Newbie from UK needs help/advice on diet

[Bullie4me]

Only had my POL chooks a week - They have settled well, eating layer pellets and drinking, with a scratch treat late afternoons.
I have had 3 eggs from 2 girls already, so am really chuffed. However since they are now exploring the enclosed area, they seem more interested in foraging and eating grass and plants than eating pellets- how can I be sure they are getting a balanced diet?
They are let out at about 8am to free range, after about an hour in their run, for the rest of the day- food and water are freely available. They return to drink regularly but appear disinterested in food provided.
I am thinking that perhaps I should keep them in their run for longer each day to ensure they consume sufficient.
Any constructive support will be appreciated
I forgot to mention that they have collectively spent many hours digging an enormous crater under the cherry tree in search of grubs etc.

 

[Habibs Hens]

That's good

Chickens know how to graze and will get a balanced diet

they will scratch and get worms and insects and grubs

make sure grass is short as it can cause impacted crop and feed them oyster shell grit to help break down vegetation in gizzard


I wish my hens where more interested in grass and scratch would save me a bit off the £250 per month on food I spend


one more thing when they free range keep all doors to coop and run open so they can stroll in and out as they please


and Welcome to the Forum

im from London UK

 

[Bullie4me]

Thanks thats reassuring, I do have oyster shell and grit available and they freely return to their run for a nap and preen/dust bathe etc.
They are also snoozing in the hole they have dug under the tree and surrounding shrubs so it would appear they are comfortable with the shelter this provides.
Perhaps I just worry too much.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

They probably didn't have access to grass where they were living before. It's normal for chickens to act starved for grass and leafy greens after a long winter without. Green feed has a lot of things in it that are really good for chickens. As long as they have access to their chicken feed, they'll do great. They must be so happy to be living at your house, with all that freedom, foraging and fun things to do.

 

[Bullie4me]

Thanks everyone for your feedback- it is much appreciated.

Took the plunge and left them in their run this am whilst I went shopping ( 1st time I've left them since they arrived ) I know I'm a sad so & so !! but I made sure I turned on the electric fence before I left so Mr Fox went without his breakfast.
The hole under the tree is even deeper today- can't even see them if they lay down, just bums in the air and soil flying everywere. Also now brave enough to eat out of my hand - not bad after only moving in 9 days ago.
Forgot to mention I have 2 Speckled stars, 2 Sussex stars & 2 Bluebells & 2 more eggs today. I just love my chooks already.