ponds

[flossie653]

I been reading that chickens can fall in a pond then drown because feathers get soaked..so having a small pond for last 10 years and new group, I am worried that I cant let them free range I never thought twice with my previous clan. so now what? should I always keep them cooped up?

 

[gtcakes]

I had one incident early on with my chickens and one drowned. That being said, we have ducks and chickens and the chickens walk around the pond and seem to be fine with the water. No incidents in a year and change.

 

[flossie653]

I had one incident early on with my chickens and one drowned. That being said, we have ducks and chickens and the chickens walk around the pond and seem to be fine with the water. No incidents in a year and change.

TY I guess I will chance heartbreak

 

[Northern.Ontario]

Baby chicks may be more inclined to fall in. Adults are a bit smarter. And chickens can NOT swim!

 

[flossie653]

Baby chicks may be more inclined to fall in. Adults are a bit smarter. And chickens can NOT swim!

it makes sense!...my other chickens werre up in age before they encountered the pond

 

[PirateGirl]

Maybe you can make sure there is a way for them to get out of the pond, should one foolishly fall in. A little ramp or a step or something near the edge just in case. I don't see a chicken intentionally going in the pond, but I do see the way mine act if they get spooked and can see where a potential accident can happen.

 

[flossie653]

Maybe you can make sure there is a way for them to get out of the pond, should one foolishly fall in. A little ramp or a step or something near the edge just in case. I don't see a chicken intentionally going in the pond, but I do see the way mine act if they get spooked and can see where a potential accident can happen.

for sure!!!!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I think if your flock was more of the fighting / squabble type that the chances would be higher of them accidentally falling into the pond.

 

[happybooker1]

Baby chicks may be more inclined to fall in. Adults are a bit smarter. And chickens can NOT swim!

Ummm, not QUITE true. Don't have pics but my coop was down an incline from my house. The creek flooded my backyard during a heavy UNEXPECTED rain up to my thighs (3.5'). I had a flock of bantams/Seramas of which 4 were caught UNDER the coop with a 2" airspace under the wooden floor and the table it was on. They were DEFINITELY making like ducks and trying to stay afloat when I got back from work & waded out there to rescue them. Some were caught in small bushes/trees and I successfully rescued all but 1 of my flock. The one must've been carried off by the creek's flow (which was pretty strong).

Although bantams, they were all full grown. Neighbor said it had been flooding about 2 hours. They all looked like the proverbial "wet hen" and were surely unhappy!!

 

[flossie653]

I think if your flock was more of the fighting / squabble type that the chances would be higher of them accidentally falling into the pond.

So very interesting and true