10 week old Perkins stopped eating feed when put outdoors

[JJAMJ30]

I’ve been raising three Pekin ducks for the last 10 weeks, first in a plastic tote, then in a large dog crate in my garage. During this time they have been voracious eaters of the appropriate crumble for baby ducks. They are finally fully feathered and I put them in a 10’ x 20’ outdoor pen, with a kiddie pool and shelter (modified gigantic dog house). Since putting them outside, they are eating far less of their crumble food. There are many leaves dropping from the trees right now, and they are eating them, seemingly in lieu of their feed. They still love treats such as peas and lettuce. They are rooting around for bugs and worms the ground and eating them too. I’m just surprised at how much less of their food they are eating. Is this normal? They seem happy and healthy. Please reply.

 

[sourland]

Given the opportunity poultry will balance their own diets and cut back on commercial feed. This is one of the reasons many like to free range.