I have actually bathed chickens before, just not for a show. I watched videos, and read a couple websites on how to bathe them for a show. Got my cockerel in the tote with the soapy water, he laid down, and relaxed. I proceeded to bathe him. He seemed to really like it. By the time I got to the part that I was washing his comb, and wattles, he was so totally relaxed. I moved down to his legs, he was still laying down in the water, and while I was cleaning on his legs, and feet, he fell asleep, his head fell forward into the water, and he got a snoot full of water. By then, I had my hand under his head. He didn't go down as far as his eyeballs, but almost. He remained calm, so I proceed. He did the same thing again, but this time I was quicker to get my hand under his head, and I kept it there the rest of his bath. I put him in the vinegar rinse, then the plain rinse water. He was so relaxed he would have fallen asleep again in the rinse, if I had let him. NOT EVEN ONE of the videos, or webpages warned about this. I wrapped him in a towel, and when it was wet, exchanged it for a dry one. He was perfectly fine with me holding him in his towel. I am not hearing any wheezing, labored breathing, or gurgles when he breathes, so I guess he's ok.
Yes you do have to watch for them to try an inadvertently drown themselves.
Then I used the warm air on the A/c to do the blow drying. My little bowling ball loved that part too!