Can chickens swim?

While they do not particularly enjoy being immersed in water, chickens can swim if necessary. Chickens swim by floating on top of the water while paddling their feet in the same way as ducks.

Unlike ducks, chickens do not have waterproof feathers and can become waterlogged quickly in water. Their feathers tend to get heavy when wet, even in the rain. Chickens can drown when they are in water if they become panicked, and they have been known to drown in buckets of water. Chicken owners don't have to teach chickens to swim, as it is a natural ability that can help them survive in the wild.