This is the shocking moment a thunderbolt struck a quail farm, sending birds spilling from their cages.

Thousands of quails collapsed after a thunderstorm startled them in their enclosure in Guangdong, China.

CCTV footage shows the flock leaping in unison from fright as loud rumbles echoed through the area on August 25.

Several quails even forced their way out and dropped motionless to the ground.

Farmer Xiao said: 'Some of the birds were injured and they stopped laying eggs for a week. I had to provide them with nutritional supplements so they could recover quickly.'

The farm owner reportedly lost nearly 10,000 CNY (1,030 GBP).

To help the birds regain their strength, the farmer even played music to calm them and prevent further shock in the future.

Experts said that birds react this way because thunder triggers their startle reflex and fight-or-flight response, causing them to panic, leap, or even collapse in shock. The intense stress can also disrupt reproduction and health.