Do your chickens ever just lay down?

[harmonyp]

My very first chicken was a game rooster I rescued from a cock-fighting ring. I started taking him on a leash and walking him around the property, and the first time he dropped to the ground, and laid over on his side I about had a panic attack. I first thought he just dropped dead. Then I thought he was going through convulsions - his poor little body jerking and jolting, sand going everywhere. I dropped to the ground with him and put my hand on his side, and up he popped looking at me like i just ruined a great moment for him. I had no idea what a dust bath looked like!

 

[JanetRN1]

Thank goodness for internet! I thought my new young chickens were dying! I'm a first time chicken owner and I would have been in a panic if not for you guys--thanks!!

Same! I’ve just been reading EVERYTHING, but whew!! Grateful for this site and everyone who is willing to answer so many of my first time chicken mom questions!

 

[donteatbees]

Joe was out and about yesterday, his normal self. As I watched, he laid down on the ground, put his head on the ground and didn't move. I honestly thought he had just dropped dead. Scared me really bad

I walked over to him and he promptly got up and walked away. He's never done that before ... never have any of the other chickens for that matter. DH said he was just tired and resting. I'm hoping he was right.

Mine love to lay in the dirt, ramp to the coop, floor of the coop, in the grass, anywhere they can soak up the sun. My rooster doesn't do it much, but he's very attentive to his ladies. He did it when he was younger, but I don't think he has since one of his ladies vanished. If he has, I have not seen it, but I am not home most of the day.
But it's totally normal for them to lay in dirt. Mine even dig holes in the dirt to relax in