Chicken lying on her side

[Econ Brian]

Hello. My name is Brian. A house in my neighborhood keeps chickens in their backyard. Initially they had just one chicken. They’ve had her about 1-2 months. Anytime I passed by the house, the chicken was always very active and looked very healthy. But a couple days ago, I passed by and the chicken was just sitting on the ground, occasionally rubbing her head on the ground. And then the next day she was again sitting in a different spot with similar head movements. And I noticed 2 new chickens in the backyard. Today I noticed the chicken lying on her side, occasionally shifting her head or limbs awkwardly. It’s hard for me to get close enough because the house is fenced. But I’ve included a couple photos. I’m really concerned. Is there anything I should do? I’m not so familiar with chicken behavior, but I’m worried that she might be ill. I’d greatly appreciate any advice anyone can share. Thank you!

sincerely,
Brian

 

[Justso]

Hi Brian. Every year I love these posts. It happens every spring when everyone's chickens suddenly have the warm sun shining on them. I think your chicken is just taking a sunbath. It really does look like they're dying though, doesn't it?

 

[Justso]

I hope others will share pictures of their chickens sunbathing too, it's quite a sight to see.

 

[50-45-1]

I'm sorry that chicken looks dead or dying.
It's not dust bathing, it's on concrete
It's not sunbathing, the sun is not shining on it.
If they just brought in new chickens it could be sick from something they brought.
Do you ever see it moving around normally?
Sorry, I hope I am wrong.

 

[Econ Brian]

Thanks everyone for your quick responses! Anytime I’ve passed by in the last couple months, the chicken is always very lively. It’s just the last three days that I’ve notice the chicken sitting or lying down. And the weather has been on the cooler side. Cloudy, a bit rainy, and in the high 50’s to low 60’s. It’s strange that she was lying in the concrete today. She is usually on the grass. I really hope the chicken is just sunbathing. It’s always a joy to walk by the house and see her.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There's another new thread about a chicken sunbathing with a picture of one on concrete.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-lying-down.1473422/#post-24547835

 

[Econ Brian]

There's another new thread about a chicken sunbathing with a picture of one on concrete.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-lying-down.1473422/#post-24547835

Thanks so much! I just read it. I hope my neighbor’s chicken is just sunbathing as well.