Chickens diet

[Wonder Woman]

Hi, my chickens just LOVE eating lettuce; but today someone told me that it is not good for them. Could you tell me does lettuce “scour” chickens?
(I assume he meant it gives them upset tummies; i.e. diarrhoea)
Please Tell me your experiences

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. I've never fed my chickens lettuce, so unfortunately I have no advice to offer. Hopefully some other members will.

ETA: here's a link to a search that I've just done - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threadloom/search?query=lettuce&tab=618

 

[Wonder Woman]

Thanks for that

 

[ChickNanny13]

I couldn't figure out why my (4 BO) girls looked alot heavier than they were. They get fermented Flock Raiser, freeze dried mealworms, romaine lettuce, BOSS, oatmeal, etc. Was advised to get a check for worms and that their feed contains all the nutrients they need, too much treat makes for an off balanced diet.

I stopped all "healthy" treats, fed them just their feed and (guilt) they got 1/8 cup of scratch/BOSS at close up, they don't free range. I weighted them Aug 29 (2 - 3.75lbs), Sept 15 (3 - 4lbs) & Oct 8 (3.25 - 4.5lbs). They should be around 6 - 7lbs.

So treats are ok in moderation. I also noticed when I gave them veggies/fruits for treats their poop got softer. Now they may get some "treats" but not every day like in the past.

 

[N F C]

The recommended limit of treats is no more than 10% of their total daily intake. There are probably more nutritious things to offer then lettuce (which I believe is mostly water) for that 10% but there are worse things too. It's nice to offer a variety of healthy treats I believe.

Thanks for joining us, it's nice to have you here!

 

[Kiki]

You might be interested in reading this:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Large quantities of treats are not recommended. NFC gives good advice.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy that you've joined us NFC was right on the mark. I give mine lettuce and watermelon when its hot out for added water.

 

[getaclue]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you joined. Yes, listen to NFC, please.

 

[RodNTN]

Hello there! And It is wonderful to have you here with us, best wishes!