Month old chicks, starting out in tractor, lying down on their sides

[cchase25]

Strangest thing, sunny day today (wisconsin) and so put my 10 chicks (abt 30 days old) out in tracotr in yard.... anyhow they just started to lie down on their sides, this was the second time in tractor, they didn't do it the first time. Only about 5 of them are doing it, 2 rocks, two bantams, and one other.... have you ever seen this?

They hop right back up again but it almost looks like like they want to rest on their sides, both legs sticking out a little... listing over, some with the top wing slightly extended, others just walk right over them... but they are hopping up again, foraging while lying donw, seem fine.

Any ideas, ever seen this, is it common?

Thanks, New to Chickens and loving it so far (especially my Buff Orphington, a real snuggler)

 

[backyardmenagerie]

Do they kick their legs out at all? My guess is they are either sun bathing or dust bathing; if they are kicking their legs out and flopping their wings around, generally looking like their having a seizure, they're dust bathing. My chickies tend to rest for awhile both before and after kicking dirt all over themselves, and that usually looks like they're listlessly flopped over.

 

[Saltysteele]

sounds like they're enjoying being out in the fresh air, is all

i do that, too, sometimes

 

[teach1rusl]

Yep...they're sunbathing

Time to get them some tiny sunglasses and burmuda shorts...
They'll continue sunbathing this way through adulthood.

 

[AuntieE]

Mine do the same thing- scared me first time I saw it!
They're just enjoying the sunshine

 

[Mrs. K]

I thought they had died the first time I saw it, or were going to die shortly! They close their eyes and flop, and flutter and wiggle with such ecstasy! Ahhh that must feel so good.

MrsK

 

[Saltysteele]

Quote:
wonder if they make those mini clip on eye shields with sunglasses inserts?

 

[7&8]

Contented birds - nice!

Here's #8 bantam Leghorn rolling around on her side under the wood stove last winter...yes, it was hot!

 

[ScotianChick]

You have some warm, happy birdies!

The first time mine did it, I was alarmed too haha. I had one sick hen once and once I was done bathing her, I sat her on a towel next to the fire. she stretched right out on her side and laid there for hours. She was so pleased!

 

[lovin my birds]

Haha! Just like everyone esle say they are sunbathing. Think that scared you wait until you see them dust bathing it looks like they are having a seizure. But it is so cute. I love watching them sunbathe. Mine do it before and after dust baths. They look like dogs.