Do chickens like water?

[desertgirl]

I live in the desert, and it can get pretty warm in the summers. I know the dog loves his little splashy pool in the summer-should I put a very shallow pool (read: drown proof) out in the run for the girls this summer? Would they even use it?

 

[aidenbaby]

I asked a similar question in the coops and runs area. What had been suggested was to use a jelly roll pan (cookie sheet) for a "pool" to walk through and to use frozen 2 liter bottles (or in my case 1 gallon jugs) of frozen water to give them areas to cool down in.

 

[vfem]

Mine don't or wouldn't.... They come down after the rain while there are puddles in the run and they take off back inside. They are not too fond of being wet. Just not a chicken thing.... so I got ducks for wet entertainment!!!

 

[cicene mete]

Hmm. Mine love to play in the rain and mud, esp. my EEs. They come in drenched and happy!

 

[stabley1991]

My chickens love standing out in the rain. Although i read that silky chikens aren't supposed to like being wet and muddy, but they seem to enjoy it.

 

[EricShane]

just be careful.. my brother had a broody that took her babies in one, and the babies drowned several years ago, he said...

 

[Forgotten Amber]

A good way to tell if your chicks may like water is the tub. I put my little pullets in the tub with an inch or two of water and they didn't seem to mind it and actually seemed to enjoy it. At least you would have some idea of how they might react.

Amber

 

[desertgirl]

Quote:
I get the cookie sheeet, but what do you do with the frozen water?

 

[aidenbaby]

You put some straw around it and it will help keep them cooler. They will lay down on or around it to cool off.

 

[desertgirl]

Ah! I get it. I think I will definitely try that.

(Thanks!)