Is it normal for chicks to lay on their backs?

[NewcomerChicken]

It's the cutest thing, and they look perfectly comfortable, and will even go to sleep like this (only when being held) but, I was just wondering, is this normal? Is it okay?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Chickens cannot breathe easily when on their backs and can aspirate stomach contents (vomit). I do put them on their backs to dust them with poultry dust (someone told me that they had a chicken vomit when they did that).

Holding baby chicks that way is probably ok for a cute cuddle here and there but I'd not try to hold them like that routinely.

Just to cover all bases- vit e deficiency:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/6/diseases-of-poultry/218/vitamin-e-deficiency

(I am assuming they were just being held and don't have a problem...just thought I'd include the link just in case you needed it.)

 

[donrae]

I agree, it's not a natural position at all. Probably okay for a little bit, but they'll probably start to resist it as they age.

 

[what did I do]

LOL, that is cute. We made sure we turned our rooster onto his back as often as we could and never had a problem with him.

People have carried chickens by their feet for a long time and no one ever says it is bad. I wouldn't worry about it. Have fun with your chickens.

 

[azygous]

Not long ago, your chicks were inside their egg shells and were turned every which way for a month, so I doubt being upside down now is going to do them any harm.

You're on the right track handling them a lot. Chicks like yours who are cuddled and loved grow to be tame chickens that are delightfully easy to handle.