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post #1 of 12
8/7/12 at 4:18pm
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in last couple of days I have seen my girls doing this. They lay on side fluff hackles and spread top wing. Why?

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Married to wife of 18yrs, 19yo and 17yo boys(One EOD in Army, other in HS), Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog mix, 2 dumb cats that hate each other(at least the fighting stopped), 28 chickens

 

Jesus is Lord, I am not!!!!

 

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Married to wife of 18yrs, 19yo and 17yo boys(One EOD in Army, other in HS), Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog mix, 2 dumb cats that hate each other(at least the fighting stopped), 28 chickens

 

Jesus is Lord, I am not!!!!

 

ASBC member

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post #2 of 12
8/7/12 at 4:19pm

Ours do that too when it's sunny.  I think they are just soaking up the sun.
 

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post #3 of 12
8/7/12 at 4:21pm

You will get better answers from more knowledgeable people than me, but I'll tell you this: I've only seen this behavior a few days with my chickens -- and those were the days when it was 95+ degrees and they couldn't get cool. Is it hot there? Do they have enough shade and water? (I use the Sav-a-Chick electrolyte packs for my adult hens when it gets much over 85. It helps them so much!)

:: Blue Muse Farm :: from our backyard to your belly!

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:: Blue Muse Farm :: from our backyard to your belly!

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post #4 of 12
8/7/12 at 4:21pm

Aha, Yes. Its completely normal they're relaxing and soaking up the sun. 

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post #5 of 12
8/7/12 at 5:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluemusefarm View Post

You will get better answers from more knowledgeable people than me, but I'll tell you this: I've only seen this behavior a few days with my chickens -- and those were the days when it was 95+ degrees and they couldn't get cool. Is it hot there? Do they have enough shade and water? (I use the Sav-a-Chick electrolyte packs for my adult hens when it gets much over 85. It helps them so much!)


They have TONS of shade. The pic was taken next to my shed which is almost 2' off ground and they dust bathe under there. And giving fresh water daily because it has been between 80-100 last 4 days. Just thought it was weird. Almost looks like they are playing dead.Also I have 7 80'+ tall douglas firs and a couple pear trees for shade in the yard.

Married to wife of 18yrs, 19yo and 17yo boys(One EOD in Army, other in HS), Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog mix, 2 dumb cats that hate each other(at least the fighting stopped), 28 chickens

 

Jesus is Lord, I am not!!!!

 

ASBC member

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Married to wife of 18yrs, 19yo and 17yo boys(One EOD in Army, other in HS), Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog mix, 2 dumb cats that hate each other(at least the fighting stopped), 28 chickens

 

Jesus is Lord, I am not!!!!

 

ASBC member

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post #6 of 12
8/7/12 at 5:23pm
Thread Starter 

I thought it might just be soaking up sun because my Splash Orp cockerel does not do it. He is 4 weeks older and weighs about 7lbs. I think if anyone would have heat issues it would be him. And the girls do it as a close group when one starts which would add heat. They just continue to crack me up with the things they do. This is my first flock and loving it.

Married to wife of 18yrs, 19yo and 17yo boys(One EOD in Army, other in HS), Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog mix, 2 dumb cats that hate each other(at least the fighting stopped), 28 chickens

 

Jesus is Lord, I am not!!!!

 

ASBC member

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Married to wife of 18yrs, 19yo and 17yo boys(One EOD in Army, other in HS), Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog mix, 2 dumb cats that hate each other(at least the fighting stopped), 28 chickens

 

Jesus is Lord, I am not!!!!

 

ASBC member

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post #7 of 12
8/7/12 at 8:06pm

As you add to your observations you should note that the cockerel/rooster will not dust bathe as much as well.  It goes with their need to always be on alert.

I don't get better with age, only more confused(ing).

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I don't get better with age, only more confused(ing).

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post #8 of 12
8/7/12 at 8:38pm

My chickens do that too.  I thought they were just streching...   hu.gif

Wife, Mom to 3 little girls, Mail Lady, Zoo Keeper of 2 big dogs, 2 cats, lots of fish, and "lots of" chickens ~ 3 Olive Eggers, 1 Barred Rock, 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte, 1 Black Austrolorp, 1 Standard Cochin, and lots of chicks.

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Wife, Mom to 3 little girls, Mail Lady, Zoo Keeper of 2 big dogs, 2 cats, lots of fish, and "lots of" chickens ~ 3 Olive Eggers, 1 Barred Rock, 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte, 1 Black Austrolorp, 1 Standard Cochin, and lots of chicks.

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post #9 of 12
8/8/12 at 6:27am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Den in Penn View Post

As you add to your observations you should note that the cockerel/rooster will not dust bathe as much as well.  It goes with their need to always be on alert.


I have noticed he only dust bathes while closed up in the pen. No need to be on guard in there.

Married to wife of 18yrs, 19yo and 17yo boys(One EOD in Army, other in HS), Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog mix, 2 dumb cats that hate each other(at least the fighting stopped), 28 chickens

 

Jesus is Lord, I am not!!!!

 

ASBC member

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Married to wife of 18yrs, 19yo and 17yo boys(One EOD in Army, other in HS), Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog mix, 2 dumb cats that hate each other(at least the fighting stopped), 28 chickens

 

Jesus is Lord, I am not!!!!

 

ASBC member

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post #10 of 12
8/8/12 at 6:34am

Ours do this when it's either very hot or very cold.  When it's very hot, they do it in the shade (to spread out and expose maximum surface area to cool off).  When it's very cold, they do it in the sun to soak up the warmth!

A Mixed 9-Chicken Flock

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A Mixed 9-Chicken Flock

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