Sunning? 3 wk old chicks fanning wings out and lounging to the side

[heyjami]

We put out chicks into the coop today and most of it is shaded but there is a little bit of sun in one area.

2 of them layed down there to the side, fanned their wings out and appeared to go to sleep. Another walked on them and they got right up but then fanned their wings out again.

What is this? Are they just sunning themselves?

This is our first flock and I just want to make sure they're not dying or something. they seem to make a lot of happy peep noises when we let them play in the coop so I'd hate to overreact and bring them inside if the behavior is harmless.

Thanks!

 

[arlee453]

Yep - they are very very very happy chickens when they do that. They are sun bathing!

 

[heyjami]

Oh good! Thank you for your quick reply!

I'm so glad they're so happy! Now I'll take a picture of the cute behavior....

 

[twalker250]

Here is a picture of my 3 1/2 week old doing the same thing. When my daughter saw one of them doing this for the first time, she too thought they were sick or dying. It is funny to see how little ones can act like such grownups.

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[All about the EGG]

Mine do it...very funny.

 

[heyjami]

Awwww... that's exactly what mine were doing (well, and they were passed out too). Same breed too! They are the friendliest too.

 

[Linda in San Diego]

Sweeeeet!

 

[AngieChick]

Mine do it too, it looks ridiculous, but it must feel just heavenly.

 

[Justino]

lol i used to think the same thing with my first flock

 

[ZooMummzy]

Lol I did too! I was in a panic thinking they were dying when I noticed how happy they looked! My husband thinks I'm nuts, but I can tell when my girls are happy