Can chickens eat lettuce?

Why

Most common lettuce varieties are non-toxic, but they are mostly water and lack the protein and nutrients chickens need for a balanced diet. Feeding too much can lead to digestive upset or diarrhea, and it may fill them up so they skip their essential feed.

If you do feed it

• Chop the lettuce into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking.
• Limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily diet.
• Avoid iceberg lettuce as it has very low nutritional value.
• Ensure fresh lettuce is washed to remove pesticides or dirt.

Watch out for

• Iceberg lettuce (low nutrition)
• Wilted or moldy lettuce
• Lettuce with pesticide residue
• Lettuce mixed with toxic dressings or seasonings

Better choices