Hens laying on their side - normal or sick?

[Coopsie]

I received 5 year old hens on Friday, today is Sunday. They seem to have settled in alright. Two of them have laid 3 eggs in 2 days. I just went out to check on the girls. Three of them are laying on their side in the run. It appears as though they have done a bit of digging in the dirt. They will get up and move around a bit, but not far before laying on their side again. Is this normal behaviour or is there a problem with my hens?

 

[Kenjji]

This is perfectly normal! They are dirt bathing, or sun bathing, or both. This is a very common thing for chickens, so expect them to do it often! it's a good sign, in fact. My chickens love to lay on their sides in the sun and scratch around a little.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

It sounds like they're dust and/or sun bathing. Very normal behavior and fun to watch.

First time my husband saw one of our hens laying on her side in the run, he though a fox had gotten her. He ran out to the run with a gun only to find her have a luxurious sun bath!

 

[MammaDuck01]

I'm pretty new to the whole chicken raising but I have six 1 1/2 month old chicks. When I have taken them out side on warm sunny daise they do what ur talking about. They even do it when I just take them out of the brooding cage and put them on top. The get under the heating lamp n lay on their sides. Its kinda cute actually. But all in all I think they r just sunning themselves. But otherwise keep any eye on them if you are really worried. If they become lethargic and don't drink or eat then a vet trip is a good idea.

 

[Coopsie]

Thank you everyone for the comments. The weather has been curious all weekend, sun, rain, sun, cloud, rain, sun, etc. It was sunny and warm when they were laying on their side, now it's raining a bit. I checked on them and they are all under the coop having a drink, or a bite to eat, or resting on one leg. Whew. It was a frightening moment... not unlike when a first time mother sees her baby do something new or out of the ordinary.

 

[SavageDestiny]

Totally normal. Miss Tillie just the other day wouldn't even get up to come see me when I went into the run! She was too comfy.