Chickens and water?

[dgeter]

We just got 2 baby ducks and 2 silver seabright chicks. We want to put a small swimming area in the coop. However Im afraid to make the "pool" too deep because of the chickens. Can chickens swim? I want the water to be deep enough that the ducks can at least float but Im not sure how deep I can go?

 

[EricShane]

No, they will definitely drown... But, you could put marbles or rocks in the bottom of it..

My Brother Lost SO many baby chicks several years ago, to drowning them.. he just didnt know

 

[ibpboo]

Chickens can not swim!! I only put water as deep as the chicks can stand in. You can also put rocks and things in the water so that if they do fall in, they can climb on top of the rocks and get out. Very important, because chicks drown very easily.

 

[Rusty's Ranch]

I know nothing about ducks, but when we got our chicks from the feed store they gave us a general care sheet for chicks and ducks. I remember something about NOT putting young ducks in water for awhile. They don't have the necessary oil on their feathers right away and will catch a chill.

Maybe someone with more duck experience can add to or clarify this.

 

[gritsar]

I'd hold off on the pool for now, for your chicks sake.

 

[dgeter]

I was talking more about when they were grown up. They're too young to even go into the coop right now. But when they are old enough I'll be sure that the water isn't too deep for them to get out. Thanks for the advice!