Are they eating enough?

[Wizbop]

My 6 week old girls are outdoors now in their pen/coop and they are eating about 1/3 to 1/4 of the food that they were eating when they were in the brooder box. They're still on chick feed, but are eating at lots of grass, tree debris and bugs/worms, etc. Is this normal? I am only having to fill up their feeder every 3-4 days and it was DAILY when they were in the brooder, but I think they were scratching a lot of it out then. They are scratching A LOT out in our yard and seem really happy discovering all that the outdoors has to offer. Is this normal? They are growing like crazy and getting fat, so that is a good sign. I just need reassurance. New to this chicken thing, y'all.

 

[Imp]

My chickens eat a lot less food when they have access to the ground. I can't remember the chicks- too long ago. If they are growing and getting fat sounds like no problem. You can check by feeling their crops. Are they getting full?

Imp

 

[Tala]

Raising chicks on grass is SOOOOO much cheaper (feed consumption wise). Free ranging your layers makes your eggs cheaper to produce too, as well as healthier!!!!!

If they are growing and feathering out - their nutritional needs are being met! Don't worry and let them be chicks! Remember, mama hens have been procreating a lot longer than chick starter has been on the market

 

[Wizbop]

Quote:
What is their crop?

 

[the lone rhubarb]

I think that their crop is some sort of food-stomach-thing. It is on their lower neck-chest it is like a hard bag when it
is full of chow.