My "teens" had no problem trying out some left over water melon, but my adults wouldn't even give it a peck - for several hours they avoided it !!? HUH???Momma teaches to forage.. incubated chicks from farm stores will have to be taught. I start mine early learning to try everything.. so they aren't afraid of meat scraps and other healthy treats.
Then I realized it was the shape. For a party, my artistic sister carved it into a pretty basket with handle & tiny tooth-like edges. (balled melon pieces inside) I suppose it may have looked like a giant predator mouth. Once I ripped off the handle & broke it into pieces, the adults ate it. The teens were given the few left-over melon ball, so nothing to fear.