Can Chickens Swim In Water? Yes, But Not A Natural Swimmer!

Chickens scrape the ground, cluck, and lay eggs; what about swimming? While many people believe hens cannot swim, the reality may surprise you.

So, can chickens swim in Water? Yes, chickens can swim but they aren’t expert swimmers. Unlike ducks or geese, chickens don’t have webbed feet or oily feathers designed for water navigation. However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely unable to swim. Some chickens have fluffy feathers that help them float better. In a tight spot, a chicken can paddle to stay above water for a short time.

To uncover the truth behind this question, let’s check chicken behavior and physiology with water. You’ll also find out if it’s safe for chickens!

Can Chickens Swim in Water? Will They Drown In A Pool?

Chickens are okay with swimming. But they usually remain on land.

Contrary to popular belief, chickens do have some swimming abilities. They can paddle their legs and stay afloat.

Chickens have an innate ability. This is how they move their legs in a swimming motion. It’s even without webbed feet like ducks.

So, will a chicken drown in a pool? No, they won’t drown. Chickens can stay in the pool. However, some facts need to be considered!

• Feathers: People may not know whether are chickens waterproof or not. Well, chickens’ feathers are not waterproof. Unlike ducks, they lack the oil glands that produce waterproofing oils.
• Waterlogging: When chickens get wet, their feathers become heavy. So, they can sink.
• Panic Mode: Some chickens panic in the water. So, you see them flapping wildly and about to drown.
• Depth Matters: Chickens should not be left alone near deep water. It’s especially true if they’re not experienced swimmers.

How Long Can Chicken Swim?

Chickens technically can’t truly swim. But they can paddle for short periods, typically between 10-15 minutes. Their strokes lack the power of a seasoned swimmer.

The following video can give you an idea about their swimming style –

However, it’s important to remember:

• It depends on factors like the chicken’s calmness, weight, and feather type.
• Their feathers absorb water. So, it makes them heavier and harder to stay in water.
• A stressed chicken will thrash and use more energy, sinking faster.

So, Do chickens like to swim? Chickens can play in shallow water, but they’re not good swimmers like ducks. In fact, they don’t like water for a long time. As I said, their body gets weight.

However, they may look good with flocks in water. But it’s just for a short period.

Here is a video of a chicken in the water –

6 Reasons Why Chickens Are Not Good Swimmers

There are several key reasons why chickens are not good swimmers. Let me clarify it for you!

1. No webbing: Unlike ducks with their paddle-like feet, chickens have regular claws. It provides minimal surface area for pushing against the water.
2. Non-waterproof feathers: While chickens preen their feathers with oil, they’re not waterproof. These feathers become waterlogged quickly. So, they become heavy.
3. Hollow bones: The hollow bones of chickens lack the density needed. I am talking about buoyancy in water.
4. Landlubbers by nature: Chickens evolved for life on land. So, they lack the natural instincts and physical adaptations for swimming.
5. Limited paddling power: Their leg muscles are designed for scratching and walking. So, the paddling is weak.
6. Panic factor: When in water, especially deep water, chickens can easily panic. So, they splash and use more energy just to save themselves.

Can Chickens Swim In A Swimming Pool or Chlorine Water?

No! Swimming pools and chlorine water are a big no-no for chickens. Here’s why –

• Chlorine: The chemicals used in pools, particularly chlorine, are harmful to chickens. Contact with their feathers and skin can cause irritation, poisoning, and even death.
• Deepness: Swimming pools are designed for humans. The pool is much deeper than what’s safe for chickens. Their lack of swimming ability and quick fatigue make escaping difficult. So, it makes a drowning risk.
• Other hazards: Pool covers can become entrapment hazards. Where pool chemicals can contaminate their drinking water. Ultimately, it leads to internal issues.

So, Do Chickens Like Kiddie Pool?

Yes, chickens love to have pool parties. But some of them may not like it. Here’s why they love kiddie pool –

• Cooling Down: Since chickens can’t sweat, they like to cool off in shallow water. It’s on a hot summer day.
• Dust Baths: Chickens love dust baths to keep clean. A kiddie pool filled with sand or soil provides the perfect spot for them. It helps them to roll around and fluff their feathers.

