Ultimate Chicken Mystery...what’s your opinion?

[Orpingtons Mom]

Oh about three months ago I received three babies, that I thought were Crele Orpingtons, but as it turned out, are Partridge Orpingtons.

I was a little disappointed, but I still love them. They are getting very big. Well, for their age I think they’re big.

So they’ve had their first days outside. And they are pretty much having a great time. However I am asking the everyone on the BB to answer the Ultimate Chicken Mystery (UCM).

What on earth are they eating when they peck the ground?

Now, don’t think I’m hopelessly stupid; I realize when they are pecking green stuff, they are eating grass, moss, whatever. It’s when they are pecking just the dirt. I cannot see seeds or arthropods, worms, nor ants. They peck the tree bark with glee...

So, please enlighten everyone. WHAT ON EARTH ARE THEY EATING.

(enquiring minds want to know)

 

[AntiqueB]

The goal is to amuse the humans watching them!

 

[Gallinarium]

They're probably looking for something... anything...
Tiny insects, minuscule seeds, tiny bits of grass, grit, yummy dirt... who knows?

 

[Kirkwooder]

Your giving their tiny little brains way too much credit. Their brain is the size of a pea, and tells them they need to peck at things to survive.

When I was a kid my grandfather kept chickens, and one day we were out by the coop when one squatted, took a dump, then turned around and pecked at it several times. My granddad commented on how a chicken was an amazing animal, it could eat it's own crap and still survive.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Maybe grit?

 

[AntiqueB]

Yes, I think they find all sorts of tiny seeds and bugs in there. To us, it's dirt; to them, it's chock full of food.

 

[theoldchick]

Seriously? Tasting the dirt? For the right flavor?

I know! They pick and sift through the tiny grains with incredible dexterity. I've seen tiny wrens doing the same thing.

 

[3KillerBs]

I've suspected that they're feeling for edible stuff that's underneath the surface. Their beak is a delicate and sensitive instrument.

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

They're probably looking for something... anything...
Tiny insects, minuscule seeds, tiny bits of grass, grit, yummy dirt... who knows?

Yes, that why I call it the UCM!

 

[Pullet Press]

Most likely the little bugs (and ants) in the dirt (the ones that you have to be very close to see) and the grit. They are also probably trying to get the ground broken up for further excavation (for worms and dust baths).