Would chickens use a shallow wading pool in the scortching heat?

[allmypeeps]

Hey- all

Maybe this is a lame question but.....

My chickens are HOT. Its like 80 today and hotter than that in their coop. They have a huge outdoor run, but even with shade, its just HOT.

I have been turning some earth with a shovel to reveal fresh cool dirt for them to lay in. When I thought of something....

I have a small kiddie wading pool (for my dogs) just sitting around....was wondering if the chickens would lay in it if I put a bit of water in it....I know they arent DUCKS they are chickens....BUT I know other birds, sparrows, bluejays etc enjoy bathing in puddles as well as waterfilled bird baths in the hot summer just as well as their dirt baths they take in our driveway...so was wondering if chickens would enjoy a 'bird bath' too??

e

 

[flakey chick]

I have heard others use an inch or 2 of water for their chickens to wade in. They can lose a bit of heat through their feet that way, but don't typically like to get wet.

 

[txchickie]

It gets easily 110+ in the summers and I've never seen a chicken get in water around here. They do hang out in the shade and drinks lots of water, but that's it.

ETA: Spray an area of dirt with the water hose and break it up with a shovel. Mine do go nuts over this, especially if it's in the shade where they can stratch & mud bathe where it's cool!

 

[slyfoxpeeps]

I have several that stand in their water bowls when it's to hot.

sly

 

[ams3651]

the trick last summer on here was to freeze bottles of water and hang them in front of a fan. The bottles cooled the air being blown from the fan. I just took mine some nice cold watermelon out of the fridge, its 88 here today. Last summer I gave them grapes and lettuce from the fridge and half frozen corn.

I almost forgot, last summer I froze water in dishes and added these huge chunks of ice to the waterer, they loved that.

 

[ducks4you]

Keep watching their water!! Even if you do nothing else.

They kind of like dogs---they pant, not sweat, so they NEED lots of water to keep cool.

 

[allmypeeps]

ok, I wasnt sure if they'd sit in it or not...they stand in the rain all day despite the temerature LOL. who knew.

Maybe I should do an Indian Rain Dance and see if I can't summons up some releif! LOL

On occasion I give mine baths in the tub in the house then blow dry them with the hair dryer and they seem to enjoy that....I dunno....

My husband said he would put an air conditioner in their coop. LOL

Thanks all,

e

 

[Rani]

I know this is an old thread, but I saw this picture here: http://ourcountrychronicles.blogspot.ca/2011/08/silly-swimming-chickens-i-mean-ducks-i.html

The hens were panting, so they set them in the pool - watched them closely and lo and behold, the chickens seemed to like it.

 

[miraloma]

I always have a large kitty litter pan ,big enough for all of them, filled with 2 to 3 inches of water. They stand in it. I also have a misting nozzle on one of those flexible pvc pipes. I aim it at one corner so they are not forced to be in the spray. The mister keep the dirt damp and they will dig down a bit and lie on it.