Iceberg lettuce is a popular leafy green used in the kitchen. It can be used to make salads, soups, stews, and sandwiches. If you enjoy eating iceberg lettuce, you’ll probably have them in your fridge. If you are raising ducks, you’ll probably wonder if they can eat iceberg lettuce.
Can ducks eat iceberg lettuce? Yes, ducks can eat iceberg lettuce, but in small quantities. This variety of lettuce has little nutritional value that won’t benefit the ducks. Also, iceberg lettuce is high in water content, which in large amounts can cause them to have diarrhea.
Is It Safe For Ducks To Eat Iceberg Lettuce?
Iceberg lettuce itself is safe for ducks to eat as it doesn’t have any toxins.
However, when iceberg lettuce is fed to them in large amounts, it can be unsafe for them. The reason for that is the high content of water that it has. Iceberg lettuce has about 95% water content.
Also, iceberg lettuce has little to no nutritional value which doesn’t benefit the ducks. Too much of this type of lettuce will cause them to them.
When ducks are being fed too much iceberg lettuce, they will start to have digestive problems such as diarrhea and upset stomach.
Health Benefits of Iceberg Lettuce for Ducks
Iceberg lettuce does have some health benefits for ducks. It has some nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, and calcium that ducks need.
Per 100 gram or 3 ½ ounce serving:
- Calories: 14
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Fiber: 1.1 g (4% DV)
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 3% DV
- Vitamin K: 20% DV
- Folate: 7% DV
- Calcium: 1% dv
- Magnesium: 2% dv
The above data is from the USDA
Below are some of the health benefits of feeding iceberg lettuce to your ducks:
Prevents Dehydration
Iceberg lettuce is high in water. This will keep the ducks hydrated. During the summer months when it’s extremely hot, ducks tend to lose a lot of water from their body due to the heat.
By giving them some iceberg lettuce, it will help keep them hydrated.
Keeps Bone Strong
Iceberg lettuce has calcium in them, which helps keep the bone strong and healthy. Ducks require a lot of calcium in their diet since they tend to move around a lot. By providing them enough calcium, they are less likely to become injured.
Prevent Illness
Iceberg lettuce has some vitamin C, which is needed to keep them healthy and to prevent illness. Ducks that get plenty of vitamin C are less likely to become ill. If they do become sick, plenty of this vitamin will help restore their health quickly.
Can Duckling Eat Iceberg Lettuce?
No, ducklings should not eat iceberg lettuce. Their digestive system has not developed properly yet and could cause them to have digestive issues. The most common problem for ducklings will be diarrhea.
Instead, ducklings should be fed a proper diet of commercial feed and grits. For ducks under the age of 3 weeks, they should be on starter feeds. After 3 weeks, you can switch to grower feeds.
Ducklings digest food quickly so they’ll need food to eat constantly. For that reason, always make sure there is food available at all times.
How To Feed Iceberg Lettuce To Ducks
To feed iceberg lettuce to ducks, simply tear off a piece of leaf and toss them to the ducks.
Before you do, make sure to clean the lettuce first. Run them underwater for a few seconds to remove any dirt and debris from them.
If it’s on a hot day, a great way to keep them hydrated is to mix iceberg lettuce with other foods. You can make a tasty salad by mixing iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and kale. Make sure to use just a small amount of each veggie to make the salad.
How Much Iceberg Lettuce Can A Duck Eat?
Due to their high content of water and a small number of nutrients, you should feed iceberg lettuce to ducks in small quantities.
For ducklings, do not feed them any iceberg lettuce. Once they are about 6 weeks old, you can feed them just a tiny piece of the lettuce.
For adult ducks, feed them a half piece of the iceberg lettuce leaf. This should be enough for them to enjoy it.
How Often Can Have A Duck Eat Iceberg Lettuce?
Iceberg lettuce should be fed to your ducks in moderation. This means once or twice per week.
During the summer months, when it’s extremely hot, you can give them more iceberg lettuce each week. However, avoid giving them the lettuce each day as it could risk them having diarrhea or an upset stomach.
Other Vegetables That Ducks Can Eat
Zucchini
Zucchini is packed with nutrition that’s great for feeding ducks. This vegetable can be fed to them on a daily basis. When feeding them, slice them into small cubes so it’ll be easier for them to eat and digest them.
Kale
Kale is known as a superfood for the nutrient-rich properties. These leafy greens can be part of the duck’s daily diet. Cut or tear the leaves into small pieces and toss them to the duck.
Romaine Lettuce
Out of all the lettuce variety, romaine lettuce is the most nutritious. It’s healthy and makes a great snack for the ducks. You can either give the ducks the whole lettuce or cut them into pieces.
Conclusion
Iceberg lettuce makes a good treat for ducks, especially in the summer months. To prevent any digestive issues such as diarrhea and upset stomach, give them iceberg lettuce in a small amount.
