Spreading wings normal?

[Sphinx]

I swear, this raising chickens thing makes me feel like a first time mom all over again!

I have four EE and one silver laced wyandotte. All are about 5 weeks old now. I was hanging out by their little temporary pen, and they would come out of the hen house to come say hi. They would wander over, and then lay down, kind of on their sides and spreading their wings. Is this normal? The day isn't particularly hot, maybe 65. If the slightest thing spooks them, they jump up and run inside the house. A couple seconds later, they all venture out again, lather rinse, repeat. They all seem to be acting perfectly healthy, but this is my first foray into owning chickens.

Here's my best attempt at catching them in the act.

 

[SmartyChick]

sounds like they are just soaking up the sun to me. My chickens do the same thing.

 

[Sphinx]

That's what it struck me as- sunbathing.

But, like I said, I'm a worried first time chicken mom. Well, almost first time. I have three more who are about 3 weeks older than these ladies, but that still doesn't give me much experience.

 

[teach1rusl]

Oh yes...totally relaxed chickens. Mine will do that after a good dust bathing too. Sometimes they almost look dead...

 

[SmartyChick]

Quote:
lol I freaked out when I saw it the first time too-then promptly posted here