Can Chickens Eat Lettuce

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can chickens eat lettuce

Can chickens eat lettuce or not? This is a question that torments numerous pet chicken owners. In general, anyone who has some animals to take care of is naturally concerned and has a lot of questions related to their proper care. We want the best for the animals and birds we are having in our care. Whether it is a matter of responsibility or simply the natural born desire to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It all comes down to one particular aspect, regardless of the creature we are taking care of, we always want whats best for it.

So, getting back to chickens, there are situations when you cannot help but wonder if the food you are feeding them can be replaced with something else. Maybe something more valuable with a higher amount of nutrients? You must have given a thought to this aspect, right?

can chickens eat lettuce

Can Chickens Eat Lettuce?

Needless to say that we want what is best for the people and animals we care about. Chickens are more than just a piece of meat that is going to stay on our plates at the next week’s dinner. They are intelligent creatures and most of the times they’re underestimated.

When it comes to the food they are taking in, we cannot help but wonder what if there is something else out there that is good for them? A food that ensures a greater amount of nutrients.

The truth is that, yes, chickens can eat lettuce. They can eat any leafy greens as a matter of fact. Even spinach collards or chickweed. However, in the case of lettuce, the amount of protein is less than 1%, so that would not be such a nutritious food. It does not cause any damage to them but it certainly does not fulfill their hunger and it should probably be combined with some other foods.

What Other Foods Are Good For Chickens?

Other foods that your chickens should eat:

  • Protein and layer feeds – Keep in mind the fact that chickens need a large amount of protein for their feathers to grow and for producing eggs after reaching a mature age. Protein is important and should not be missed from their diet. Most commercial feeds from a reliable store contain recommended amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Layer diets should contain at least 14% of protein to ensure continued egg production. Mostly, layer diets contain 16% of protein which is enough for chickens.
  • Mixed corn – This cereal usually contains about 80-90% wheat and the rest is maize. It is considered to be useful as it keeps the hens busy, scratching the ground continuously, but it only goes as far as a treat. Throwing a hand of mixed corn in the afternoon will help the hens have a full crop during the night. Remember that it is a fattening product and it can be very useful in the winter to keep the chickens warm. However, do not feed them with a lot of mixed corn, they will get fat and will stop making eggs.
  • Greens – Make sure your chickens get a taste of greens every day. They are extremely healthy and at a low price. Chickens can eat lettuce but in moderation since it is not very high in nutrients. Apart from lettuce, chickens can eat grass, weeds, leftovers from cabbages and cauliflowers.
  • Worm treats – There are some chicken owners who give their birds such treats. They are welcomed once in a while but most of the times they should be kept off limits. If your chickens run into a worm, let them eat it. Do not buy them. Worms should not be given to them on a daily basis.

A lot of attention should be paid when it comes to feeding the chickens. Your chickens can eat lettuce but not as an everyday staple food since it’s low in nutrients.

 

References:

http://keeping-chickens.me.uk/getting-started/chicken-feed

http://www.rentacoop.com/Chicken-Treats.html

http://www.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production#.Ve-x1_ZViko

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