Silly swimming chickens...I mean "ducks"....I mean chickens!!

[Keltara]

No, they can't swim, just float for a little while, and then when their feathers get waterlogged they sink and drown.

They actually can swim. Just look at the photos. Not only do they float, but they also paddle with their feet and flap their wings in the pool. They don't sink at all. They are extremely buoyant and just need supervision to be sure they are safe. Our girls love the water.

 

[jak2002003]

I don't think the chickens actually enjoy this experience. I think they are tolerating it!

I test to see if they really liked it would be to see if they would enter the water on their own without being put in by a human.

Mine like to paddle around in the puddles, and they can swim if they fall into my fish pond when they are having a scuffle, but I have never know one to walk into the water and swim about on by itself.

The other thing that make me think they are not enjoying it is they are not doing anything except floating and keeping very still. Keeping still is what they do when they are scared by a predator or strange noise. Keep still and not be noticed.

If they were relaxed they would be preening their feathers, scratching themselves, pecking about on the water surface and making clucking noises.

Chlorine is also harmful to the birds skin and will dry the skin and feather out eventually.

 

[welasharon]

i love this thread. I subscribed this time so I don't have to keep looking it up. I think they look very peaceful. I will have to try this nest summer. I have some who come running whenever I turn the hose on.

 

[chickens 4 ever]

They absolutely "can" swim. Just make sure you are there to supervise. Our chickens LOVE the pool and they will float and paddle their feet and swim. They don't sink and it's a great way for them to cool off and play with my kids. They are Buff Orpington's. They are a really friendly breed.

Oh cool! Yea i will supervise them

 

[amyquilt]

I can't put into words how much I love your photos AND your chickens!! Fabulous!

 

[dennisthe]

I thought my chickens were spoiled they don't get the hot tub treatment

 

[Keltara]

I can't put into words how much I love your photos AND your chickens!! Fabulous!

Thank you Amy.

 

[Keltara]

I thought my chickens were spoiled they don't get the hot tub treatment

Yep...they certainly are spoiled! I love them so much.

 

[BrownEggsnHam]

I so love your pics, Keltara... and am hoping my Orpingtons will like the wading pool when we gently coax them later this summer.

I felt I had to link this thread to another beginning thread.....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...or-my-ducks-will-the-chickens-be-ok-around-it

for others that have queried about swimming chickens...

You've Got Some Beautiful birds!

 

[Nickeyo]

I just found this thread, my chickens are swimmers too. I have a stream and when it floods they go in and paddle about. Rooster do t though. Because there feathers are more defence than water resistant they get sodden quickly. My frizzle hates it and when the hens go in an eat the floating grass he just can't understand. One day he tyres to jump across but it was very wide that day as just had a storm so he landed in it, panicked and suddenly started thrashing, then my welsummer walked over and h realized that he could just touch the bottom. My welsummer and Wyandottes are the best swimmers.