Can Chickens Swim? Here’s What You Should Know

When we think of birds that swim, ducks, geese, or swans often come to mind. But what about chickens? With their feathery bodies and curious personalities, many people wonder: can chickens swim? The answer is yes—but with some important caveats.

✅ Chickens Can Swim—But They’re Not Built for It

Chickens have the physical ability to paddle in water. Their natural body buoyancy and leg movement can keep them afloat for short periods. So, if a chicken falls into a pond or shallow pool, it can likely swim to safety.

However, chickens are not natural swimmers like ducks or geese. They lack waterproof feathers, which means their plumage can become waterlogged quickly. Once their feathers soak up water, chickens get heavier and colder, making it harder for them to stay afloat or keep warm.

Anatomy Matters

Unlike ducks, chickens don’t produce enough oil from their uropygial gland (also known as the preen gland) to waterproof their feathers. Ducks use this oil to coat their feathers, allowing them to glide on water without becoming soaked. Chickens have this gland too, but not to the same effect—so prolonged time in water can lead to discomfort, stress, and even drowning.

 Dangers of Swimming for Chickens

While a quick splash might not harm a chicken, letting them swim unsupervised or in deep water can be dangerous. Some risks include:

• Exhaustion: Chickens tire quickly in water.
  
• Hypothermia: Wet feathers mean fast heat loss.
  
• Drowning: If they can’t reach dry land, chickens can panic and sink.
  
• Illness: Prolonged dampness may lead to respiratory or fungal infections.
  

 When Water Play Might Be Okay

In hot weather, some chickens enjoy wading through shallow water or standing in a puddle to cool down. With proper supervision, chickens can safely explore a very shallow kiddie pool, but water should never go above their legs. Afterward, it’s important to dry them off thoroughly and ensure they have access to a warm, dry coop.

 Chickens Prefer Dust Over Ducks’ Ponds

Chickens naturally love dust baths—rolling in dry dirt or sand to clean their feathers and rid themselves of parasites. It’s their preferred method of grooming and staying healthy. Water baths, on the other hand, are unfamiliar and potentially distressing unless they are introduced gently and in small, safe amounts.

Final Thoughts

So, can chickens swim? Yes, but not very well and not for long. While they have enough natural instinct to paddle to safety, they are not built for swimming like their water-loving cousins. If you have backyard chickens, it’s best to keep them away from deep water and provide fun, dry enrichment like dust baths, shade, and shallow splashes during hot days.

Understanding their limits helps us keep our feathered friends safe, happy, and healthy—both on land and (briefly) in the water.