Ice a danger to chickens?

[Agathe]

It's really icy here today and I was wondering if ice can be harmful for chickens, like if they can hurt themselves if they slip and fall? It's the path they use now in winter that is icy, the rest of the ground has snow which they are fine with, but I'm sure they'll at least try sticking to the path. I've put down salt and some shavings in hope to give them better grip, but just wondering if it's safer for them to stay in the coop today? Maybe it's a stupid question, but I want to be sure.

 

[Silkie Princess]

No I don't think it's a danger. I never had a chicken slip on ice. Only grass

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ice shouldn't be an issue. I'd be more worried about the salt you put down, as that can cause burns and stomach irritation in pets and humans (and I'd assume chickens) if ingested.

Plain sand is a safer option if you need traction.

 

[Callender Girl]

I would also avoid using salt. To the best of my knowledge, none of my chickens has ever slipped on ice. Hope your babies are all doing okay.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also use sand or "grit" for traction. I get this at my farm store.

 

[Agathe]

Thanks for your reply! I won't use salt in the future but I don't think there is an immediate threat both because it's on the path they walk on where they don't hang out, and because the salt has already melted away so it would be hard for them to ingest any significant amount. Sadly I can't get sand where I am without going through a lot of trouble so it's not really an option. But they're doing okay on the ice it seems! I just didn't want to cause any injuries when they're not used to it being this icy. We've had plenty of snow, which they don't like walking on, hence they use the path I made for them.

 

[neo71665]

Think you are worrying too much. Chickens have a pretty strong will to survive and generally won't do anything to try to hurt them self. It's not like they are gonna do something stupid like strap blades on their feet and try to skate around to break their leg.

 

[3KillerBs]

I would think that their sharp toenails would give them good grip on a slippery surface.

I'd be more worried about the chicken-keeper slipping while trying to scatter the sand, shavings, straw, etc.

 

[RogerChicken]

Ice falling on chickens causes more problems than chickens falling on ice.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Ice falling on chickens causes more problems than chickens falling on ice.

While very true the way you put it made me giggle.