How to de-ice safely?

[my first peepers]

I live in VT and we have our first sticking snow...and with snow comes ice. I'm wondering what to use for de-icing the steps and walk that the chickens won't eat? I usually buy the pet safe salt but that seems like it would harm chickens...
Any advice?
Thanks!

 

[Rooster Ray]

I think the safety salt would be ok if used in small quantities just be sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink. Sand for traction is probably your best bet.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Just use sand for traction. It will also de-ice to some extent.

 

[chickiebaby]

We use sand. Havent observed that they eat much of it, and if they do its just extra grit. How much snow did you get, anyway? We got less than an inch. Somebody posted some pics here of a pretty serious snowfall. Michigan, I think?

 

[my first peepers]

Of course! Sand! Thanks everyone, I don't know why I didn't think of that!
We got one, maybe two inches but it was wet enough to freeze when the temp dropped...SLIPPERY!