Hens won't forage in the garden!

[Georgia Nana]

I have 5 hens that I got about 2 months ago. They have an adequate pen, but I let them out in our perinneal (sp) garden each afternoon after they have finished laying. The garden is grassy and buggy, and we have not sprayed it with anything in months. When I let them out, they RUN after me to the gate that leads to the house. When I check on them later, there they are...WAITING at the gate! They are not tame "tame", though they will eat out of my hand (I can't pick them up).

Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I go about encouraging them to wander around and eat bugs and grass? thanks1

 

[abejita]

Maybe try sprinkling scratch in the area you want them to dig. Gradually start reducing the amount that you sprinkle...hopefully they will start seeing all the other good stuff while they are eating the scratch!

 

[Georgia Nana]

Thanks! Why didn't I think of that! Duh...