Why won't my chickens forage?

[Caren2013]

Hi, Everyone!
I've been raising chickens for several years now and this summer have tried to get them to forage for more of their food. They have lots of grass areas to forage in. However, I guess the fact that I've previously fed them pellets has conditioned them to expect food only from me. I feed each morning as they go outside (but less than I'd been feeding). They tend to sleep in the sun and then want to be fed before they roost.

How do I wean them from the purchased feed onto more bugs and worms and grasses?
Caren

 

[Smithyard Farm]

that's weird. are they young chicks? or ones that have foraged before but stopped? maybe don't feed them in the am one day when you are home and se what happens.... perhaps they are just full from their breakfast.... good luck!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Caren, and

! Pleased you joined us! You might try scattering their food in the grass - make them work for it and maybe they'll get the idea? Good luck to you!

 

[Smithyard Farm]

oh ya! that's a great idea! I throw scratch for them and left overs out on the lawn... ...

 

[drumstick diva]

Maybe they are getting too much scratch and treats and prefer that.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I'm not sure why, perhaps you can post in this forum: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/12/feeding-watering-your-flock good luck to you.

 

[rexy]

Hi,

If their foraging area is open with no shelter, they may not be confident enough to go out in the open.

One of the foraging areas my flock goes to has not got much shelter, so I have to go out with them and they follow me (like the Pied Piper), then they will forage for a while, before going back to where they feel safe again.

 

[sourland]

Security can be a big factor in foraging.