Hey, my chicks have been caught on camera lying on their side and sort of panting? They are 3week old hy-line chickens. I also have a video, put I don't know how to post it :/
There waterer is full, but i dipped their beaks in and they drank, taking them out now for some fresh air, I think that was all they needed.
Double-check the brooder temperature. For 3 week old chicks, it shouldn't be any warmer than 75 degrees F, and there should be cooler areas available so they can move to whatever temperature zone is most comfortable for them.
At this age, you can also turn the light off for several hours at a time. Chicks should not ever be panting. That is a sure sign that they are overheated. What are you using for a bulb? Inside? You could probably step down to a 40W bulb if it is inside, (check your temps) Their brooder should be big enough that the unheated end is what ever the surrounding temp outside the brooder is. Recommendation for next time: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors
