New Chicks Foraging Question

[naturegirlmn]

Yesterday we had all of our new ordered chicks go outside while we cleaned their pen out again. They are 3 months old and several varieties. They did not want to be out there. Today was a totally different story. We left their pen door open to the other pens of our older flock and they seem to be doing well. They also have taken a liking to being outside.

My question is this. They are out there eating everything! If it is green it is being eaten. They especially seem to like the ground cover plant in front of the house. They are able to go where ever they would like, but stick really close so far. While in their pen they wouldn't even eat a raspberry. So, is it safe? Can I trust they know what they are doing? I have never had chickens eat green things like these were, as in the amounts. Most of our older flock scratch around in the dirt looking for bugs and seeds.

 

[10 acre woods]

I have always allowed my chickens to free range. I have never lost one to anything they have eaten. They will eat a lot of greens, especially when they are first allowed out to forage.

 

[naturegirlmn]

Thanks for your quick reply. We have had chickens for years, but I have never noticed them eating green plants like these were, as in the amounts. We have not had motherless chicks for quite a while though, so maybe that is the difference. Maybe with a mama hen it is a more gradual thing and mama knows what tasted best.

 

[steve232]

My chickens free range outside in the afternoons as much as possible. They love most greens but I have noticed they especially love clover. Clover is high in protein and really good for chickens. Don't think eating clover will harm them in any way.

 

[10 acre woods]

We turned out the last group of chicks we hatched out about six weeks ago. They devoured one of my wifes elephant ear plants as high as they could reach. We also had to put a short fence around our blackberries to keep them from eating every ripe berry they could find at their level. I guess if I had to eat the same thing everyday for a couple of months. I would probably go a little overboard when offered a buffet.

 

[centrarchid]

With totally free-range chickens of the age you have and up you will find the majority of particles actually ingested are green plant parts, especially tender green tips. You will also note insects and seeds. My free-range games are currently getting by on what is dominated by grasshoppers and forbes but they will pound down grass seeds when they find them.