Ultimate Chicken Mystery...what’s your opinion?

[Orpingtons Mom]

Oh about three months ago I received three babies, that I thought were Crele Orpingtons, but as it turned out, are Partridge Orpingtons.

I was a little disappointed, but I still love them. They are getting very big. Well, for their age I think they’re big.

So they’ve had their first days outside. And they are pretty much having a great time. However I am asking the everyone on the BB to answer the Ultimate Chicken Mystery (UCM).

What on earth are they eating when they peck the ground?

Now, don’t think I’m hopelessly stupid; I realize when they are pecking green stuff, they are eating grass, moss, whatever. It’s when they are pecking just the dirt. I cannot see seeds or arthropods, worms, nor ants. They peck the tree bark with glee...

So, please enlighten everyone. WHAT ON EARTH ARE THEY EATING.

(enquiring minds want to know)

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Maybe grit?

 

[theoldchick]

My chickens look like they are tasting the dirt.

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

I find it hard to believe they would be continually eating grit. I mean they get TONS of grit in the coop. Not only that but the three of them will gather together and peck at one spot for like 15 minutes.

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

My chickens look like they are tasting the dirt.

Seriously? Tasting the dirt? For the right flavor?

 

[AntiqueB]

The goal is to amuse the humans watching them!

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

The goal is to amuse the humans watching them!

That’s probably the reason. But haven’t you ever wondered what they could be eating? And what is so interesting?

 

[theoldchick]

Seriously? Tasting the dirt? For the right flavor?

I know! They pick and sift through the tiny grains with incredible dexterity. I've seen tiny wrens doing the same thing.

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

I know! They pick and sift through the tiny grains with incredible dexterity. I've seen tiny wrens doing the same thing.

Aha! Now I know this is a little bit far out… But could there be things they can see that we can’t?

Or, is that far too serious of an answer for such a stupid question as the UCM?

 

[Gallinarium]

They're probably looking for something... anything...
Tiny insects, minuscule seeds, tiny bits of grass, grit, yummy dirt... who knows?