Why do chicks lay on their side in the grass?

[tngrammy]

Our chicks are almost five weeks old and took them outside for the first time. So fun to watch, but we wondered why they lay on their side and roll in the grass?

 

[HappyClucker7]

They might have been sunbathing.

 

[MeowthLover_ThatsRight]

Like this? Then they're sunbathing. It burns bacteria off their feathers, and warms up their body. It's totally normal.

 

[tngrammy]

That is exactly what they are doing. I had no idea birds sunbathed.

 

[Brooks_]

View attachment 2634902
Like this? Then they're sunbathing. It burns bacteria off their feathers, and warms up their body. It's totally normal.

The first time I saw it logical me thought sunbathing/normal behavior, but emotional me thought sick/dying.