help

[TurtlePowerTrav]

in last couple of days I have seen my girls doing this. They lay on side fluff hackles and spread top wing. Why?

 

[chickgarden]

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

 

[bluemusefarm]

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!)

 

[Baxter-Shamo]

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

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

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.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

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.

 

[Den in Penn]

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.

 

[lizanne]

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

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

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.

 

[RedDrgn]

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!