Free ranging at 6 weeks... Why not?

[Steve1960]

I have 14 Dominiques that I turned loose three weeks ago at 6 weeks old. They've been eating bugs, grass, frogs, raw and cooked sweet corn and an occassional tomato since. The amount of starter they consume has dropped significantly. I am curious as to what the scientist says the implications of them eating all this other stuff will be. I have a difficult time with all this science around chicken feed. I guess I believe that living creatures know better what's good for 'em than a scientist does. They seem incredibly happy and healthy, and I certainly am enjoying the lack of insects, especially ticks since I turned them loose.
I'm being sincere, not condescending, and am interested in feedback.

Thanks

 

[wynedot55]

chickens can eat bugs insects an frogs.an it wont hurt them one bit.

 

[tomstephens]

If you aren't a commercial chicken producer in search of absolute efficiency in caring for your chickens -- what you're doing is great.

Efficiency doesn't produce happier or healthier chickens.

 

[BearSwampChick]

Mother Nature knows best and the feed companies push their products for a reason--profit.

 

[Steve1960]

Yeah, I started feeding them fresh ground organic feed from a local farmer a few weeks back and now they avoid the proccessed stuff like the plague. Of course, they choose bugs, frogs and grass over even the organic feed.