IceMelter "salt"s are they bad for chickens?

[6chickens in St. Charles]

Does anybody here have a reference or guide to which of the ice-melters are safest to use around the chickens? I can't find a bag labeled "safe for pets and children" this year.

 

[lilchick]

I do not use any salts around my chickens. My dog will whine and lick his paws whenever there is de icer salt spread on the walkways and outside garage area.

So assuming it burns his feet I do not want to chance with my chickens..

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

Dang.

I think I'll fence off the front stairs/walk area until winter melts away. The ice is just too dangerous.

 

[tom e]

Sand might help at least give you some traction.

 

[mkearsley]

I wouldn't use any de-icer around your birds. That much salt & all the chemicals is bad for them (it also kills/stunts grass). I'd also suggest using sand for traction. You can probably find a pretty cheap bag of "traction sand."

 

[soap&eggs]

ive used..pickling salt & regular table salt at coop door...next to goat pen gate..goats try lickin it, even tho they have salt lick blocks......actually seems to loosen up ice chunks better then the commerial deicer stuff...and if it actually kills grasses / weeds extra benifit for me..less to hand pull out.....havent tried sea salt ,bet it would work also.

 

[Davaroo]

What about water softener salt? Gotta be cheaper than sea salt!

 

[Attack Chicken]

Theres some type of salt called Safetly salt for animals like cats and dogs.... Doubt it's for chickens. Didn't use anything where the chickens can get to. Bought a bag of sand but haven't used it yet.

AC