[MrTwang]

Hello again fellow poultry lovers!

I have a question regarding the little stream down the side of my house... Sometimes it can get up to a foot deep (only in winter really and not that often)...

We plan to let the chooks free range when we are around and the Mrs was a little concerned about them getting into the stream. The stream is around 4ft width and 3ft in height (side Walls), this is next to a mossy (not much grass left) bank that then leads to thee back garden.

The actual question(s) is this: Are the chickens stupid enough to go for a dip?

Can Chickens swim (I know ducks can but I don't know how tight a chickens vent is!) 

If they were to get in there, what is the likelihood That they will get themselves into trouble?

Basically, should I look at fencing it off as it's just open and waiting... I would rather not but if needs must and all that...


Paul.

[joyfull]

I have a beck at the side of my house which is accessed by a steep bank. My chickens go down the bank looking for tasty morsels but have never been in the beck.

[Sassy]

you should be fine. A hen that has raised ducklings goes mad when they get in water!!

[8doubles]

Mine have been in the pond several times and just flap out no trouble.

If you think about it ospreys and kingfishers are not great swimmers but they are good at quick dips !

[MrTwang]

Great stuff !

I shall have my (and the Mrs's) mind put to rest now!

Thanks for the replys.

[Dopey113]

A guy on the allotments im in had chickens and ducks, he has a a baby bath dug in to the ground and its full with water, out of about 6 or 8 chickens, he found 3 dead (drowned) it maybe because the sides are so slippery, but then the ducks got out OK

[Tony H]

Hi chucks can't swim at all they just flap about and sink  but they usualy keep to water thats shallow 

[teresa f]

I have a small pond in my garden. they usually have the sense to avoid it but on the occasion they have gone in ther I have had to fish them out.

[MrTwang]

I think just for safe keeping I will fence them off away from it as if it's rained the night before and they get in there I'll have to run down stream to get them out! Rather no risk it..

I have a date to collect them now! This Friday in the morning I shall be bringing them to their new home! And will be my first ever Chooks!