Strike a pose

[4 luv of eggs]

OK, I have no clue what this behavior is or even how to describe it. I noticed it with my older batch of chicks and now I'm seeing it in my 2 1/2 week olds.

They will take turns stopping under the heat lamp, laying practically on they sides, stick the top leg out and spread the top wing over their leg. They will hold this pose only for a few seconds, jump up and another will take her place and do the exact same thing. It's like a bizarre fashion show or cheesecake pose.

What is this? Is there something in my water that is turning my chicks into fashionistas or are the just a little off of center in the intelligence department. It's funny as h*** to watch.

 

[Campine Lover]

Don't worry, your little diva chicks are just enjoying the warmth and getting a little sleepy. Mine did that, too. It is pretty funny, though!

 

[Imp]

Auditions for America's Next Top Chicken Model.

Imp-Do they look fierce?

Sunbathing under a heatlamp, they'll do it in the sun as well, and the dirt, and... etc etc etc

 

[suzyq53511]

lol one of my chicks sleeps on her back with her legs in the air! sorta looks like shes dead but you touch her and she jumps up lol!

 

[gryeyes]

I love the dust bath in the brooder antics, just like the Big Chickens outside!

But the lolling onto one side, stretching out a leg, stretching out the wing as if to touch its toes pose is adorable. So very languorous and hedonistic, that love of warmth!

Somewhere on BYC there's a wonderful photo of a hen posing in front of a fireplace during the winter snows. I might try to find it and edit my post here with the link....

FOUND IT!! https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=292755&p=1

 

[4 luv of eggs]

My older girls are doing the dust bath thing. It's great except if the brooder hasn't been cleaned lately.

I keep them in the house so we have to keep it pretty clean.

Loved the picture. I caught my Australorp lying with both legs to the side, crossed at the ankles. I had to do a doubletake. Funny little critters. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
Thats right! Isn't it cute?

 

[StormyMoon]

Mine do this in the sun, when we take them out.
My kids thought the chickies were dropping dead lol, I told them no they are just sun bathing.....

So now when we take them out in the sun my boys say bang bang and all four chickies drop .....

It is very funny to us we all giggle and have fun watching them do this as they get to warm they move into the shade to cool off.

 

[4 luv of eggs]

I haven't taken the girls outside yet. I can't wait. I don't have a secure enclosure yet and there are so many hawks here. Hawk don't care if you're standing there or not. I had one pick off a pigeon right in front of me. I was feeding it and suddenly..poof...nothing but feathers. The hawk was about 3 feet away with the dead pigeon in his talons. It looked me right in the eye and then flew off with his prize. It was quite dazzling, really.

Anyway, I don't want that fate for my girls.

 

[Kim_1970]

hehe, the first time i saw one of my chicks doing a dust bath routine I thought she was dying.