Note: If you let your chickens play in a kiddie pool, keep an eye on them. Ensure the water is shallow enough for them to stand comfortably. Also, be sure you provide a ramp or step for easy entry and exit.

Will Chicken Be Safe to Swim in Cold Water?

Swimming in cold water carries risks for chickens. Here are the considerable facts –

1. Hypothermia Threat: Chickens can get hypothermia if exposed to cold water for too long, as their bodies lose heat faster than they produce it.
2. Lack of Insulation: Their feathers don’t provide enough insulation, leaving them vulnerable to hypothermia even if they survive the swim.
3. Buoyancy but No Repellent: While chickens can float due to their buoyant bodies, their feathers don’t repel water well, unlike ducks with webbed feet.
4. Easy Rescue: Keepers can quickly rescue chickens from water because of their buoyancy.
5. Supervision and Drying: A healthy chicken may float for 10-15 minutes before sinking. And less panicked ones might stay afloat longer. 

Note: If a chicken falls into cold water, towel drying or using a low setting on a hairdryer can help. It helps to dry their feathers and warm their skin.

Can Chickens Swim in Salt Water? Never!

No, chickens definitely cannot swim in salt water. It’s even more dangerous than fresh water.

First of all, they have the risk of drowning in saltwater or the ocean.

Drinking or ingesting even small amounts of saltwater can lead to –

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance, and
• Potentially death in chickens.

Such water can be irritating and drying to their skin and feathers. Besides, saltwater environments often harbor predators. For example – seagulls and crabs that pose a threat to chickens.

Do Chickens Swim Underwater? No!

No, they can’t swim underwater. Here’s why –

• Their lack of webbed feet and waterproof feathers makes underwater movement energy-draining.
• Chickens are not adapted for aquatic life. Also, they lack the natural instinct to move underwater.
• Their respiratory system isn’t designed for prolonged breath-holding.
• Being underwater would be highly stressful for them.

Can Baby Chickens Swim? Risky!

No, baby chickens definitely cannot swim. Exposing them to water can be very dangerous. Here’s why.

• Underdeveloped Feathers: Unlike adult chickens, baby chicks haven’t developed their adult feathers yet. Instead, they have fluffy down. Which absorbs water quickly. So, it makes them heavy and unable to stay afloat.
• Limited strength: Baby chicks are even weaker than adult chickens. So, they lack the paddling power and strength. It’s when they need to keep their heads above water.

• Hypothermia risk: Wet down loses its insulating properties. So, it makes baby chicks much more susceptible to hypothermia. It’s especially in colder weather.

See the video that may help you understand baby chicks’ swimming abilities.

Here are some additional tips for baby chick care.

1. Use chick-specific waterers that prevent them from accidentally falling in.
2. If you need to clean them, use a damp cloth instead of submerging them in water.
3. Provide a warm, draft-free environment to avoid chilling.
4. Consult a veterinarian for any concerns about your baby chicks’ health.

Can Chickens Swim Like Ducks? Swimming Differences!

Ducks are much more comfortable in swimming due to some physiological benefits. Let’s see duck vs chicken swimming ability!

So, I think it’s not that good for chickens to swim. If you ask, “Can chickens swim and survive?” I would say, they can swim a little. But keeping them in water can even cause them to die.

What if you prefer to train chickens to swim? I understand your curiosity but I am against training them swimming. It’s because chickens are not developed to swim. They are better land dweller!

Related Reads:

• Does Chicken Fart
• Do Chickens Pee
• Do Chickens Sleep Standing Up

FAQs

Here are some related questions about chickens and their swimming in water.

Conclusion

While chickens can swim briefly, they are not natural swimmers like ducks. Their lack of webbed feet, non-waterproof feathers, and panic in water make swimming challenging and potentially dangerous for them.

It’s best to provide shallow water for chickens to wade in if they choose. But swimming should not be encouraged or forced due to the risks involved. Always prioritize their safety and well-being above curiosity about their swimming abilities.