4-5 week old chicks leaning to one side/laying down?

[lafinestra66]

I took my chicks outside for a brief field trip today. My LO chick kept leaning to the side and then laying down on her side with her wing kind of open. Then, she would jump back up, peck some more and lay back down again. My SS joined her at one point in the same pose. It scared me so I brought them back inside. Is this normal? Hard to capture in a picture, but I tried...

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

Mine do this when they are dust bathing, it scared me at first to. Although im not sure, hopefully others can help

 

[lafinestra66]

Mine do this when they are dust bathing, it scared me at first to. Although im not sure, hopefully others can help

She seems fine now, walking completely normally in her box. I think maybe she was hot?

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

She seems fine now, walking completely normally in her box. I think maybe she was hot?

Maybe, do they have sand to dust bathe in, Or loose dirt?

 

[rosemarythyme]

They're sunbathing. Completely normal.

 

[CoopBoots]

Ditto @rosemarythyme. My old rooster does this with his wing FULLY outstretched and he looks completely dead, haha. Always in a nice warm puddle of sunlight.

 

[Perris]

They are enjoying the sun, making vitamin D and relaxing in the warmth.

 

[TRALALARA1]

I took my chicks outside for a brief field trip today. My LO chick kept leaning to the side and then laying down on her side with her wing kind of open. Then, she would jump back up, peck some more and lay back down again. My SS joined her at one point in the same pose. It scared me so I brought them back inside. Is this normal? Hard to capture in a picture, but I tried...

View attachment 3466280

They’re sunbathing! Mine do it all the time.

 

[KreetchaKeepa]

Totally taking in some sun. Don't worry.

 

[lafinestra66]

Thank you, all! I recently had one of my chicks get super duper sick. She recovered, but I think I am a little paranoid and extra vigilant now!