What does this behavior mean?

[yakmama]

I took my 4 week old chicks outside for the first time yesterday and almost all of them immediately flopped over on their side and just lay there like they were dead. Some of them even closed their eyes. They were also panting. It was only in the 70s yesterday- not too hot. I don't have any idea why they do this! (They were fine as soon as I put them back in their brooder, BTW). Do I have spoiled chicks that will never want to go outside!?

Getting ready to fall:

Flopped over:

 

[lleighmay]

Not to worry- they were just sunbathing and relaxing and enjoying their outing. It is rather disconcerting when you first see it- I once went out and thought I had 5 dead hens!

 

[tiffinimarie]

Yep, they were sunbathing. I freaked out the first time I saw it too!

Tiffini

 

[Foleys]

Quote:
Very cute chicks u have their

 

[LadyWoodsong]

OMG! I'm glad I read this post 'cuz I am going to let my young chickens out today after work for the first time.....if I saw them do this I probably would've freaked out too! lol How cute....

 

[kuntrygirl]

Awwwwww. Too cute!

 

[yakmama]

shewww... I am REALLY glad to hear it's normal!

 

[thespinningcottage]

Yep, sunbathing!! Sometimes they'll stretch out both legs and/or a wing, too! Looks like chick paralysis!

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

A sunbathing freak out Yep we have all been there, My first time I thought something had killed them all when my back was turned I started to scoop them up and they jumped up like Hey we were sunbathing here and when I put them back down they went right back to it. Once you know what it is it is quite funny to watch them you can your friends My chickens can play dead watch..... lol I did that to my friends and laughed when they really thought I taught them how to.

 

[NeeleysAVLChicks]

You have very happy chickens! Sunbathing is my girl's favorite activity and it only gets more hilarious looking the older they get.

Exhibit A: