Swimming pool

[dotlor]

I've been taking my 3 week old chicks on "field trips " to their coop outside which is enclosed with cyclone fence. I usually let them walk around and test their wings for about 45 min. Well this first time mama, city girl learned the cyclone fence was no barrier at all! My question is if they wander or fall into our swimming pool, can they swim?

 

[rosemarythyme]

They technically can swim until they get waterlogged and drown. With a typical swimming pool (or even drinking troughs), there really is no way for them to get out if they happen to fall in.

 

[The Chick Addict]

I've been taking my 3 week old chicks on "field trips " to their coop outside which is enclosed with cyclone fence. I usually let them walk around and test their wings for about 45 min. Well this first time mama, city girl learned the cyclone fence was no barrier at all! My question is if they wander or fall into our swimming pool, can they swim?

Oh no! Chicks can easily fit into some types of fencing.

Unfortunately, chicks cannot swim, and if they fell into the pool they would become waterlogged and quickly drown.

I would suggest using another type of fencing that is more chick proof, such as wire mesh. Putting chicken wire over the cyclone fencing could also work, making the holes smaller and I think would not be large enough for the chicks to get through.

 

[dotlor]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking too when I woke up in the middle of the night spinning about it!

 

[Tellyegger]

Don't sweat it if they get in pool. But they will need to be watched. In the wild it is common to see little ones swimming behind Mama duck. And if you watch for awhile, you will see JAWS is a real thing to ducklings, in the form of a bass.

 

[febane]

Oh no! Chicks can easily fit into some types of fencing.

Unfortunately, chicks cannot swim, and if they fell into the pool they would become waterlogged and quickly drown.

I would suggest using another type of fencing that is more chick proof, such as wire mesh. I’ve read some anthony sylvan reviews that praise their quality fencing options. Putting chicken wire over the cyclone fencing could also work, making the holes smaller and I think would not be large enough for the chicks to get through.

Chicks that young generally aren’t good swimmers and can easily get into trouble if they fall into water like a swimming pool. Their feathers aren’t fully waterproof yet, so they can get soaked and chilled quickly, which is dangerous for them. It’s best to keep a close eye on them when they’re outside and make sure the pool area is securely fenced off or covered to prevent any accidents. If a chick does fall in, gently dry them off and keep them warm right away.

 

[Penpal]

I have a pond. If a chick should wander in, they can turn around and walk out. But, with a pond, they can't get up the pool wall once they are waterlogged.