🧠 Beta-carotene supports vision and overall vitality, keeping your hens alert and active.

  
  

Mental Enrichment: Fresh pumpkin is the ultimate boredom buster. Pecking through a pumpkin encourages natural foraging instincts, problem-solving, and even a little friendly competition. It keeps hens mentally engaged — especially on those chillier fall days when bugs and greens are scarce.

So, while the Great Chicken Pumpkin Carving Contest may look like seasonal fun and games, it’s also a healthy enrichment activity that keeps the Cedar Paddock flock happy, nourished, and entertained all autumn long. 🎃🐔